Texting ban: Are roads safer?

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - The new Indiana texting and driving ban went into effect last week. But what kind of effect has the ban had on driving safety in the Wabash Valley?

They're the same streets with the same drivers, but one week later does a texting and driving ban make them safer? We took the case to the drivers themselves.

"Really, I think its good because there ain't as many wrecks and people's more noticeable on the streets,” Paige Collingsworth a Wabash Valley driver said.

Paige is not alone. She and other drivers we spoke with agreed. They feel the texting and driving ban is effective.

"Usually if I get something I pull off to the side of the road,” Collingsworth said.

However, a highway safety study released this week showed that states that had a hands-free law or a text messaging ban, still reported no change in the number of accidents caused by reckless driving.

Some Hoosiers agree with the study, like Dalton Chapman. He doesn't believe many people have changed their habits since July 1st.

"I think other people shouldn't text as well, but I've noticed still driving that I still see other people texting. I don't think that, I don't understand how they're enforcing it really,” Chapman said.

Only time will tell if the ban can actually curb wreck less driving. Regardless, Dalton's mind is made up.

"I can make a choice for myself to do it or not. But I can't choose what other people do,” Chapman ended saying.

A choice each of these drivers will have to make, knowing they're sending an illegal messaging when they text and drive.