Americans have been using their telephones and driving cars for over a century. These two activities have only been combined in the last five to ten years. We are discovering that this dangerous combination is very dangerous.

Nationwide Insurance has revealed that 45% of drivers have been almost or hit by another driver while using their phone. You can also see the danger in daily news reports about fatal crashes that result from texting while driving.

The government reported that 5 870 people died and 515,000 sustained injuries in crashes involving at least one type or another of driver distraction last year. Driver distraction was a factor in 16 percent fatal crashes in 2008, and it was most common among young drivers.

Americans are tired of people driving distracted while driving (DWD). Nationwide’s most recent survey showed that 80 percent support banning texting while driving. More than half of Americans also favor banning cell phone use while driving.

“In recent months, the debate about the dangers of DWD has intensified as more and more states consider taking legislative action,”Bill Windsor is Nationwide’s Safety Official. “The survey results confirm that there is strong public support for banning texting while driving.”

Nationwide is working to find technological solutions to the peer pressure drivers feel from family and friends to stay connected, rather than waiting for federal and state governments. A Nationwide survey found that nearly two-thirds felt pressured to answer phone calls while driving.

These solutions use software on a Blackberry phone or Blackberry to recognize when you’re driving. It also blocks out incoming texts and uses an auto-reply feature to notify your friends that you’re driving. Nationwide will offer insurance discounts for drivers who use these devices when they become available.

“Teens have this two-minute rule — somebody sends a text message, and if you don’t get back within two minutes, the other person feels you’re mad at them, or something’s wrong,”Windsor stated. “We think this technology will fill that gap.”

Not only will it save lives but also lower insurance costs for consumers.

“DWD impacts all of us in one form or another, and Nationwide will continue to raise public awareness about this important issue,”Windsor. “By working closely with legislators, public safety officials and other key stakeholders, we can arrive at real-world solutions to this problem and help make the roads a safer place.”