Texas Gov. Rick Perry killed legislation Friday that would have banned texting while driving in Texas. Perry cited "the overreach of House Bill 242" and called it a "government effort to micromanage the behavior of adults." Texas already bans texting by teens. The bill would have extended that ban to all drivers. The veto means distracted driving legislation succeeded in 2011, although there were at least a dozen bills seeking to toughen the existing laws. There are numerous local laws against text messaging while in city limits. The Republican governor suggested that backers of distracted … [Read more...]
Disney, DOT push safety, ‘Cars 2’
June 15, 2011 by 1 Comment
Hey you out there, talking & texting while behind the wheel. You are now officially a Disney villain -- just like that motoring maniac Cruella de Vil. "In our world, only bad guys drive distracted," the narrator says in the fast-moving "Cars 2" PSA created by the Disney and Pixar in partnership with the Department of Transportation. (video below) How to become a Disney hero, like Lightning McQueen? "No calling, no texting. Nothing that can take away your focus." DOT distracted driving czar Ray LaHood quipped: "I think you'll agree that 'Cars 2's' Lightning McQueen and Mater make pretty … [Read more...]
Cuomo seeks tougher penalties
June 11, 2011 by 1 Comment
Saying that “current warnings, educational programs and driving laws aren’t working," Gov. Andrew Cuomo has proposed legislation that would crack down on drivers using a variety of portable electronics. The governor's plan would make drivers' use of any portable electronic device subject to primary enforcement, meaning police would not need another reason to stop and cite them. Handheld cell phone violations already are marked for primary enforcement in New York. Cuomo's plan also threatens repeat violators with loss of their driving privileges: The governor calls for an additional point … [Read more...]
Maine outlaws texting & driving
June 3, 2011 by 2 Comments
Maine became the 33rd state to ban texting while driving as Gov. Paul LePage signed off on the safety legislation June 3. Maine's texting and driving law goes into effect in September 2011, 90 days after the legislature adjourns. Fines will be no less than $100, although higher penalties were not specified. The distracted driving law calls for primary enforcement, meaning police can stop and cite motorists for the offense without further cause. Previously, police could not stop drivers solely because they were observed text messaging while behind the wheel. Final approval of the bill came … [Read more...]
BMW drives home texting & driving threat
June 3, 2011 by 1 Comment
BMW has made good on its promise to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood that'll help get out the word about the dangers of distracted driving. Below find one of the distracted driving video PSAs created by BMW as part of its campaign "Don't TXT & Drive -- When the Engine Starts the Texting Stops." The German automaker and Department of Transportation chief Ray LaHood made nice in December, as concerns were mounting over interactive communications systems being placed in vehicles. The latest "Don't TXT & Drive" campaign grew out of that meeting. LaHood, meanwhile, gave the Wall Street … [Read more...]
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