States would be required to prohibit text messaging for all drivers or face a loss of a quarter of their federal highway money, under a U.S. Senate bill introduced by four Democrats. Fourteen states have outlawed text messaging by drivers so far. The so-called ALERT Act gives the other states two years to enact bans on texting for all drivers, with the clock ticking once the federal Transportation Department issues guidelines. The state bans would have to cover all drivers of motor vehicles -- including truckers and school bus drivers -- as well as operators of mass transit systems. "The … [Read more...]
A texting ban in N.Y., finally
July 17, 2009 by Leave a Comment
New York's Senate has approved a ban on text messaging for all drivers, in a vote that was long in coming for a state that was one of the pioneers of cell phone safety behind the wheel. The Senate vote -- which applied to larger legislation concerning teenage driving laws -- was 57-1. The state Assembly's vote of June 17 was unanimous. The New York ban on text messaging by motorists is expected to take effect on Nov. 1, assuming Gov. David Paterson signs it, as expected. The bill originated with his motor vehicle department. The texting legislation had been in limbo due to the state … [Read more...]
‘Death by Cell Phone’ campaign
June 17, 2009 by 3 Comments
The National Safety Council is following up on its sobering "Death by Cell Phone" video by placing roadside billboards in 67 markets nationwide. The campaign's message will reach more than 1 million drivers, the NSC predicts. The campaign tells of two deaths linked to cell phone-using drivers: Joe, a 12-year-old from Michigan and Linda, a 61-year-old from Oklahoma. The "Death by Cell Phone" billboards show pictures of the two victims of distracted driving, and give the URL for the 5-minute video. The father of Joe and the daughter of Linda speak of their families' tragedies and make pleas … [Read more...]
No more texting for N.C. drivers
June 10, 2009 by Leave a Comment
North Carolina's Legislature has banned text messaging by all drivers. HB 9 cleared the Senate and was ratified on Thursday, June 9, 2009. The North Carolina anti-texting legislation was sent to Gov. Beverly Perdue, who has indicated she will sign it. The House vote was nearly unanimous, but the Senate result was split 30-18, with the usual issues raised by Republicans about the difficulty of enforcement. The North Carolina texting law goes into effect Dec. 1 barring a change heart by the governor. Fines for most drivers will be $100 in addition to court costs. No points or insurance … [Read more...]
Illinois texting bill gets final OK
May 19, 2009 by Leave a Comment
Illinois Rep. John D’Amico predicted early in the legislative season that distracted-driving legislation would get "a lot of traction" this year. He was right. D'Amico's HB 71 and HB 72 have been approved by the House and Senate, with the Senate's vote coming May 19. Both bills were given final approval in the House on May 28 and sent to Gov. Pat Quinn. Illinois House Bill 71 seeks to ban text messaging while driving. In an unusual provision, texting would be permitted if the vehicle is stopped in traffic. The earlier approval by the Illinois House came on on April 1. The votes were 89-27 in … [Read more...]
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