Every year, around 400 people die from crashes that are a direct result of texting and driving in the US. Despite the fact that all US states have texting and driving laws in place, distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes of road accidents in the US. Distracted driving includes many activities such as eating, drinking, adjusting the radio etc. However, texting is the most common and alarming activity that takes driver’s eyes and attention away from the road.
In order to deal with the menace of distracted driving, many states have introduced broader laws that ban all cellphone use while driving. Instead of enumerating all the prohibited operations, these states make the ‘holding’ of cellphone illegal while driving. Are such sweeping laws effective when it comes to reducing texting and driving accidents and should more states enact them? If a recent study by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is to be believed, the answer is yes.