Effect of Text Messaging Bans on Fatal Accidents

Abstract

Do text messaging bans make roads safer? To determine the answer to this question, a multivariate regression model was developed to determine how fatal accidents by state were affected by the following variables: texting bans, cell phone bans, primary versus secondary enforcement, time since bans were passed, vehicle miles traveled per state, gas and beer tax per state, percentage of population under 25 years of age, population density, and unemployment rate. The results indicate that text messaging bans do decrease fatal accidents and also decrease the danger of driving as the vehicle miles driven increases.