A person who distracts a driver by sending him a text message conceivably could be held liable for injuries or deaths that result, a New Jersey appeals court has ruled. The judges, however, rejected the application of its opinion in the case before them, saying the young defendant did not have a "special reason" to believe the driver would read the text while behind the wheel. The civil case was brought by motorcyclists Linda and David Kubert (pictured), who both lost a left leg in a distracted driving crash in Mine Hill Township during the fall of 2009. The couple are namesakes of … [Read more...]
Illinois bans handheld cell phones
August 16, 2013 by 1 Comment
Illinois drivers will have to put down their cell phones come Jan. 1. Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law an Illinois ban on use of handheld mobile devices while driving. The state already prohibits text messaging while driving. Fines range from $75 (first offense) to $150. "Too many Illinois families have suffered because of accidents that could have been prevented," Quinn said after the signing. The governor's approval of Aug. 16, which was expected, is another victory in the distracted driving arena for state Rep. John D'Amico, longtime leader of the Transportation Committee … [Read more...]
‘Nikki’s Law’ now law in New Jersey
August 15, 2013 by 1 Comment
New Jersey capped its recent efforts to crack down on distracted driving with enactment of "Nikki's Law," which requires the state DOT to warn motorists not to text while behind the wheel. State Sen. Fred Madden's bill, which calls for extensive signage warning of the dangers of distracted driving, was approved by Gov. Chris Christie on Aug. 14. Nikki's Law is named after a Washington Township teen who died in an apparent distracted driving crash in 2012. The Senate and Assembly both approved the bill unanimously in late April. The Assembly version, shepherded by Transporation … [Read more...]
Herzog revisits texting tragedies
August 8, 2013 by 3 Comments
The "sequel" to Werner Herzog's stunning short films about the ravages of distracted driving has debuted at a running length of 35 minutes. "From One Second to the Next" visits with those whose lives have been shattered by four drivers who were distracted by text messaging. The film was sponsored by AT&T -- and created by Herzog as a director for hire. The half-hour film can be viewed below or at itcanwait.com The documentary opens with the testimony of the mother of Xzavier, a Milwaukee boy left in a coma and without legs after a woman who was texting hit him in a school … [Read more...]
N.Y. texting fines up to $400
July 27, 2013 by 4 Comments
New York's fines for electronic distracted driving have increased, as part of the state's multi-pronged attack on drivers who text message and use handheld cell phones. Fines max out at $400 for serial offenders. The tougher fines were included in the 2013-14 state budget. New York's governor said the move would address "a frightening epidemic on our roadways," calling the increase in traffic fines "an important tool to punish and prevent this reckless behavior." They are in addition to the late May hike in DMV points against violators' licenses to five. Points can be reflected in … [Read more...]
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