An Argument Against "No-Look Texting" While Driving

Abstract

Multiple countries across the globe and thirty-nine states in the U.S. have banned the act of sending “text messages” on handheld cell phones while behind the wheel of a car. The scientific research shows texting to result in substantial driver distraction. And a rough consensus between science, policy, and public opinion appears to be emerging that the distraction caused by the acts of physically typing into a phone and looking at a screen constitutes a significant threat to traffic safety. But as cellular phone technologies develop, as policies are formed, and as user practices become established, new issues of concern are emerging. One concern regards what could be called “no-look” texting while driving. Hands-free no-look texting while driving involves the use of technology that can translate text into audio, and voice into text.