AAA Lobbies to Support the No Texting While Driving Act

Poll Shows 86 Percent of Residents Want Law Passed

Phoenix, Ariz. Feb. 1, 2010 - AAA announced today that the Club will lobby in support of SB 1334, the No Texting While Driving Act, citing strong statewide public support for the ban and the clear danger of distracted driving. The bill is sponsored by Senator Melvin and Representative Farley.

A just-released poll conducted by Behavior Research Center, revealed that 86 percent of respondents support a texting while driving ban.  In addition, when asked to rank the seriousness of certain driving behaviors on a ten-point scale, respondents ranked texting while driving at 9.2, just below the most seriously-ranked behavior, driving under the influence of alcohol.  Commissioned by AAA Arizona and conducted earlier this month, the report is based on 800 interviews with heads of households throughout Arizona.

 “We know that taking our eyes off the road for frequent and extended periods of time to text is a grave hazard to ourselves and others, and it is now clear that Arizona residents overwhelmingly agree and want this practice banned,” said AAA Arizona Public Affairs Director Linda Gorman.  “For these reasons, AAA applauds Senator Melvin and Representative Farley for sponsoring this critical piece of legislation.”

While driving distracted is a dangerous activity, texting has shown to be the most dangerous distraction of all.  A study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute observed that drivers that engage in text messaging are 23 times more likely to be involved in an automobile crash or narrowly avoid one.

"Texting while driving is a threat to everyone the driver comes into contact with,” stated Senator Al Melvin.  “Just like laws aimed at drunk drivers, we have an obligation to make our roads safer from the traffic safety hazards caused by texting."

"This legislation is an important step for Arizona, like other states across the country, in beginning to address the increasing traffic and public safety risks of texting while driving,” stated Representative Steve Farley, co-sponsor of the bill.  “Of all the distractions that motorists encounter, texting has emerged as the most serious and potentially deadly. Arizona citizens deserve safe roadways. Banning texting while driving will save lives."

Currently, 19 states and the District of Columbia have laws that address text messaging by all drivers. Two more states have laws that prohibit teens or other new drivers from texting while driving.  Other than the city of Phoenix, there are no laws that restrict motorists from texting while driving in Arizona. Late last year, AAA announced that the Association will work to pass laws banning text messaging by drivers in all 50 states by 2013.

To keep informed and engaged on vital transportation bills being considered during the 2010 Arizona legislature, visit AAA’s new interactive web site, www.azlegislation.com.  Web site visitors will have the chance to stay abreast of issues that impact them, as well as engage in the debate with other online community members.  Visitors that wish to become even more involved, can visit the “Take Action” section to see how to make their voice heard at the legislature.