Last week, the U.S. Department of Transportation and Consumer Reports magazine released the results of a new poll that shows how prevalent the problem of distracted driving has become, and they have developed a plan to fight it.

The poll results for people under age 30 revealed that 63 percent of drivers under age 30 admit to using a hand held cell phone while driving, and 30 percent of them admit to texting while driving. Two thirds of drivers under 30 who were polled do not believe driving with a hand held cell phone or texting while driving to be "very dangerous."

The Department of Transportation and Consumer Union, the parent company of Consumer Reports, have developed a plan to help parents, teachers and teens work together to fight distracted driving among young people. The plan includes the development of a guide that will be available online and provided to various groups. Additionally, a public service announcement has been created and distributed to TV stations, and a video will be made and shown in retail stores. The partnership hopes to reach 100 million people with their message.

Texting while driving has been illegal in Georgia since July 1, 2010. It is our hope that distracted driving laws and public service campaigns will have the desired effect and prevent future Georgia distracted driving accidents.