Oregon lawmakers have voted to increase fines for texting and using handheld mobile phones while driving to as much as $500. The plan now goes to Gov. John Kitzhaber, a Democrat who approved the expansion and toughening of the state's distracted driving law in 2011. Most violators would pay $250 plus fees for texting and cell phone convictions -- less than the new maximum. The current maximum fine, $250, would be doubled. The original Senate bill called for fines as high as $1,000. A rival plan in the House sought to increase the maximum fine to $2,000, but it was ignored. The … [Read more...]
Foxx takes the reins of DOT
July 2, 2013 by 1 Comment
Anthony Foxx was sworn in as secretary of Transportation and quickly got to work meeting DOT staffers. Foxx replaces Ray LaHood, whose campaign against distracted driving helped put the issue on the nation's social and political agenda. Foxx was mayor of Charlotte, N.C., until Monday. Foxx was confirmed by the Senate in a unanimous vote of June 27. Foxx cited safety as the top priority at the Department of Transportation. In a hearing, he said the war on distracted driving would go on, as LaHood had "baked that into the DNA" at the DOT. None of the statements attributed to Foxx upon … [Read more...]
W. Virginia gets primary enforcement
July 1, 2013 by Leave a Comment
West Virginia's yearlong adjustment period is over: Police can now stop and cite drivers who are talking on cell phones without hands-free attachments. New distracted driving laws also went into effect July 1 in Virginia, South Dakota and Hawaii. In West Virginia, "primary enforcement" now applies to both texting & driving and the use of handheld mobile phones while behind the wheel. Text messaging and driving has been subject to primary enforcement since last summer. That means police need no other reason to pull over a driver whom they observe texting. Handheld cell phone use … [Read more...]
N.J. stiffens distracted driver fines
June 27, 2013 by 1 Comment
New Jersey's offensive against distracted driving continues, as Gov. Chris Christie signed into law significant increases in fines for those who text & drive or use handheld cell phones. Sponsor state Sen. Richard Codey (pictured) greeted the news with tough talk: "Watch out New Jersey drivers, we're coming after you if you text and drive," he said. "If you do it we’re going to get you." The new fines are to begin late next summer. The first offense for texting or using a handheld mobile phone, currently $100, increases to as much as $400. Three-time offenders face fines up to $800, … [Read more...]
N.J. lawmakers sign off on ‘Nikki’s Law’
June 22, 2013 by 1 Comment
New Jersey lawmakers have approved a plan for extensive signage warning of the dangers of distracted driving. Known as "Nikki's Law," the bill has been sent to the governor for his approval. The bill, which had both Assembly and Senate sponsors, was approved unanimously by both houses. Assemblymen John Wisniewski, who heads the Transporation Committee, says he was working on the legislation when approached by the father of Nikki Kellenyi, who died in April 2012. Mike Kellenyi believes the crash that killed his 18-year-old daughter was caused by a distracted driver, a high school … [Read more...]
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