For younger people especially, text messaging is becoming as common or more common than talking on the cellphone, the latter already the bane of many stuck in heavy traffic. Many states and localities have already restricted cellphone usage in a car, and there's a growing call for limits on text messaging next.

An overwhelming majority (90%) of adults say no one should be allowed to text message while they drive, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Only five percent (5%) disagree.

Adults between the ages of 18 and 29 (14%) favor texting while driving more than all other age groups combined.

Just over half of adults (53%) also believe people shouldn’t be allowed to talk on their cell phone and drive at the same time, although 39% say otherwise.

Men under 40 (80%) support talking on cell phones while driving more than men over 40 (36%). Women from both age groups are less supportive. Forty-two percent (42%) of women under 40 have no problem with driving and using the cellphone at the same time; 32% of women over 40 say the same.

Democrats (56%) also oppose talking and driving slightly more than Republicans (49%).

When it comes to safety and driving, 86% say texting while driving is much more dangerous than talking and driving (7%). Meanwhile, 84% also consider texting and driving more dangerous than eating while driving (7%).

Men and women tend to agree that texting while driving is more dangerous than talking or eating while driving (see crosstabs).

Overall, most Americans (60%) are following stories on text messaging while driving very or somewhat closely. Thirty-seven percent (37%) aren’t following stories on this issue closely or even at all.

This week, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill banning text messaging and e-mailing by motorists. If drivers are caught in the act, they are subject to a $20 fine for the first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense.

Lawmakers in other states are also trying to deal with the issue over safety concerns. For example, Wisconsin State Senator Alan Lasee is pushing for a bill to be instated which prevents drivers from text messaging while driving. Lawmakers in Westchester, New York recently banned composing, reading or sending text messages while driving.

A study conducted by the Transport Research Laboratory found that text messaging while driving is more dangerous than driving drunk or driving while under the influence of drugs. The study revealed that text messaging lowered reaction time by 35%. People high on marijuana slowed down by 21%; drunk drivers slowed by 12%.

See survey questions and toplines. Crosstabs available for Premium Members only.