no more texting while driving come january 1st

BigAl3 · 12-23-08, 08:52

California state law banning text messaging while driving goes into effect Jan. 1 - 12/23/08 - Los Angeles-Southern California-LA Breaking News, Weather, Traffic, Sports - abc7.com

i don't see why this wasn't enforced at the same time while talking was. it still doesn't matter to some, just go drive down the street and you'll see people doing it (both talking and texting) anyways, and still not pay full attention to the road. too many innocent lives are at stake...

Scottwax · 12-23-08, 09:24

Wish they'd pass that here. Nothing worse than getting stuck behind some moron driving 20-30 under the limit or sitting there with a green light because they are texting. Personally, I think they should get a beating instead of a ticket.

Bigpoppa3346 · 12-24-08, 06:06

I'm pretty sure it is already against the law here in NY.

My mom got rear ended on Halloween by some retard 17 year old girl who was clearly texting (but obviously never admitted to it). At least her car got the worst of the damage.

Bunky · 12-24-08, 06:14

There are a lot of laws about doing stupid things. This is why we have so many laws.

MrRumble · 12-24-08, 06:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigAl3

...i don't see why this wasn't enforced at the same time while talking was...

So am I, kind of strange. This past summer here in Montreal it was prohibited to hold the cell phone while driving, which obviously takes out texting at the same time. You can still talk however, but only if you use a hands free unit (bluetooth piece, one-ear wired earpiece, speakerphone unit).

Personally, I've noticed the difference in the past months in other driving behaviour on my way to work and back. Even myself I was guilty of occassionally glancing at the BlackBerry because of a new message or picking up a call. Definitely a good thing

Eliot Ness · 12-24-08, 08:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottwax

..........Personally, I think they should get a beating instead of a ticket.

My sentiments exactly. No need to write more laws that cover common sense, just write 'em up for reckless operation (which it is).

People are poor enough drivers anyway without trying to text and drive........ every time in recent years that someone has swerved into my lane it was because they had a stupid phone in their hands texting while steering with their elbows

smprince1 · 12-24-08, 09:08

In general, I'm personally usually in favor of less government intrusion and regulations.

However, this practice of texting while driving is extremely dangerous and unfortunately becoming more common. Driving on public roads is a privilege, not a birthright, and laws to make it safe for everybody are necessary and should be enforced.

I agree use of cell phones in general distracts drivers, obstructs their peripheral vision by holding the phones up to their faces/temples, and contributes to unsafe driving. And, IMO it's usually just senseless jibbering about non-important stuff .... at least less important than concentrating of the important duty of focusing on safe driving. Texting is even worse because by definition the driver is forced to takes his eyes, mind, and hands away from focusing on driving safely.

BigAl3 · 12-24-08, 10:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottwax

Personally, I think they should get a beating instead of a ticket.

agreed. when driving, that's ALL they should be doing with their full undivided attention. as if there weren't bad anough drivers out on the road already, only to have this distract and make them more hazardous. why should anyone be a victim in a accident over this nonsense. i wish cops would step it up and issue more tickets, i see people all the time still yacking away while driving as if the law never took place. let's remember here... driving is a privilege!

smoknfastlegend · 12-24-08, 10:47

I hate people who text while driving. My room mate does that and it scares the crap outta me when im riding with him cause hes all over the road. Its like, why waste the 20 minutes writing a novel when you could end the conversation in 30 seconds if you talked to them on the phone?

But what pisses me off more is ive seen many people listening to their ipod with ear buds while driving! Last time i looked, the warnings on the thing says "do not use while operating a motor vehicle." It sucks that people are this stupid to put their life in danger, and they complain the government takes away too many liberties. If people actually thought before they did stupid things, we wouldnt need rules to ban it.

DaGonz · 12-24-08, 11:10

As a firefighter.. I deal with the lunacy every day I am on duty!

Responding to calls with morons chatting on the cell, phone, texting, eating breakfast, putting on makeup, shaving, reading the paper and such makes a response to a call more thrilling than any ride at Disney World or Universal Studios!

Bigpikle · 12-24-08, 11:37

several people have got several years jail time here for causing accidents while doing this - good too

Streetlife · 12-24-08, 12:44

I agree with Scottwax, they should get a good old a** whooping, instead of a ticket. I don't know about where you'll live, but here in Houston people are not in the Christmas spirit at all (no reefs, or Bows on cars, not like any of us autopians would would risk scarring our paint with a reef on our rides, but still i've only seen two, my neighbors). People here are also driving a lot more aggressive and are a lot more rude behind the wheel , i've had many more close calls lately too.