Editorial: Study highlights need for texting ban

The need for a nationwide ban on texting while driving has been reinforced by new evidence showing and increased number of drivers are taking part in this practice.

The Pew Internet & American Life Project recently conducted a survey this past summer of 800 teens in four U.S. cities.

The study found 26 percent of all teenagers 16 to 17 years old have texted while driving, with approximately half having been in a car of someone who was driving and texting.

According to The Washington Post, teenagers told Pew researchers their reasons for texting while behind the wheel: getting directions, finding friends and flirting.

"Many teens understand the risks of texting behind the wheel," Amanda Lenhart, co-author of the report, told the Post. "But the desire to stay connected is so strong for teens and their parents that safety sometimes takes a backseat to staying in touch with friends and family."

The report also states teens had attempted to restrict their texting to just stopped moments at red lights.

Such a large amount of teenagers is cause for concern. Remember, these are young, new drivers without much experience.

It is disconcerting to see that so many drivers freely engage in a practice that distracts their full attention from the road.

In the age of the cell phone, however, it is to be expected. But that doesn't mean it should be tolerated.

For this reason, we need a national banning on cell phones and texting while driving – because texting alone isn't the only cause for concern.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 81 percent of U.S. residents admit to using their phones while driving.

To illustrate the growing cause for concern, take a quick look outside. A simple glance at the road when walking can show how many drivers have their heads down with one hand on the wheel while furiously texting.

Count how many people have their cell phones pressed to their ear as they attempt to navigate their cars through busy, narrow Morgantown streets.

The study found drivers knew about the dangers of texting while driving and engaging in practices distracting their focus from the road.

Yet they continue.

As cell phones become more and more complex, we need new laws ensuring the safety of everyone on the road.

While we recognize the uphill battle to prevent drivers from texting, we see benefits from outlawing the practice.

Cell phones do have their use when driving – like calling emergency crews for a wreck, staying in communication with families for emergencies or even finding directions.

But those purposes shouldn't come at the potential cost of the safety on our roadways.