President's Message


Tony DeNovellis
President and CEO

New Colorado law tackles texting

During the 2009 legislative session, Colorado passed a text messaging ban. Effective December 1, 2009, all drivers will be banned from texting while driving. Additionally, drivers under 18 will be banned from all cell phone use while driving — both calling and texting.

Eighteen states, and the District of Columbia, now have laws that address text messaging by all drivers. Two more states have laws that prohibit teens, or other new drivers, from texting while driving.

While such laws can be difficult for police to enforce, new research from the Automobile Club of Southern California indicates that the mere existence of the law improves drivers’ behavior. Researchers observed drivers in Orange County, Calif., before and after that state’s texting ban was passed. The number of drivers seen texting declined about 70% in the seven months after the law went into effect.

Nationwide and in Colorado, public opinion is strongly against drivers who text. According to surveys conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 87% of drivers consider text messaging or emailing while driving as a very serious threat to their safety, and 95% consider it unacceptable behavior.

The popularity of texting has grown quickly over the past four years. According to CTIA, the wireless industry trade association, the number of monthly text messages reached 110 billion at the end of 2008, a more than elevenfold increase in three years. In its Traffic Safety Culture Index study released earlier this year, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reported that 21% of drivers admitted text messaging while driving during the last month.

Ample research has proven that texting while driving is extremely dangerous, not just to the driver but to all road users. It takes the driver’s eyes off the road, and takes his or her mind off the task at hand. A 2006 Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) study found that taking one’s eyes off the road for more than two seconds doubles the risk of a crash. Earlier this year, VTTI found that commercial truck drivers who are texting are 23 times more likely to crash.

AAA has long been engaged in the promotion of critical traffic safety improvements. Along with advocating for this important law, AAA will continue to educate the public about staying focused on the road while behind the wheel.

To learn more about distracted driving and find tips on how to eliminate distraction behind the wheel, visit www.AAAFoundation/HeadsUp.org.

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