The architect of California's ban on drivers' use of hand-held cell phones has made good on his promise to encore with a state ban on text messaging while operating a motor vehicle. Sen. Joe Simitian, D.-Palo Alto, saw his SB 28 pass the California state Senate by a 25-14 margin, almost entirely without Republican support. Update: Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the text-messaging driving ban into law on Sept. 24, 2008. Schwarzenegger, a Republican, indicated previously that he'd be supportive of taking action to prevent drivers from tapping out messages on cell phones and other portable … [Read more...]
California: Cell phone laws, legislation
July 1, 2008 by 56 Comments
Distracted driving news: Serial offenders of California's distracted driving law saw a point vs. their licenses as of July 1, 2021. Points apply only with a prior offense within 36 months. Senate approval came Aug. 26 and the Assembly signed off Sept. 3. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the measure into law Oct. 8. Amendments delayed enforcement of Assembly Bill 47 until 2021. Bill author Assemblyman Tom Daly said the current punishment "has not proven to change behavior." The annual observational study of California drivers found almost 8 percent were using electronic communications devices while … [Read more...]
New Jersey: Cell phone laws, legislation
June 24, 2008 by 10 Comments
Distracted driving update: Driver inattention continues to be a leading killer on New Jersey roads and highways. Numbers for 2021, released at the beginning of 2023, showed distracted driving was linked to 194 fatalities in the state. Distracted driving has been the No. 1 cause of roadway deaths for almost a decade, State Police reported, but in 2021 it was replaced in the top slot by driving under the influence. A New Jersey woman has been sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of vehicular homicide in a closely watched texting & driving case. Alexandra Mansonet, 50, … [Read more...]
Recent Comments