Texting While Driving Cases Increased by 50 Percent

Texting While Driving Cases Increased by 50 Percent

Texting while driving in the U.S. increased 50 percent last year, according to the National Traffic Safety Administration.

The agency revealed the statistics Thursday, claiming that two out of every 10 drivers says they have sent text messages or emails while driving. The statistics are alarming, in part, since many states have tried to tackle the issue with new laws to ban texting or messaging while driving. After a Pennsylvania law went into effect, 35 states now have laws against texting while driving.

A spokesman for the Governors Highway Safety Association in Pennsylvania said the increase in texting while driving is a concern.

"It is clear that educational messages alone aren't going to change their behavior," Adkins told The Associated Press. "Rather, good laws with strong enforcement are what is needed. Many drivers won't stop texting until they fear getting a ticket. The increase shows what an uphill challenge distracted driving remains."

NHTSA conducts an annual snapshot of driving behavior via stakeouts at selected stoplights and intersections where drivers are counted who use cell phones and other hand-held Web-based devices while behind the wheel.

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