Texas distracted driving news: State Sen. Judith Zaffirini continues to push for a complete set of distracted driving laws in Texas. Her Senate Bill 41 would outlaw use of handheld communications devices for all drivers. Her law would be "just hands-free, instead of (a banning) using a cell phone for certain purposes." She says the texting law that went into effect in late 2017 is better than nothing, but has loopholes such as allowing texting in temporarily stopped traffic. Texas' texting & driving law went into effect Sept. 1, 2017. Fines are $25 to $99 for a first offense, then $100 … [Read more...]
Ban texting while driving: AMA
November 11, 2008 by 1 Comment
The American Medical Assn. joined the movement against text messaging while driving, saying, "No one should have to worry that other drivers are focused on texting instead of traffic." The group of almost a quarter million physicians decided to throw its weight behind various state efforts to ban text messaging while driving. The group took up the headline-grabbing issue at its semi-annual policy meeting in Orlando. Seven states and Washington, D.C., have laws against motorists using texting devices. While bans on cell phone use while driving have proved controversial, the idea that texting … [Read more...]
Text messaging a hot topic after crash
October 5, 2008 by Leave a Comment
News that text messaging played a role in the deadly L.A. commuter train crash has thrust the practice of texting while driving into the national debate. (Update) The National Safety Board reported Oct. 1 that engineer Robert Sanchez sent a text message 22 seconds before the crash, after he had sent and received text messages numberous times during his shifts that day. He received a text message 80 seconds before the crash, the NTSB said. Wireless industry analyst Jack Gold said the widely publicized information that Sanchez had been texting certainly will inspire more legislation against … [Read more...]
Text-messaging ban for Calif. drivers
September 25, 2008 by Leave a Comment
California has a new text-messaging law to go with its recent ban on handheld cell phone use by drivers. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed SB 28 on Sept. 24, 2008, with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2009. The legislation had been in limbo during the state's budget standoff of September. "Banning electronic text messaging while driving will keep drivers' hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road, making our roadways a safer place for all Californians," Schwarzenegger said. State Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, added the texting law to his distracted-drivers portfolio. He also authored the … [Read more...]
Ohio: Cell phone laws, legislation
September 16, 2008 by 79 Comments
Cell phone, text messaging news: A hands-free law with primary enforcement is now in full effect in Ohio -- and ticketing is under way. "Beginning today, if law enforcement sees a driver distracted by their phone, that driver can now be immediately pulled over," Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said Oct. 5, 2023, at the end of a six-month warning period. Fines from $150 (first offense) to $500, plus points vs. the driver's license. Holding cell phone to ear for a call allowed, but not entry of a phone number. The law officially went into effect April 4. The hands-free law of 2023 originated with HB … [Read more...]
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