To help or perhaps encourage all of the states to enact similar laws, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has published a sample bill outlawing texting while driving.
As the latest step in its "campaign against distracted driving" the DOT calls the sample legislation, which authorizes police to stop vehicles and issue citations to texting drivers, a "starting point" for state legislatures.
"Texting while driving, like talking on cell phones while driving, is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening practice," said Transportation Sec. Ray LaHood in a press release. "This language, which we created with a variety of safety organizations, is another powerful tool in our arsenal to help the states combat this serious threat."
The DOT sample law proposes a minimum fine of $75.00 for a first violation with offenses that result in a death or serious injury being prosecuted as felonies. Exemptions are proposed in cases of texting by law enforcement, fire service, or emergency medical services professionals while performing their official duties.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 19 states, the District of Columbia and Guam now ban text messaging for all drivers. Another 9 states ban only beginning drivers from texting.
At this point, DOT is giving the states an opportunity to voluntarily pass laws banning texting while driving. In the future, states that fail to do so could face the loss of some or all of their federal highway funding.
Also See:
OMG! A Ban on Using Cell Phones While Walking?
Texting Drives Us to Distraction: DOT Acts
Comments
80% percent of all rear end collisions (the most frequent vehicle accident) are caused by driver inattention, following too closely, external distraction (talking on cell phones, shaving, applying makeup, fiddling with the radio or CD player, texting, etc.) and poor judgment. I doubt if we’ll ever stop the madness so I got one of these sparebumper.com to protect my family and vehicle.