Study Finds That Text-and-Drive Bans Don’t Work

You don’t need an extensive study to tell you that texting and driving is a problem on our roadways. According to a new study, however, the solution may not be texting-while-driving bans.

The study conducted by the Highway Loss Data Institute found that the bans are not effective at lowering crash rates. It focused on rates for California, Connecticut, New York and Washington D.C.–places that all have bans in place. It found that the monthly crash rates were unaffected once the bans were enacted. The crash rates also didn’t decrease when compared with neighboring areas without bans. The study only looked at 100 insured vehicles, however– seemingly a tiny sample that would make its findings questionable.

Earlier this week, the U.S. government placed a new texting ban on truckers and bus drivers. Hopefully, future studies will have more positive findings as the government seeks to curb the dangers of texting behind the wheel. [via PC World] [Photo: Dan Zen]