Indiana has become the 32nd state to ban text messaging while driving. The law becomes effective July 1, 2011, with fines up to $500. Gov. Mitch Daniels signed the texting act into law on May 11. Specifically, the Indiana distracted driving law prohibits drivers from typing a text message, transmitting the message or reading an electronic mail message. Texting via hands-free or voice-operated technology is allowed. The law calls for primary enforcement, meaning police can stop and cite violators for that reason alone. The Indiana texting law has an unusual exemption: communications systems … [Read more...]
Allentown cell phone law tossed
May 7, 2011 by 9 Comments
A county judge in Pennsylvania has thrown out Allentown's local law against using handheld cell phones while driving. The cases of two drivers ticketed for cell phone use were brought to Judge James Anthony on appeal. "The (state) legislature can certainly pass a statute specifically covering the use of cell phones while driving, and any other matters concerning distracted driving, but has yet to do so," Anthony wrote in his opinion. "Until such time, (the city's cell phone ban) is pre-empted by state law, and is therefore invalid." (Update of June 8: Allentown decided not to contest the … [Read more...]
North Dakota bans texting, driving
April 26, 2011 by 5 Comments
North Dakota, one of the few remaining states without any distracted driving law, has just become the 31st state to ban text messaging while driving. State Rep. Larry Klemin's House Bill 1195 prohibits all drivers from using a wireless communications device to read, write and send an electronic message (includes email). The bill was signed April 26 by Gov. Jack Dalrymple. The North Dakota texting and driving law takes effect Aug. 1, with fines of $100. Enforcement is primary. Dalrymple said at the signing ceremony: “Texting while driving is clearly a dangerous distraction that can … [Read more...]
’20/20′ probes distracted driving
April 24, 2011 by 2 Comments
The ABC "20/20" report opened with a trio of startling clips: a screaming young woman's car is "t-boned" in a parking lot; a terrified new driver plunges into a snowbank; a trucker veers across four lanes before rolling over. The common denominator: all three were using cell phones before their crashes. The images were captured by "drive cams," which allow parents and bosses to review footage of incidents such as these. The "20/20" segment was reported by Chris Cuomo, who admitted he occasionally texted while driving -- "I am one of you." The ABC piece (video at bottom of page) rounded up … [Read more...]
Illinois summit hears success story
April 21, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Citing a "tremendous grassroots groundswell against distracted driving," DOT chief Ray La Hood opened the Illinois Distracted Driving Summit on a bullish note. "I can’t think of another safety issue in American history that’s gained so much traction in such a short period of time," LaHood said at the April 21 distracted driving conference, sponsored by the safety advocate group FocusDriven and the National Safety Council. LaHood cited: A boost from the entertainment industry, with Justin Bieber, Emma Roberts and Jordin Sparks spending their time and money on distracted driving prevention. … [Read more...]
Recent Comments