Text while driving

[56FordGuy]

Great. It was illegal to drive while distracted, but it's double bonus illegal to text while driving. Talk on a phone, play with the radio, read a book (yeah, I've seen folks doing it), eat something with a plate balanced in your lap and a fork, that's all okay.

But don't you dare text message.

I don't text, hardly at all. Don't have it on my phone plan, only really text two people. I just don't see the need for yet another law.

[Fallguy]

Great. It was illegal to drive while distracted, but it's double bonus illegal to text while driving. Talk on a phone, play with the radio, read a book (yeah, I've seen folks doing it), eat something with a plate balanced in your lap and a fork, that's all okay.

But don't you dare text message.

I don't text, hardly at all. Don't have it on my phone plan, only really text two people. I just don't see the need for yet another law.

+1

[3pugguy]

Well, it is now against the law in TN to text while driving.

Good.

Now, if they would just pass a law making it illegal for anyone who was so stupid to text while driving- or shave, read a paper, put on makeup... (and require yet ANOTHER law to stop them) to have kids and spread the bad seeds, we will have some real progress!

[3pugguy]

Great. It was illegal to drive while distracted, but it's double bonus illegal to text while driving. Talk on a phone, play with the radio, read a book (yeah, I've seen folks doing it), eat something with a plate balanced in your lap and a fork, that's all okay.

But don't you dare text message.

I don't text, hardly at all. Don't have it on my phone plan, only really text two people. I just don't see the need for yet another law.

I agree...see a slow driver on the interstate, go around, odds are...distracted (frequently a phone).

Do I talk and drive? Sometimes, but use a bluetooth. NEVER text and drive, plus rarely text (use email and browser on my blackberry, but not while moving - hell, I can hardly see it when sitting still!).

Saddest thing about idiots and driving is they kill the innocent third party so often.

[jimdigriz]

Now if they'll just outlaw talking on them (cell phones) while while smoking a cigarette while drinking a soda while eating a hamburger while swatting at the kids in the back seat while driving in the left lane while 5 mph below the speed limit it might begin to be safe on the highway again.

Actually, I'd prefer the government do-gooders stop micromanaging our lives.

[TripleDigitRide]

I don't see this being very enforceable in many cases. I spend 8-10 hours per day drving in a semi, and I must admit that I spend a whole lot of time looking down into vehicles -- you never know what you may see . I see plenty of talking on the phone, eating, reading a book/newspaper, women doing their makeup, but I can only think of a time or two seeing someone in the act of what appeard to be texting. I'm not saying that texting while driving doesn't happen on a regular basis, but what's the chances of an LEO having the ability to catch someone in the act of texting?

If you're ever in an accident, be prepared to have your phone and phone records examined. Other than that, I just don't see this as being very enforceable. This law is nearly as ignorant as creating HOV lanes -- They just don't work like they were intended.

[TargetShooter84]

I don't see how the LEO are going to enforce it...

[rj8806]

The worst thing about this whole new law is the stupid penalty. $50. No points no nothing, just pay $50 and go on your merry way.

Since the whole reason behind this law was to prevent texting WHILE DRIVING they should've made it a moving violation and a stiffer penalty. 4 points on your record and at least a $200 fine would've been appropriate I think.

[bkelm18]

The worst thing about this whole new law is the stupid penalty. $50. No points no nothing, just pay $50 and go on your merry way.

Since the whole reason behind this law was to prevent texting WHILE DRIVING they should've made it a moving violation and a stiffer penalty. 4 points on your record and at least a $200 fine would've been appropriate I think.

It's the same for the red light cameras. Small fine, no points, nothing. It's for revenue, nothing more. They aren't trying to prevent anything, they just want more money.

[Garufa]

The law is not really enforcable. Penalty is minimal - $50 and no points.

It's kinda like the seat-belt law, not using a turn signal, and other traffic laws which are broken on a daily basis.

There was much complaining about this "nanny-law" hereabouts when first proposed. I like this law. When they outlaw even using a phone while driving I'll be even happier.