Texting While Driving Statistics Still Up Despite Shocking Ad
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Updated: 6:46 AM Nov 21, 2009
Texting While Driving Statistics Still Up Despite Shocking Ad
The Valley
While some driving instructors in the Valley say it is an effective campaign, recent statistics may suggest otherwise.
Posted: 5:03 PM Nov 20, 2009
Reporter: Philip Townsend
Email Address: ptownsend@whsv.com
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While some driving instructors in the Valley say it is an effective campaign, recent statistics may suggest otherwise.

A graphic video aimed at stopping teens from texting while driving continues to stir up controversy.

However, studies show a quarter of 16 and 17 year olds with cellphones say they text while driving.

The same study shows almost half of Americans ages 12 to 17 say they have been in cars with someone who texted behind the wheel.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says nearly 6,000 people died last year in accidents related to distracted drivers.

However, driving instructors in the Valley say this new ad has the potential to bring those numbers down.

Instructor Gary Hutson says, "I think it's a wonderful public service announcement. Some schools think it's too graphic to show. It's not just graphic, it's the facts of what is going to happen. I don't see anything wrong with showing that video."

Drivers under 20 had the highest distracted-driving-fatality rate among all age groups. Drivers 20 to 29 ranked second.


Latest Comments

Posted by: Rusty Location: Shenandoah, VA on Nov 22, 2009 at 01:00 AM

XXX, unfortunately like many things in VA, whats good for the gander is NOT good for the goose. Law enforcement has an exemption on this much like they do on the window tint regs.
Posted by: XXX Location: Stuarts Draft on Nov 21, 2009 at 11:26 AM

Its a good law to make driving safer if EVERYONE follows it. I want to know why police officers are still allowed to text and drive because I've SEEN them do it. Why is it that we have to obey laws but they don't?
Posted by: anom Location: Elkton on Nov 21, 2009 at 07:54 AM

I was on interstate 81 last week and a female texting while she was driving down 81 how scarey the way people drive on there as it is and her texting.
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