Law enforcement has been cracking down on texting drivers for several years now. Studies show that drivers who text while they commute are over twenty times more likely to be involved in a crash than those who aren’t texting. Texting causes a distraction that increases both the likelihood of a motor vehicle accident, as well as the chances of serious injury.

Throughout the years texting has become a nationwide craze increasing in popularity. Currently, sent text messages have multiplied to be over twenty times the amount sent in 2007. According to the FMSCA, drivers take their eyes off the road 4.6 out of 6 seconds every time they type a text message. This means that at a rate of 55mph, 4.6 seconds of traveling would equate to approximately the size of a football field.

In March of this year, the United States Transportation Secretary publicized a nationwide rule banning text messaging while operating commercial busses, and specific trucks. The goal is to keep everyone safe, as well as significantly reducing truck related accidents. The fine for texting while driving these vehicles is a civil/criminal punishment up to $2,750.

The American Association for Justice does not feel that the punishment is substantial enough to deter texting while driving. Texting is not the only distraction facing drivers today with the usage of on-board computers or GPS devices. These, along with texting, can be very distracting as well. Laws cannot yet be passed banning the usage of other types of distracting technology as many are necessary in cases of emergencies. But many groups are unanimous in their support of the texting while driving ban.

This new law has set in motion the decreasing tolerance society has to driving while texting. In fact, many individuals, including nearly all accident attorneys, believe that the nationwide ban on all drivers is on the horizon. With little to no negative consequences from banning texting, it is difficult to argue against a ban that improves the safety of a community. The message that law makers are trying to push now is that texting is a threat, and if you’re going to drive texting can wait.