Eighty percent of Americans said they would support a ban on texting while driving
, according to a recent survey released by Nationwide Insurance. The survey, conducted August 5-9, by Harris Interactive, found that two thirds of Americans favor a ban on cell phone calls, while more than half indicated they would like to ban cell phone use altogether.

"The survey results confirm that there is strong public support for banning texting while driving," said Bill Windsor, Nationwide's safety officer. "It also provides insight into support for additional restrictions policymakers may want to consider."

The survey results come on the heels of a new policy by the Governors Highway Safety Association urging every state to ban texting behind the wheel for all drivers. The association is also tackling the issue of driving while distracted at its annual conference in Savannah, Ga., this week.

"The action by the GHSA membership is based on the fact that texting while driving is indisputably a distraction and a serious highway safety problem," said Vernon Betkey Jr., GHSA chairman. "If every state passes a texting ban, it will send a message to the public that this dangerous practice is unacceptable. We can begin to change the culture that has permitted distracted driving."

According to the Nationwide survey, support for cell phone restrictions was high in geographic areas where cell phone usage was greater, including in the west and northeast regions. In addition, both older generations and those ages 21-44 were more supportive of bans, especially those regarding text messaging and e-mailing.

Out of those surveyed, more than half said they see more drivers using cell phones while driving than they did 12 months ago. Nearly three-quarters of participants also said that they often see other drivers using cell phone when they drive.

Even though 82 percent of respondents who admit to using their cell phones while driving said they would change their behavior if cell phone usage was restricted, another 18 percent said they would still use their cell phones regardless of a change in law, with Generation Y (ages 21-32) most likely to resist the change.