Guess what? Taking your eyes off the road while driving is dangerous. Or, more specifically, “Recent research shows that activity that draws drivers’ eyes away from the road for an extended period while driving, such as text messaging, substantially increases the risk of accidents,” as Susan M. Cischke, Ford’s group vice president for sustainability, environment and safety engineering, said in a recent statement. Shocking, isn't it?

That particular statement was one in support of legislature from Sen. Charles "Chuck" Schumer, D-N.Y., which would reduce by 25 percent federal highway financing to states that did not comply with a text-messaging ban. (Ford likewise supported a similar measure proposed by Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, another New York Democrat.) This public endorsement is a first by a major automaker. Of course, part of Ford's rejection of manual phone operation may be a push for consumers to adopt its proprietary, hands-free Ford Sync communications and entertainment system -- standard on some models, a $400 option on others -- but considering a recent study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that drivers are 23 times more likely to crash or only narrowly avoid a crash while texting, we think that this possible bit of self-service could also serve the greater good.

(Photo courtesy of Car and Driver)