Texting and driving now illegal in 30 states

Posted: Jul 12, 2010
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Texting and driving is now officially illegal in a total of 30 states. Delaware became the 30th state to ban drivers form texting and driving as Gov. Jack Martell signed legislation last week that would fine on handheld cell phone use.

A week prior to that, Massachusetts enacted a law that would give a $100 fine for a first texting and driving offense. For a second offense the fine rises to $250 and $500 for the third. Massachusetts is also taking it a step further and taking age into consideration. Any 18 year old caught texting and driving will have their license suspended for 60 days in addition to the fine. The teenagers will also be required to take an “attitude” course before getting their driving privileges back.

According to the Transportation Department, around 6,000 people were killed on U.S. roads in 2008 due to distracted driving – with the highest proportion involving teenage drivers.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News


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  • http://twitter.com/OTTERapp OTTER

    Legislation has value in raising public awareness in forums like this one but it will be difficult to solely legislate our way out of this issue. I just read that 72% of teens text daily – many text more than 3000 times a month. New college students no longer have email addresses! They use texting and Facebook – even with their professors. This text and drive issue is in its infancy and its not going away.

    I decided to do something about it after my three year old daughter was nearly run down right in front of me by a texting driver . Instead of a shackle that locks down phones and alienates the user (especially teens) I built a tool that is a simple app for smartphones – low cost, no recurring fees. We can empower the individual and change will come to our highways now and not just our laws.

    Erik Wood, owner
    OTTER LLC
    http://www.OTTERapp.com
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVn2vRYaSAU