Vlingo does a great job of keeping me abreast of the DWT (Driving While Texting) bans that go into effect across the country. The latest implementations are in Colorado and North Carolina where the new rules start on December 1st. The next driving while texting bans go into effect on January 1st, 2010 in Illinois, New Hampshire, and Oregon.
Vlingo is pushing themselves as an alternative to driving while texting which is worth checking out at www.vlingo.com. They did share with us some interesting stats on surveys they have done in Colorado and North Carolina.
Colorado:
- 50% of drivers from Colorado admitted to reading inbound text messages while driving.
- Nearly 1/3 of all respondents admitted that they text from their car at least once a day.
- 80% of drivers think that driving while texting should be illegal but 35% of respondents think that DWT should be legal if there is a hands free solution available.
- Nearly 1/3 of the respondents said they send more 251 – 500 text messages per month.
North Carolina:
- More than 50% of the respondents admitted to reading incoming text messages while driving.
- Nearly 1/3 of respondents admitted to texting in the car at least once a day.
- When asked if they would use a voice recognition solution that would translate spoken words into text messages 44% indicated that they would send more text messages.
- An overwhelming 87% of respondents thought that DWT should be illegal.
- 45% think that if there is a hands free solution available then DWT should be legal.
- More than 60% send between 101 – 250 text messages per month.
In addition, DWT bans will go into effect on 1/1/10 in Illinois, New Hampshire, and Oregon.
Bryan S Not Registered
Posted: November 20, 2009 at 9:48 AM EST
So, this only covers texting, right? I mean, I try not to text while driving, but I email like there’s no tomorrow while driving so I’m all set, right? =)
Kristin Not Registered
Posted: November 20, 2009 at 10:55 AM EST
Vlingo works with email too.
Bryan S Not Registered
Posted: November 20, 2009 at 10:59 AM EST
Yes, i know, but I should only need it for texting while driving, right?
I have vlingo, great product … thank goodness its still legal to email and drive!
Kirk Not Registered
Posted: November 20, 2009 at 2:12 PM EST
FYI, the DWT ban in North Carolina actually became effective on November 1 of this year.
John Rob Not Registered
Posted: December 3, 2009 at 10:56 AM EST
I realized that accidents happen because of lack of concentration. Texting while driving or walking on the road is dangerous. I found drivesafe.ly a good alternative for reading and sending text messages