A New Traffic Offense – DWT
June, 15th - 10:44 am ET | posted by in Wireless Industry News
Driving While Texting is about to become illegal in Washington and could be in New Jersey soon if some state lawmakers have their way. At least eight other states are currently considering similar legislation – aimed at reducing driver distractions, specifically for teenaged drivers.
A 2006 study by the Federal government and Virginia Tech found that 80% of all crashes and 65% of near crashes could be attributed to driver inattention. Teen drivers are the most easily distracted, but the least supportive of a ban on texting while driving. A recent poll showed that 83% of Americans surveyed would support such a ban. Unsurprisingly support for the ban rose with the age of those surveyed. Less than a third of those aged 18-24 thought that texting while driving was a problem and would support a ban.
The ban in Washington takes effect in January and violations will result in a $101 fine. In New Jersey, legislators are also considering banning handheld cell phone conversations while driving. Three other states already have such legislation – California, Connecticut, New York, plus Washington, DC.
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Its rediculous that they have to pass a Law that says that, seriously how could anyone think that making text messages is safe while driving. just like it shouldn’t be legal to read a newspaper, apply makeup or check email … or roll joints … while driving. why don’t they just pass a “no distracted driving” law instead of picking whatever happens to be making news at the time and turning into some big PSA campaign.
You’d think that, but I was behind someone just this morning on her phone texting away. The way she was swerving, I thought she was drunk, even though it was a little early. But no – texting.
I just saw that Virginia is outlawing cell phones for teenage drivers – not just texting. Talking too.