Tighten the texting law
Virginia’s texting-while-driving law is worse than ineffective. It’s counterproductive.
Texting while driving is a recklessly dangerous practice that Virginia law treats as a minor traffic infraction. The General Assembly should change that. And chances are good that it will, now that Kyle Rowley’s death has shown the law to be a travesty.
Virginia lawmakers have been slow to recognize the public threat cellphones become in the hands of otherwise responsible drivers. And texting is a particularly dangerous distraction. A Virginia Tech Transportation Institute study a few years back found that long-haul truckers in real-world situations were at 23times greater risk of a collision when they were sending or receiving a text.
December 7, 2012 - 6:18 AM
There is a simple solution. Allow the insurance companies to deny coverage of the policyholders car if an accident is found to be texting related. Leave liability insurance in place – the innocent victim of texting should not suffer, but the perpetrator should. They can pretty well prove if texting is a factor, if the person texting is aware that an accident could cause immediate and direct loss of their car, I think that would greatly reduce the texting/driving problem. And it is so unnecessary – obviously both parties to texting have a phone in their hands – they should just call and use voice communication.
Please don’t text and drive…while riding your motorcycle or bike!
I do not think that the “texting” alone should be singled out for more punishment. It is flat out amazing what you see people riding down the road doing. I do not make light of texting and driving, it is a monumental risk, but it is one among many and sometimes you cannot save people from themselves. I think more people still hit deer than die by texting.
#2 – I once saw a kid on a scooter struggle to pull his phone out of his pocket, read the screen, then text one-handed…all while doing about 25 mph.
Stupid should hurt.
I have stated the following since 1994:
“The cell phone is the bane of modern society.”
I have yet to be proven wrong.
Why 1994? Because it is the first year I recall writing down that phrase.
The world IS NOT going to end if you do not respond to that text/phone call.
The converse, however, may end your little world.
You cannot blame the cell phone, which many consider a true life saver, for the reckless use of the cell phone.
6 – Sandi’s right. Abuse or misuse of an inanimate object is not the blame of the object but of the abuser. Much like firearms. Or wealth.
#7 – “Abuse or misuse of an inanimate object is not the blame of the object but of the abuser. Much like firearms. Or wealth.”
Both of which the Left wants to take away.
8 – and both of which, unlike cell phones, are either cornerstones of, or explicitly guaranteed by, the US Constitution.
I see the broad brush is out, no Michael “the Left” does not want to “take away” either.
I don’t recommend the use of a firearm whilst driving, either.
Although I am a bit confused as to how the argument degenerated to “my constitutional rights as an ‘merican!”
My personal belief is that the world would be a much better place without the cell phone and it’s “newer” features such as SMS text messaging, etc. I believe the purpose of driving a 3000+ lb missile is to get safely from point A to point B, without causing harm to myself or anyone else.
The cell phone should not be part of the equation. I do own a cell phone. I turn it “off” whilst motoring. I do not listen to the radio whilst motoring. In addition, I do not use the cruise control whilst motoring, because it tends to lull people into auto-pilot (auto-stupid) mode.
I started my driving career in 1980 – Following my self-imposed rules, above, kept me “accident” and speeding ticket free (not so much as a parking ticket) until 2007… when a woman came WIDE around a curve on a two-lane — you guessed it — yappin’ on a cell phone. There was no getting out of her way unless I happened to not be driving that day. A nasty t-bone ensued.
Needless to say, it totaled my vehicle. I escaped with sore knees. Why? because I drive relatively close to the steering wheel (see NASCAR) where I am in control and in easy reach of the pedals and controls. (As opposed to the drivers seat full back and a Gansta Lean)
Even though her airbag deployed, it busted her up pretty good. They carted her off to the hospital. She’s lucky to be alive. So am I. I walked away.
THINK before you use your cell phone for ANY purpose in your vehicle, fools.
You may now politicize my comments to your liking.
Have at it.
Too obvious. (As ‘Hoo in effect states, obvious+). But….alas the RETB has previously ruled we may not drift into analagous threads.
George, please don’t think I am saying I think you are wrong. I don’t disagree with you, I think that even answering a phone while driving is a distraction, much less reading or sending a text. It is stupid, risky, and possibly life ending. Do not think I am condoning such stupidity. I just don’t think a law will fix it, other than for those who get caught.
As I said in the other thread, we lose freedoms and rights when we abuse them out of proportion. Distracted drivers who cause or have an accident should ALL be held accountable, regardless of the device or reason. I have seen too many people driving distracted by kids, pets, eating, a cigarette, fighting or putting on make-up, to just want to single out the cell phone or texting.
I do listen to the radio, and I use “Bluetooth” to hands free answer an incoming call when I am driving, but I keep the call brief and I do not text (send or receive) while driving. I also use cruise control on the Interstate. All of these things, even texting if truth be told, can be done safely by some people and not by others, that is just a fact of good eye hand coordination, spatial ability and common sense.
I agree with Sandi. I have seen people putting on make up, shaving, combing hair, a little of everything. If this law is passed it should apply to anyone doing anything that distracts them while driving.
“All of these things, even texting if truth be told, can be done safely by some people and not by others, that is just a fact of good eye hand coordination, spatial ability and common sense.”
Last time I checked, everyone on the road thought their driving skills were just fine… not to mention being distraction-free, having 20/20 vision, lightning-fast reflexes and a 5 gallon bucket full of common sense, to boot.
C’Mon, listen to yourself…
#10 – Sorry, Sandi, I meant to say “Progressives”.
Well George, I don’t doubt that at all, but what they think they can do safely and what can actually be done safely might be two very different things. I am not “gifted” with good eye-hand coordination, spatial ability, 20/20 vision, or lightning-fast reflexes, (but I do claim common sense, even if others disagree!). I can, however, recognize that others are so gifted. Not having them makes me notice.
Thanks Michael, that makes all the difference. Geez.
Who want sto take guns away, Sandi? More often than not, it’s some “Progressive”…not a Conservative.
So, yes, it’s appropriate to use a broad brush in this instance.
Naturally, you won’t see it that way, but that’s what makes this such a great country…while it lasts.
Bluetooths, cell phones , radios, shaving, applying make up, anything that takes your attention from the road is dangerous. Yeah, you can get away with it for awhile but it will eventually catch up to you.
I saw a woman sitting at a redlight talking on her cell phone, with her car sticking about 10 feet INTO the intersection. Cross traffic had to swerve a bit to get past her. She was totally oblivious to the problem she was creating.
The best part was her bumper sticker that said, “We Have Enough Youth…How About A Fountain Of Smart?”
Michael, if indeed “More often than not, it’s some “Progressive” wanting to take guns away, they would be gone. That is obviously not the case. There are plenty of Progressives/Liberals who support guns for self defense.
#22 Name them.