Yeah. LOL. Where R. Where U At. All text messages that led to tragedy, as detailed in a new 10-minute "documentary" about distracted driving deaths. AT&T's "The Last Text" video -- professionally produced and impactful -- spends time with those affected by a handful of text messaging deaths: The sister who sent the fatal text; the youth who hit and killed a bicyclist; the passenger declared dead but who survived in a broken body; the mom of teen girl who throws a 19th birthday party for her dead daughter. "All because of a senseless text message," says a state trooper at the site of a girl's … [Read more...]
DOT seeks big rig cell-phone ban
December 21, 2010 by 3 Comments
The federal Department of Transportation wants commercial drivers to shut up and drive. The DOT released a plan Dec. 17 that would ban handheld cell phone use by interstate truckers and bus drivers. "Every time a commercial truck or bus driver takes his or her eyes off the road to use a cell phone, even for a few seconds, the driver places everyone around them at risk," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "This proposed rule will go a long way toward keeping a driver’s full attention focused on the road." The DOT cannot tell states how to regulate their roadways -- or outright … [Read more...]
Wisconsin texting law hits the streets
December 1, 2010 by 1 Comment
Wisconsin's long-awaited ban against driving and text messaging is now in effect. Legislators, however, left a couple of loopholes for those motorists who can't hardly wait for their messages: While Wisconsin's text messaging law makes writing and transmitting of messages illegal, it's still OK to read an incoming text or surf the Net. The law only applies when the vehicle is moving, as well. The bill that became Wisconsin's anti-texting law was AB 496, pushed through by Rep. Peter Barca, D-Kenosha (pictured). Fines for first-time violators range from $20 to $400, with 4 points against … [Read more...]
Canadians: Ban phones, save money
October 3, 2010 by Leave a Comment
The distracted driving debate rarely comes down to money, but a Canadian study finds that a ban on cell phones can have economic benefits in addition to saving lives. The University of Calgary's Faculty of Medicine says its home province of Alberta could produce an annual savings of $36 million a year by instituting a cell phone ban. The breakdown is $6 million in lower health care costs and $30 million in savings on clearing away wreckage from vehicle crashes. The lead researcher called the revenue proposition "a no-brainer" for the province. But the costs of a ban on using cell phones … [Read more...]
Massachusetts texting ban goes live
October 1, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Massachusetts’ ban on text messaging is now in full effect. Police are writing tickets, but the lucky might get a warning -- for a while. The new law prohibits all drivers from texting while behind the wheel and bans use of all cell phones by drivers who are 16 and 17 years old. The young drivers are barred from using a variety of devices (TVs, video, PCs) under the heading “mobile electronic devices.” The fines for adults are $100 (first offense), then $250 and $500. Fines for drivers under 18 are $100 plus 60-day license suspension and youth traffic school (first offense), then $250 with … [Read more...]
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