Tennessee drivers text more while driving than all others (?) - article (Johnson City: 2009, professionals)

[atlantagreg30127]

Stumbling around today, found this article: Americans still texting while driving despite bans

They singled out Tennessee a bit, saying that 42% of those polled said they text while driving, making it the State with the highest ratio (technically, poll wise) of drivers who text in the U.S.

Ok, a new law is coming out in July to supposedly curb this. Will it work? Do you text while driving (if so - wet noodle slap - SMACK!). Will the law make you stop? Georgia has a new law going in that forbids teens from texting while driving, and many are pushing for that to also include adults too (duh).

Heck, I didn't realize folks did this much anywhere, but I'm one of the old farts who doesn't cell or text much anyway. Now when I'm traveling I have to dodge texters on top of those eating cereal while driving, too.

[jabogitlu]

I try my best to not, because it does distract me (unlike just talking on the phone, which does not).

But I did text twice today on my trip from Greeneville to Johnson City. In my defense, it was in a very empty stretch of the 11-E.

[Creekcat]

An empty road means you are not endangering anyone else. I'm sure there were trees, light poles, ditches and maybe fence rows along the side. I'm not preaching, but I hate passing people and they are looking at their phone and one hand on the wheel.

[skinem]

Well, I hope it's not true because I value my life! But, it wouldn't surprise me...

I have to say in the last 3-4 years, I've personally witnessed 2 wrecks that occurred because a driver was texting, and know 2 people who caused wrecks while texting. All 4 texters were under the age of 22...

It's just not smart.

[mbmouse]

Well, maybe that poll just shows that people in TN are more honest?? LOL!
I do not text and think it shouldn't be done except by the professionals!

[Beretta]

I struggle texting while completely sober, sitting upright, not moving, and after a full nights sleep. So no, I don't text while driving.

I do use a Bluetooth though (as mbmouse will tell ya). Yakkety yak!

[jabogitlu]

Originally Posted by skinem

, and know 2 people who caused wrecks while texting. All 4 texters were under the age of 22...

Let's see, that statistic couldn't be biased, for any reason at all, could it?

Not excusing it, and I agree texting while driving generally is not a good idea. But I can't let you get away with a lie--I mean, a statistic.

[skinem]

Originally Posted by jabogitlu

Let's see, that statistic couldn't be biased, for any reason at all, could it?

Not excusing it, and I agree texting while driving generally is not a good idea. But I can't let you get away with a lie--I mean, a statistic.

Dang! You caught me. Yep, I hate everyone under the age of 22. Once they hit 23, they're okeyledokely in my book!

Don't really know what you're driving at, but I think the word you're looking for is "anecdote", or perhaps "anecdotal evidence". Nothing statistical about what I wrote.

I can't help who I know doing what they do!

But, you know, it's funny, now that you mention it. Everyone I know who's ever fallen and broken their hip was over 65!

[jabogitlu]

Was just joking with you a bit. I guess that didn't come across, a big danger on a bbs (and seemingly my tone is harsh... earlier someone told me I was a pessimistic person... maybe I need to use more smilies hahaha).

I was just pointing out that pretty much everyone that texts, especially in this area, is under 25. So it would stand to reason that any crashes caused as a result of texting would involve young people.

Back to the regularly scheduled programming, texting is bad, don't do it kids!!!

[skinem]

No sweat, jabogitlu. I hope I didn't come across too strong--just having fun, too
It is hard to get tone and intent just from writing, huh?
I know I learned that years ago from email at work and from texting while driving!

No, just kidding! Like jabogitlu said, texting is bad, don't do it kids!!