California teens who use voice-activated technology to get around the state's ban on texting & driving are likely to see that loophole closed. If signed by the governor, a plan OK'd by the Legislature will prohibit use of voice-operated, hands-free texting technology by drivers under age 18. The ban would include texting via "infotainment" dashboards and voice-responsive apps such as the widely used Siri on iPhones. Teens already are barred from using cell phones -- whether held or hands-free -- but a 2012 law appears to give them permission to use the hands-free texting technologies … [Read more...]
Texting a driver may lead to liability
August 28, 2013 by Leave a Comment
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...]
‘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...]
Kentucky adding 3 points for texting
August 7, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Saying the danger was too great to wait, Gov. Steve Beshear has ordered a three-point penalty for the offense of texting while driving in Kentucky. The points add new financial incentives to stop driving distracted since insurance companies can use points to set higher premiums for offenders. Kentucky's fines for violations of its distracted driving laws are a relatively low $25 for the first offense and then $50, plus court costs. Under Kentucky's 2010 distracted driving law, adults are prohibited from text messaging & driving, while drivers under 18 are barred from use of all … [Read more...]
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