Alberta took its time installing a distracted driving law -- it's the eighth Canadian province to do so -- but the new rules clearly are among the most comprehensive in North America. The new Alberta distracted driving law went into effect next Thursday, Sept. 1. The fine is $172 (total). (This post updated Sept. 1) In addition to banning text messaging, emailing and the use of handheld cell phones for drivers, the law prohibits other use various other handheld electronic communications devices, grooming, non-commercial use of CB radios, GPS data entry, writing, drawing, sketching, reading … [Read more...]
Archives for August 2011
Bubblehead wants you — to stop texting
August 23, 2011 by Leave a Comment
The usual sights on the 405 Freeway in Los Angeles include famous street signs, beautiful sunsets, colorful graffiti -- and plenty of law-breaking distracted drivers: SUV owners yakking on cell phones; teens texting away while behind the wheel. Now there's "Bubblehead," a giant Barbarella-like cutie holding up a cell phone whose on-screen message reads: "PLS DNT TXT & DRIVE." Los Angeles artist Mike McNeilly created the 13,000-square-foot billboard as part of his continuing series of public service works starring the Bubblehead character, so named because she's wearing a space helmet -- and … [Read more...]
Calif. gov gets bill doubling fines
August 15, 2011 by 1 Comment
The state Senate and House have approved Sen. Joe Simitian’s SB 28, a reprise of his 2010 plan to more than double fines for distracted driving violations. The 2011 bill was sent to Gov. Jerry Brown on Aug. 15. Update of Sept. 7: The governor vetoed SB 28, saying its fines were too punitive for most people. Under the Simitian plan, fines for using handheld cell phones or text messaging while driving would have increased to $50 (first offense) and $100. In addition, a point is charged against the driver's license on second and subsequent offenses. A first offense would cost violators about … [Read more...]
Faces of Distracted Driving: Heather Hurd
August 12, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Heather Hurd is the latest victim featured by the U.S. DOT in its "Faces of Distracted Drivng" video series. In 2008, the 26-year-old was on the way to her wedding planner's office in Orlando when a trucker who was fumbling for his text messaging device slammed into nine vehicles at a red light. Hurd and another woman were killed, and Hurd's fiance was seriously injured. The wreck occurred on Florida’s infamous "Bloody 27" highway. A stretch of the road was renamed in Heather Hurd's memory. Her parents became distracted driving activists and went on to help create Heather's Law (2009) in … [Read more...]
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