NC gov. bans text-messaging by motorists, gets word out by texting: ‘Hope u r not driving now’

October 1st, 2009 Gov't seeks state anti-distracted driving lawsWASHINGTON — Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says the Obama administration will pursue new federal rules that could ban text messaging by truck and interstate bus drivers and urge states to pass laws against distracted driving. LaHood noted that President Barack Obama signed an executive order late Wednesday banning all federal workers from texting while driving on government business, using government vehicles or government equipment.

October 1st, 2009 Stop sign ahead for texting while driving?WASHINGTON — Determined to stop people from texting while driving, the Obama administration plans a campaign similar to past government efforts to discourage drunken driving and encourage the use of seat belts. The administration planned to offer recommendations Thursday to address the growing safety risk of distracted drivers, especially the use of mobile devices to send messages from behind the wheel.

October 1st, 2009 Gov't seeks ban on texting truckers, bus driversWASHINGTON — The Obama administration said Thursday it will seek to ban text messaging by interstate bus drivers and truckers and push states to pass their own laws against driving cars while distracted. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said the administration also would move to put restrictions on cell phone use by rail operators, truck drivers and interstate bus drivers.

September 23rd, 2009 Auto industry supports ban on texting in carsWASHINGTON — An auto industry trade group says it supports a ban on texting and using hand-held cell phones while driving in advance of next week's major government summit on distracted driving. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers said Wednesday that using a hand-held device to text or make phone calls while driving represents a safety risk and it supports the ban.

September 18th, 2009 States send mixed message on texting and drivingFiddling with your iPhone behind the wheel can get you fined across much of the nation. But many states are more than happy to tweet you with up-to-the-minute directions on how to steer clear of a traffic jam.

September 11th, 2009 Ford backs bill to ban texting while drivingWASHINGTON — Ford said Thursday it backs federal legislation pressuring states to ban texting while driving in an effort to reduce driver distractions that could lead to accidents. In a statement, Ford safety executive Sue Cischke cited research that shows drivers who take their eyes off the road for extended periods increase the risk of accidents.

September 2nd, 2009 Graphic British safety video is an Internet hitLONDON — A graphic British public service announcement about the dangers of sending text messages while driving has become an Internet hit and sparked debate around the world. The Gwent police force in Wales said Wednesday that an excerpt from a video it made for use in schools has been viewed more than 6 million times on YouTube and other Web sites since it was posted last month.

September 2nd, 2009 British safety video on texting an Internet hitLONDON — A graphic public service announcement from British police about the dangers of sending text messages while driving has become a global Internet hit. Gwent Police in Wales say an extract from their video has been viewed more than 6 million times on YouTube and other sites.

August 31st, 2009 Governors Highway Safety Assoc. backs texting banSAVANNAH, Ga.

July 29th, 2009 Lawmakers propose ban on texting while drivingWASHINGTON — Democratic lawmakers called for states to ban texting while driving or face cuts in highway funds, citing the need to reduce driver distraction and potential highway deaths and injuries. "When drivers have their eyes on their cell phones instead of the road, the results can be dangerous and even deadly," said Sen.

July 29th, 2009 Lawmakers to propose ban on driving while textingWASHINGTON — States would be required to ban driving while texting or face the loss of highway funds under legislation being pushed by a group of Democratic senators. Aimed at reducing driver distraction and highway deaths and injuries, the proposal follows a series of studies showing the dangers of drivers taking their eyes off the road to operate the handheld electronic devices.

July 28th, 2009 Study: Texts while driving even more dangerousBLACKSBURG, Va. — Texting while driving increases the risk of a crash much more than previous studies have concluded with motorists taking their eyes off the road longer than they do when talking or listening on their cell phones, a safety research institute said Monday.

June 17th, 2009 How fast R U? Teen Iowa girl wins US texting titleNEW YORK — The nation's newest texting champion has a message for parents across the land — although they might not want to hear it. "Let your kid text during dinner! Let your kid text during school! It pays off," 15-year-old Kate Moore said Tuesday after winning the LG U.S.

April 30th, 2009 Texting delays mar popularity of $50 Boost planNEW YORK — A new $50 unlimited-calling plan sold under the Boost brand has been a badly needed success story for Sprint Nextel Corp., luring hundreds of thousands of new customers, by industry estimates. But dealers and customers report widespread problems with texting on the Boost network.

April 22nd, 2009 Record attempt reaps 217K texts, $26K phone billPHILADELPHIA — Their thumbs sure must be sore. Two central Pennsylvania friends spent most of March in a text-messaging record attempt, exchanging a thumbs-flying total of 217,000.