The high-fashion high-tech Google glasses won't be in style for West Virginia motorists. At least that's the idea behind new legislation seeking to outlaw driving while wearing computer headgear with visual displays. Gary Howell, a conservative delegate, said he was inspired to pre-emptively ban the so-called Google Glass by reading articles about the emerging technology. Google Glass is not yet on the market, but the promotional push already is under way. The glasses would run afoul of Howell's proposed law because they "project visual information into the field of vision of the wearer." … [Read more...]
Hands-free texting OK’d in California
July 14, 2012 by 4 Comments
Californians soon will be free to use hands-free technology to text message while driving, under a measure signed into law Friday. The bill's sponsor called passage "a huge victory for commuters." Assemblyman Jeff Miller, R-Corona, pushed through the relatively low profile AB 1536. He cited the burden of current distracted driving limits on business people who spend so much time in vehicles: "I can relate to the frustration of many Californians who were unable to communicate with friends, family and business partners while driving because it is currently against the law to operate text … [Read more...]
Drivers: We’re texting, talking less
June 3, 2010 by Leave a Comment
U.S. drivers have cut back on talking and texting, thanks in part to distracted-driving laws, legislation and awareness, according to a new survey. Nationwide Insurance reports that about 40 percent of drivers who admit to texting while behind the wheel say they do it less frequently than they did a year ago. Of the 47 percent of drivers who say they engage in phone conversations while on the road, 30 percent reported that they do it less than last year. While the time spent on these distracted driving behaviors apparently is down, the percentage of people who admit to texting and talking … [Read more...]
Idaho: Cell phone laws, legislation
December 30, 2008 by 14 Comments
Distracted driving news: A handheld cell phone ban took full effect Jan. 1, 2021. Primary enforcement. Fines are $75 for a first offense, then $150, then $300. The final bill (HB 614) signed by Gov. Brad Little was the same as one passed earlier by the Senate, but with a consideration for agriculture functions. "Remember lives are lost to this needless carnage on our roads and our highways," sponsor Sen. Chuck Winder told lawmakers before the vote on his original bill. The so-called "100 Deadliest Days" proved a bit less lethal in Idaho in 2020. 78 people died in crashes on Idaho's roads … [Read more...]
Utah: Cell phone & texting laws, legislation
December 17, 2008 by 7 Comments
Cell phone/texting news: State Rep. Carol Spackman Moss says she's leaning toward making a fifth attempt at a handheld cell phone law in 2023. Moss isn't sure she can prevail over the "personal freedom" GOP lawmakers, but she cites "a crisis" on the roadways. Her HB 160 of 2021 suffered a quick defeat. In 2020, her plan passed both houses but died awaiting a final vote. "I think I owe it to (survivor families) to keep trying," she has said. Moss says opponents have "lots of excuses" for not passing a distracted driving bill. Meanwhile, state roadway fatalities are at a two-decade high … [Read more...]
Recent Comments