Grants from the Department of Transportation will allow Connecticut and Massachusetts to enforce bans on texting while driving.
The government awarded the states $550,000 to plan and conduct anti-texting enforcement programs. According to NBC News, these programs may include things like police spotters on highway overpasses, roving patrols and media campaigns to alert drivers of the dangers of texting behind the wheel. Tests will take place over a two-year period, and the results will provide a benchmark for other states to follow.
"We have come a long way in our fight against distracted driving, but there is still much work to be done," said Ray LaHood, U.S. Transportation Secretary. "Texting behind the wheel is especially dangerous, which is why we're working with states like Connecticut and Massachusetts to address this important safety issue."
Texting while driving makes a crash 23 times more likely than when not distracted, and in 2010, more than 3,000 people were killed in accidents were distracted driving was involved, reports the news source. While auto repair can fix the dents and scrapes that may come from minor accidents, the best way to avoid personal injury and other major problems to stay focused on the road at all times.