Nine of 10 Americans Say Ban Texting While Driving

[tmobilefan]

ABC News: 9 of 10 Americans Want Text-Driving Ban (http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=3455106)

[Railroader]

Who in their right mind would do that while driving anyway? I mean, if your stopped in traffic or in construction, yeah, it's okay, but while driving? Crazy!!

Here in CA, it will be illegal to drive and use a cell phone without a headset or handsfree speaker device as of next year, hopefully texting will be next.

[tmobilefan]

Who in their right mind would do that while driving anyway? I mean, if your stopped in traffic or in construction, yeah, it's okay, but while driving? Crazy!!

Here in CA, it will be illegal to drive and use a cell phone without a headset or handsfree speaker device as of next year, hopefully texting will be next.

Yeah, I guess a lot of people do it.

[Matt]

Many people (especially teens) do it. I see it all the time, and I am one of the ones that think it should be banned. I do as Railroader stated. At a traffic lights, train crossings, etc. Never while in motion.

[ssassy01d]

When we travel to NY state (its illegal to talk on your phone while driving there) you still see people yacking away on their phone. They drive reckless just talking I can't imagine texting sheesh. I've had more people pull out in front of me or just stop dead, talking while driving , its actually pathetic.
Even if they pass a law against it, are they really going to enforce it? NY doesnt even enforce the one they already have.

[Nwahs]

I hate to admit this, but a lot of people I know (teens) text while they drive. I have to say, although many teens can text without looking at it, it is still extremely stupid to do, plus you do have to look down at points.
I obviously think it should be banned...but I don't think police would really have any way of enforcing it.
Also, it is more of a common sense thing...you don't read the paper while you drive, and you don't text.

[Matt]

Common sense is not that common.

[ssassy01d]

Man, you got that right!

[Railroader]

Very true! lol

[darkjedi]

I really question how this would be enforced. Cops can't possibly enforce this for all practical purposes. Are they going to pull me over and say "son, I saw you texting." My response would be no officer, you saw me look down and ........... I don' t know, I could respond with change the radio, shift something on the passenger seat anything. The enforcement of this is not practical. Its easy enough to spot a phone to an ear, but I don't believe 99% of in vehicle texting occurs at eye level, usually its below the visibility of the dash therefore making enforcement next to impossible.

[ssassy01d]

Well thats the key question, how WOULD they enforce it?? You're probably right its next to impossible. I wish the article stated how they plan on enforcing this ban. Maybe it depends on weather its an accident situation or not. I mean if they find your device laying on the floor with open messages on it, but thats reaaaaally stretching it.

[Railroader]

Easy, if an officer sees you doing it, you get pulled over and warned and/or ticketed. They do it for seat belts here, and will probably do it when the hands free law goes into effect in CA next year.

Now, they won't catch everybody obviously, but it gives law enforcement a tool to catch these jerks. It makes people think twice about doing these things, you never know when an officer is watching, or when is in traffic somewhere near you.

[SJSMR2]

I also think that this will be difficult to enforce. I believe that it will be a secondary offense. Example: Your registration is expired and you get pulled over. It will then be like "oh by the way I noticed you texting".

[christyxcore]

Is taking pictures of what's in front of you while driving falling under the same category? Because I like to do that at night when there's not many people around because I like to take pics of like, anything.

:confused:

But I agree, it would be difficult to enforce the texting..

[Railroader]

If you're driving while doing it, I'd say yeah, it's probably not a good idea ;) Anything that distracts you from putting your full attention on the road should be avoided, if possible.

[SoMuch2S@y]

This was an article in People a couple of weeks ago, although it happened last year:

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. - A 17-year-old likely will face misdemeanor charges after allegedly losing control of his car while text messaging and hitting a bicyclist.

The bicyclist, Jim R. Price of Highlands Ranch, died Friday, two days after the accident.

“The investigation showed that he was text-messaging on his cell phone” at the time of the accident, said Stanton.

The driver could face a charge of careless driving resulting in death, Stanton said. Under Colorado law, the teen could face up to a year in prison.

[reverendchip]

I'm not sure what the point of this law would be. It's already against the law to drive while you're not paying attention to piloting your ton or two of vehicle down the road at 88 feet per second. It's called reckless operation, reckless endangerment, driving while distracted, etc. Why do they need a NEW law? They don't enforce the OLD ones that already cover it.

[kinjutsu11]

I also think that this will be difficult to enforce. I believe that it will be a secondary offense. Example: Your registration is expired and you get pulled over. It will then be like "oh by the way I noticed you texting".

I think this IS how they're implementing it. I mean, they would need eagle eyes to notice you texting. If an accident happened, they'll just check your outbox/inbox and know you texting at the time of the accident, but aside from that they can't really tell. I text when i drive, not all the time, but hey, i'll admit it, but my phone is always down by my lap, and i don't even look down, i know what i'm typing since i know where my keys are, like most of us i'm sure. There's no way a cop would know i was texting unless he pulled me over first and then asked to see my phone and checked it. I'm curious though, think cops will stereotype for those with QWERTY keyboard phone?! :confused:

[Railroader]

Just don't text while driving, easy enough to do :) As of next year, in CA it will be against the law to use a phone without a headset or handsfree device, and I can't wait for the idiots out there driving...or should I say NOT driving and talking :(

If it prevents one death, the law is worth it to me. Many laws are hard to enforce, no doubt, that doesn't mean we should have a lawless society.

[kinjutsu11]

I agree, I don't think many people would be able to live in a lawless society. Actually, the headset law is being enforced in some parts of FL, but, it hasn't yet gone stateside, not sure about the texting law. I have seen some dumb laws before though....i should find that link...