L8R TXTR: Senate Bans Texting While Driving

Check it out, the State Senate did something! Look at them go up there in Albany, passing bills and not locking each other out of the Senate chambers: Just yesterday they voted 57-1, all by themselves, to pass a bill prohibiting drivers from text messaging or using any electronic devices—including iPods—while their cars are in motion. The bill's been a long time coming (a similar version was passed by the Assembly a while ago) and it will become law in November once Governor Paterson lowers his head to paper and signs it. Drivers caught violating the law will be hit with a $150 fine, but it could only be imposed as a secondary offense, when a driver gets pulled over for another violation. Still, some motorists approve; Dave St. Bernard tells the Post, "Sometimes I text and drive. I'm sure it is dangerous, but you get complacent sometimes as a driver. You think you can handle anything on the roads that comes your way." Lawmakers were motivated to pass the bill in part by a horrible accident in 2007, when an SUV driven by a texting teen collided with a tractor trailer in Ontario County. But when will government do something about texting while walking?

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By John Del Signore in News on July 17, 2009 11:58 AM

Comments [rss]

NannyState

It's not a phone, it's a handheld wireless radio that sends a signal through a repeater using bandwidth that was previously reserved for those who had to take a test and get an FCC license. Make these idiots take a test and get an FCC license to text their friends about their useless bullshit lives.

jaycjay

Haven't been able yet to find actual text of the bill, but a more complete description of what it bans it in an article on the Huffington Post:

"It sets fines up to $150 for using handheld devices or laptops to send text messages or read, view or transmit images or data while a vehicle is moving."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/17/texting-while-driving-ban_n_237422.html

Harvey Winesack

wouldn't this ban hands-free phones and gps units as well?

Neal G.

One can only hope!

hard times

what about my electric car? it's an electric device :(

Trilby16

That was mean (and funny)-- the link to Paterson signing something. But I was hoping the link would go straight to a Fred Armison sketch.

Dan- No you can't use your radio or AC. Because you asked. Other people can, however.

Dan

Can you still use your radio or A/C controls? They are electronic devices...

jaycjay

According the linked article (and logic), it's any portable electronic device.

Manitoba

Now ban driving while stupid. That should effectively shut down Long Island, Jersey, Staten Island and Westchester.

samkim

It's a great idea to make the test harder. People will have to also re-take the test = more money for the government!

Spirit of 76

That would be fairly easy. Just make the tests for getting a license hard enough that most of these idiots can't pass. They're so ridiculously easy.

Steven

NYC aren't stupid then as well? Please.

Spirit of 76

I was referring to most people behind the wheel. Geographic location is irrelevant. Get off your high horse. "Please."

harrisgraber

Best idea so far.

Rocknrope

You know what else should be banned? Driving while wearing a blindfold. Big problem waiting to happen.

SP

Pfffttt. Texting while driving is sooooo 2006. Everyone knows that these days, you've gotta be shooting video and attaching it to emails, watching youtube and shopping on your iPhone while driving. I know I do. These guys are way behind on the times.

CR

Great, now how are we going to enforce this?

nicemarmot

Oh yippee. I bet it will be just as useful as the no cells while driving law, which didn't prevent me from being hit by a dumb bitch driving while talking on the phone a few years back.