"I’m on a rampage about this, and I’m not going to let up," U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says of the dangerous practice of text messaging while driving. Rampage on, Ray. LaHood's comments were reported Jan. 3 in a New York Times article, "Bills to Curb Distracted Driving Gain Momentum." The article adds nothing new to the conversation about distracted driving, but contains a few items of interest. "Proposals (to curb distracted driving) are being met with less resistance than in years past from legislators, and are enjoying newfound industry support," the article says. Reporter … [Read more...]
‘Cellphone Madness’: Dumb but fun
December 6, 2009 by Leave a Comment
These college kids from Toronto are clever enough to make this video but dumb enough to think cell phone driving laws don't work. Pretty funny, though. (Hat tip to reader James for finding this.) … [Read more...]
Colorado, N. Carolina texting bans in effect
December 1, 2009 by Leave a Comment
Texting while driving is illegal in Colorado and North Carolina, as of now. The North Carolina ban prohibits all drivers from text messaging and emailing. The law calls for a $100 fine plus court costs, but no points for the infractions. The legislation was signed by Gov. Bev Perdue in mid-June. About two-thirds of North Carolina adults reportedly approve of bans on use of cell phones while driving, but legislation outlawing motorists' use of handheld cell phones was put on hold in 2009 after a poor reception in the Commerce Committee. Violations by school bus drivers will be treated as … [Read more...]
AMA’s Rx: No handheld devices for drivers
November 24, 2009 by Leave a Comment
The American Medical Association -- already on record against text messaging while driving -- has endorsed laws that ban all forms of handheld devices for those behind the wheel. Members called the use of handheld devices such as cell phones and texting devices "a very serious public health problem." "We're very supportive of legislation to deal with this," said AMA board member Dr. Edward Langston. "We want your hands on the steering wheel. "A Harvard study estimates that about one in 20 traffic accidents involve a driver talking on a cell phone. By banning the use of handheld devices … [Read more...]
Fla. no longer distracted on texting, driving
November 19, 2009 by Leave a Comment
Florida, one of the stumblebum states when it comes to distracted driving laws, finally appears to be waking up to the dangers of cell phoning and text messaging behind the wheel. Republican Gov. Charlie Crist signaled the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to get behind legislation that would rein in drivers' texting and mobile phone chatting. “I think it would provide some safety for our people,” Crist told highway department chief Julie Jones, in a classic of understatement (according to the News Service of Florida). The Legislature rejected or ignored all 2009 bills that … [Read more...]
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