Wisconsin Gov. Signs Texting Bans; Insurers Warn Against All Distractions

May 6, 2010

Wisconsin Gov. Jim Dolye has signed legislation banning drivers from sending text messages while driving. Wisconsin joins Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska and Wyoming as the states to pass laws that ban all drivers from sending text messages this year, according to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI).

“The enactment of these laws is positive step that can help make the roadways safer,” said Greg LaCost assistant vice president for PCI. “However all drivers have a responsibility to exercise good judgment in all of their driving activities and cell phone use only represents one of a laundry list of distractions that can lead to a crash.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver, and more than half a million were injured. Research also shows that the worst offenders are the youngest and least experienced drivers: men and women under 20 years of age.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in addition to the 25 states that ban all drivers from texting, nine other states have laws that put in place prohibitions for young drivers.

Source: PCI

Topics Carriers Wisconsin

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