Could you go a whole week – or a lifetime – without being distracted while driving?

Researchers have found that one in five U.S. drivers have texted while driving in the last 30 days – and that’s just the ones who have admitted to doing it.  It is likely that the actual numbers are much higher.

Statistics like these, combined with research studies that show how texting while driving dramatically increases a driver’s chance of causing a serious car crash, has AAA calling for change.

The Automobile Association of America (AAA) wants to see texting while driving banned in all 50 states by 2013.  As it stands, 18 states and the District of Columbia have laws dealing with texting while driving, but Texas does not have a law banning texting for all drivers.

In Texas, teen drivers are restricted from using cell phones (which can be used to send or receive text messages) under the Texas Graduated Driver License Laws.  However, some lawmakers and safety advocates contend that the skyrocketing popularity of texting has made many drivers lax about safety.  If people become too comfortable texting behind the wheel, we could see a dramatic rise in text-related auto accidents.

To make their point, AAA has asked motorists to drive without any distractions the week of October 5 to 11.  Their message is “try it for a week, do it for life.”  If you are interested, you can visit the AAA website to sign a pledge saying that you will drive without any distractions for the “Heads Up Driving Week” – and longer.