FWIW Paterson Bans Texting While Driving

Yesterday, Governor Paterson signed a bill that bans texting while driving. Now driver will be prohibited from texting or using electronic devices like iPods and laptops—or else they'll be fined $150; the ban also extends to reading the devices and sending images while the vehicle is moving. Governor Paterson said, "The risks associated with texting while driving are well documented. As we learn more and more about just how dangerous this practice can be, I urge all New Yorkers to drive with caution and get in the habit of putting their cell phones away while driving to protect their own lives and the lives of others." The Elmira-Star Gazette adds, "The new law also includes measures aimed at making teens safer drivers. It requires 30 additional supervised driving hours before new drivers can take a road test and reduces from two to one the number of passengers under 21 allowed in a vehicle with a new driver when a supervising adult is not present." The dangers of texting while driving are the centerpiece of that distressing video from Wales, showing young women in a terrible crash (video after the jump).

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By Jen Chung in News on August 28, 2009 8:11 AM

Comments [rss]

Reflect

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGE8LzRaySk&feature=related

[mis]inheritance

Texting and driving could be worse than talking while driving.

Harvey Winesack

It just seems like it'll be one of those tickets that always gets tacked on to whatever other tickets you get pulled over for.

"Well sir, you were speeding, and, well look at that! You had your radio on as well. What were you thinking! How unsafe of you! That'll be $150 more please!"

I hope they don't start giving tickets to drivers with pacemakers. Talk about a truly portable electronic device...=)

TrippinJoJo

someone made a good point........do the "electronic devices" also include GPS?

people need to just pull over push their buttons then be on their way.

common sense folks.

unfortunatly these "devices" are draining people's brains

ides_of_march

Good point. Such vague language in legislation is an invitation to abuse. A radio is an electronic device too. I wonder if they'll pull over truckers talking on their CB's.

Harvey Winesack

If only I could find that reply button... See comment [18].

Harvey Winesack

I'm all for banning clearly unsafe practices such as texting, surfing, etc.. The law, however, seems to ban some very safe and well-accepted practices as well. For example, doesn't simply having a GPS unit powered on and reading directions to me while I drive, regardless of when I push its buttons, constitute using a portable electronic device?

The law is also not clear on what exactly a portable electronic device is. Will in-dash GPS units still be legal to use when the law goes into effect while units that use suction-cups be illegal since they can easily be carried?

TrippinJoJo

You know what the law in most cases is never CLEAR about anything. ugh.

they leave room for the loopholes....

nightenrock

Wait, I can't use my freaking ipod while I'm driving??? Give me a break.

maevemealone

That is one hell of an intense PSA...

JenChungsBaby

And long too. The Welsh have big ones (PSAs that is).

Dirk

I've seen people do all sorts of things while they're driving -- putting on makeup, shaving, reading a newspaper or book, texting, etc...

It's a wonder more people aren't killed.

zodak

he's just jealous because he can't do it.

(cause he's blind)

Dirk

Rimshot.

moorecor

"Governor. The graph. Its upside down" "You BET it is Seth!"

hotstepper

good, now let's see if they enforce it. cell phones have contributed to the idiocy-epidemic like no other technology.

endsim

there's no idiocy-epidemic. idiocy is an inherent human trait shared by 99% of the population of the world. don't worry though kids, human drivers will be a thing of the past very soon. I for one welcome our AI traffic system coordination overlords.