Bans on Texting-While driving are not the solution

The solution to these types of problems is almost never a law which makes it illegal.  We have probably all done this at least once, and many of us probably text while at stop-lights; arguably safer, but no less illegal and probably still a stupid idea.

A proper solution is one that addresses the problem.  In this case the problem isn't texting while driving, it is the way that texting is performed: using thumbs and eyeballs.  If we started getting innovative and stopped driving with our thumbs in our eye sockets we would realize that there are numerous technological solutions.  Many of these rely on text-to-speech and speech dictation technologies, but some of the more interesting potential approaches rely on a combination of utilizing spoken audio and gesture.  Is anyone looking into whether Siri (or the equivalent on Android) will having any impact?

• Bans on texting while driving don't reduce crashes, study says
• Texting bans for drivers not putting a dent in accident rates
• Using iPhone’s Siri While Driving May Violate Hands-Free Law
• iPhone 4S Release Date: Siri to Change Texting Driving Laws?