Put The Phone Down
I just read that Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen has signed a bill into law that will ban reading or sending cell phone text messages while driving. The law, which 20 other states have, will go into effect on July 1. This impacts a tone of people as studies show almost 60 percent of those ages 16 to 19 admit to driving-while-texting, and 49 percent of respondents ages 20 to 29 admit to the dangerous habit.
The offense would be considered a nonmoving traffic violation (which is ironic since you have to be moving) that carries a $50 fine.
It exempts certain officials – such as officers of the state, campus police officers, emergency medical technicians, and pastors – when performing their duties (ok, I made up the pastor part).
Here’s what I want to know…
Is it illegal to text where you are?
Has anyone actually ever received a citation for this?
Will this law keep you from doing it?
Be honest. This isn’t church, but I am a pastor. 
103 Comments:
Answers to your questions:
1. I don’t know.
2. I don’t know.
3. It won’t matter to me; I don’t text.
[Reply]
ttm
5:47 am
@ttm, wow, that’s amazing. How do you communicate with people?
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
6:03 am
I have no idea whether its legal or not but I have been known to read and text while driving.
Of course, I have been known to read billboards, road signs, maps, and other driver’s ‘sign language’ while driving as well.
Tony York’s last blog post..Things that make you say, ‘hmmm’
[Reply]
Tony York
6:09 am
People TEXT while driving?!!! Oh my gosh, it’s worse than I thought. Isn’t it bad enough that we talk on the phone while driving? At least you don’t have to look away from the wheel to talk.
I try not to be on the phone while I’m driving, because I’ve noticed that you can really tell when other drivers do this by the poor way they drive. They weave. They go too slow, then too fast. They don’t notice when the light goes from red to green. More and more, I try only to phone if I desperately need to communicate with one of my kids (those conversations are generally brief), only if it just can’t wait, and then I try to pull over to do it.
I’d like to break the habit entirely, because I honestly think it’s dangerous. I don’t think there are any laws about it yet in Cincinnati, but if there were laws, it would deter me, because I’ve always been a goody-two-shoes, lol!
Jan C.’s last blog post..15!
[Reply]
Jan C.
6:19 am
I know that it is dangerous to text and drive but I don’t know if I can stop doing it. I will probably try, just like I try not to speed (or to get caught). Just being real.
Lindsey Nobles’s last blog post..Legacies You Want to Leave Behind
[Reply]
Lindsey Nobles
6:32 am
It WILL stop me from doing it when the po po is around…other than that, not gonna lie, I pobably will still text…and facebook…and you get the point…
Amber L’s last blog post..Whose Blood?
[Reply]
Amber L
6:47 am
1. don’t know. I’ll have to find out.
2. not that I know of…
3. if it’s the law, yeah.
I don’t usually…I’ll wait till a red light or if I have to respond, pull into a lot or something… I’ve read them while driving tho…
[Reply]
Ronni
6:59 am
@Pete, Smoke signals.
And I can’t do that and drive at the same time…the horses get a little aggravated when I try.
[Reply]
ttm
7:02 am
@TTM,
I totally started thinking about Fred Flinstone after reading your last response. I don’t know why… I just did.
Him and Barney ‘slammin’ on their brakes with there feet digging into the ground. I can just see it, the person in front of them driving recklessly as they take a pterodactyl and etch a ‘text’ in a rock that the same pterodactyl will then carry to the car next to them.
Prehistoric cellular!
Tony York’s last blog post..Things that make you say, ‘hmmm’
[Reply]
Tony York
7:08 am
It’s illegal in San Diego.
My husband paid $174.00 for the ticket.
Do I still do it??
I cannot lie… SURE I do, I. I need to communicate.
Heidi’s last blog post..They Were Willing
[Reply]
Heidi
7:17 am
I guess this means no twittering while driving either, huh? Drat.
I do have a serious question though…. for anyone here…. What do you think the difference is between having a conversation on the phone while driving, and having a conversation with a passenger in the car while driving? Why is it so much more dangerous to talk on the phone? Does your brain work differently when you are trying to converse on the phone, rather than in person?
Marcia Ramirez’s last blog post..getting ready for worship at Crosspoint this morning…..
[Reply]
Marcia Ramirez
7:18 am
I’ve been drilling my police officer husband on this one… how are they going to know I’m texting vs trying to place a call? I’m already looking for loopholes because this is going to cut into my productivity drastically
Jenni Catron’s last blog post..Sunday Highlights
[Reply]
Jenni Catron
7:29 am
Um, how did you get that picture of me? I totally thought I deleted it.
kristiapplesauce’s last blog post..Loving people means you love them
[Reply]
kristiapplesauce
7:30 am
I don’t think they will be able to enforce it. For instance- I have GPS on my phone so if I am using my GPS are they going to think I am using texting and pull me over? How can they tell you are texting and not just doing something else (like Jenni said). And phones are tiny now so as long as you don’t have it out in front of you on the steering wheel, but instead down on your lap couldn’t you just be writing a note or eating or something? And $50? No police officer is going to waste their time on that kind of ticket. I guess the only benefit is if someone is in an accident due to texting they might be held more liable? We are in a time of war and a recession, you would think our legislatures would have something a little more important to think about!
[Reply]
Jessica
7:35 am
It’s been illegal in the Uk for ages now. I heard of one instance where someone was even charged for eating a Chocolate bar whilst they drove!
As with whether I’d do it… erm of course not!
Chris Denham’s last blog post..fullness of christ…
[Reply]
Chris Denham
7:35 am
It’s illegal in CA to use your cell phone while driving.
First offense $20, and $50 for each offense after that.
Do I text? Hahahahahaha! I used to text one-liners to my son wishing him good games just before his football game. 10 words took about 15 minutes for me to text him.
That’s when I felt really, really old. I can’t keep up with texting, and I’m a fast typer, on the computer. LOL!
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[Reply]
Tina Dee
7:48 am
Stupid. One more example of government legislating every aspect of life.
Andy Borgmann’s last blog post..All I am going to say is after biking 15 miles I can see how lance armstong got ball cancer
[Reply]
Andy Borgmann
8:03 am
@Tina Dee, I’m a horrible texter as well. Way slow. It’s just not my spiritual gift.
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
8:09 am
1)Yes
2) Yes
3) I don’t text, but it does affect my cellular phone usage while driving. It is illegal to drive and use a hand held cell phone in Chicago, so I ignore the ringing cell phone until I can pull over somewhere and check to make sure it isn’t an emergency, and I do not hold cell phone conversations while driving, which is a change in my behavior from before the law went into affect.
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[Reply]
Helen
8:20 am
I am HORRIBLE at texting while I drive….but I have mastered driving with my knees : /
I hope this will make me more aware, and hopefully will put my phone down.
[Reply]
Heather
8:24 am
It’s been illegal for quite a few years here (calling and texting), I’ve never had a fine. I just don’t do it. I don’t want a fine but I also just want to keep my attention on the road.
Maybe the difference is also that everyone here (Netherlands) drives stick/manual so I just don’t see how I could be texting/calling while driving, I’m way too busy handling the stick..
[Reply]
anna
8:35 am
Timely post, for us.
Our city (Rock Springs, Wyoming) just put a cell-phone-and-texting ban into effect Saturday – day before yesterday. (Yes, cell phones really do exist way out here – in some places, though when the I-phone came out it couldn’t be used in this state – not a law against it, just no service available.)
2. Not yet – the police announced a 30-day grace period.
3. Doesn’t affect us. Our budget let us choose between a cell phone OR a land line, and since we wanted an Internet hookup (even at super slow speed) we went with the land line. We’ve often wished we had a cell phone in case we got stranded out hiking 50 or 75 miles from the nearest town – we go out there a lot – but it wouldn’t help because, once you’re 5 miles or so out of town, there’s no service.
So none of our family have ever had a cell phone in the car – and, from watching other drivers, we’ve all commented that it looks handy but dangerous – and not really smart.
[Reply]
Pete Ahlstrom
8:42 am
@Anna, you’ve peaked my interest. Why does everyone in the Netherlands drive a stick?
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
8:46 am
Illinois is on its way to ban texting while driving. Passed the Illinois House 2 weeks ago. I believe the city of Chicago has a ban on phoning while driving. If you’ve ever driven in the city, that makes total sense.
I used to think I was pretty responsible with that except last week I just about ran us off the road for texting in a less than opportune situation. Most likely it will stop me from texting while driving. Can’t afford the fine! (Its always about money around here
)
Joni’s last blog post..Sometimes analogies aren’t true
[Reply]
Joni
8:47 am
1. I don’t think so.
2. No
3. Maybe
I read texts all the time while I am driving, its like looking at my caller id on my phone. I have only actually typed out and sent a text at a stop light….sometimes finishing quickly as traffic begins to move. I have texted from a traffic jam before too. When my wife is in the car, I will hand her my phone and have her respond for me. I see people put makeup on in the car all the time though.
I think that I should write a blog post about crazy things that I have done while driving.
Chris W (Churchpunk)’s last blog post..The Current Journey
[Reply]
Chris W (Churchpunk)
8:48 am
the better ? is, where did you find a picture of Paris Hilton texting. OMG she is so my BFF. IDK w i would do w/o her.
brewster’s last blog post..what are you waiting for?
[Reply]
brewster
8:58 am
I am a really good texter/twitterer/facebooker, etc while driving. Will this stop me? I doubt it, I can only hope it deters me. I also can only hope @jennicatron’s husband pulls me over and remembers me from Basketball and gives me a warning.
Little known fact…I am in a commercial where I am texting and driving and I hit the back of a car.
DubHow’s last blog post..View from the wheelbarrow.
[Reply]
DubHow
9:01 am
I completely text while at redlights and stuff….because the world will stop if I don’t respond.
I liked Jenni’s question…how are they gonna know what you are doing?
Fran’s last blog post..Not being a good listener dadgumit!
[Reply]
Fran
9:12 am
Marcia Ramirez, Great questions. I have wondered the same things. Maybe one of Pete’s blog readers is a brain specialist and can fill us all in…
[Reply]
ttm
9:22 am
Pete, I don’t know why! Just preference I guess; more control etc.
(and then, when you pass, you’re not allowed to drive manual)
It’s not just in the Netherlands though, almost everyone in Europe drives a stick (generally speaking, there are exceptions of cource). Driving lessons and tests here are in manual cars, it’s only when you keep failing that they offer you an automatic
In fact, I never even knew about automatics until a few years ago. I’ve never seen one or driven in one. Although I always used to wonder how people in (US) movies were able to drink coffee and drive at the same time… funny.
[Reply]
anna
9:22 am
I know its a law in DC, well its a law to not even talk on the phone with out a handsfree thingy…so when I drive into DC I hold my phone out and put it on speaker…I think that makes me drive worse than not speaking on the phone.
I dont know of anyone who has gotten a ticket for it. I assume my plates are from Virginia so when I am in DC I can let them know I dont have a handsfree bc I live in VA and dont need on there
I would probably still text
[Reply]
Jessica West
9:28 am
I don’t know about the texting but you can’t talk on your cell & drive, unless you have a hands free set up, which doesn’t help THAT much. (I live between NYC & Boston so driving isn’t steller no matter what’s outlawed or not) I don’t know how many people actually get tickets for it but I see more than enough who should. I can’t even be a passenger in a car & talk on my phone without making it way too brief (yeah I’m a backseat driver of sorts).
Sarah’s last blog post..The Future
[Reply]
Sarah
9:33 am
Well, I don’t own a cell phone and I can’t drive… so I think I’m pretty safe.
I’m not sure if it’s a law or not, but you are definitely more likely to get picked up for other reasons [like speeding] if you’re also talking on a cell. I’m getting used to my friends throwing the phone down on the passenger’s seat of the car while talking to me and yelling the conversation until they go by a cop and pick the phone back up.
The funniest one who does it all the time is my best friend… who is married to a state trooper
gitz’s last blog post..Sponsored By Sesame Street (kind of)
[Reply]
gitz
9:34 am
How in the world did we ever survive childhood, adolescence, teenage years, and early adulthood without cell phones, email, blogging, facebook, twittering, and texting?
Are we really that important that we can’t wait to send a message until we aren’t driving? Granted, I’m guilty of it, but, seriously, when did we all get so important that our world will stop if we don’t get a message out driving along I-40? It seems like people have made it through life for years and years before us without it – is it asking so much to focus while behind the wheel?
holly’s last blog post..It’s official!
[Reply]
holly
9:39 am
It’s illegal to talk or text out here in California… but that doesn’t stop every driver here from being THE WORST DRIVERS IN AMERICA. I say “America” because I’ve been overseas and it’s just not pretty.
I can hardly text on my iPhone when I’m sitting in my office chair, let alone my car. So I never even try when I’m driving.
ryan guard’s last blog post..All bark and no bite
[Reply]
ryan guard
9:48 am
i dont know if it is illegal to text while driving. i just assumed it was, even though i’ve done that a few times.
last week i had a dream that we were texting while driving and got in a seriously terrible accident. so now i have a strict no text-driving policy.
daniellehodgson’s last blog post..you know it’s rough when…
[Reply]
daniellehodgson
10:18 am
@ Tony York: Your comment cracked me up…and caused me to dash off to Wikipedia to remember more about the Flintstones. Man, there are some amazing factoids out there about that show–sponsored by Winston cigarettes in the beginning, first American program to depict a husband and wife sleeping in the same bed, first American show to address the issue of infertility, the controversy about Wilma’s maiden name (Hmmmm….wonder why she needed an alias?) Who knew?
My favorite scenes were the fast-feet driving escapdes (along with The Great Gazoo, who supposedly single-handedly ruined the show). Anyway, thanks for bringing back some great Saturday morning memories…
[Reply]
ttm
10:21 am
I’m 27 and I don’t text (I know, GASP!). There are still other ways to communicate. I think texting-while-driving is just another part of our culture of busyness.
Slow down, people! Use the time to pray, listen to music, or think. We don’t HAVE to be doing something else while driving. Not to mention, I think I would feel fairly guilty if I harmed or even killed someone because I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.
Vanderbilt Wife’s last blog post..Menu Plan Monday
[Reply]
Vanderbilt Wife
11:21 am
No
Not that I know of
No- Just hearing about those teenagers who died a couple of yrs ago from texting & driving was enough for me.
Besides, I have to set the example of cell phone use while driving. I don’t want them texting or talking on the cell phone while driving.
Pokinatcha’s last blog post..Showing off some of the kids!
[Reply]
Pokinatcha
11:57 am
i don’t text while driving… but it’s only because i don’t currently have a phone. i will say that i try to text mainly while at stop lights and when traffic is stopped. that’s usually the reason i have my phone off… so i don’t realize i’ve received a new message.
brandiandboys’s last blog post..Just Around The Corner
[Reply]
brandiandboys
12:01 pm
It’s not illegal in Texas right now, but probably will be soon. There’s legislation being considered right now. Well, okay. So “soon” might be a little hasty to say.
I have some friends in places where they can’t even talk on the phone while driving. (DC is one) but I haven’t heard of any citations.
I talk and the phone while driving all the time. It’s where I do all my talking. I text pretty regularly, too. In all honestly, the law won’t stop me from doing it.
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[Reply]
Alyssa
12:03 pm
This is what I love about living in a big city that has more public transportation than regular cars. I can text as much as I want on the bus or sherrut. In Israel, it is illegal to talk or text on the phone while driving. I don’t know how often or if it is ever actually put into effect…I’ve never seen it.
My favorite thing to see though is with all the motos. There are more motocycles/vespas driven in TA than cars due to traffic/parking. What they do is shove their cell phone inside their helmets so they can talk while they are driving. Since its “hands free” its allowed. Its super funny to see though…all the cells sticking out of their helmets at the bottom!
Maureen’s last blog post..My lost ring
[Reply]
Maureen
12:15 pm
It’s been illegal to use your phone while driving (unless you are using hands free) for a few years now in Scotland.
And it does stop most people.
I have known people to have been pulled over by the police for using their mobiles.
And too flippin’ right in my opinion. Seen near crashes from people texting or lighting cigarettes (or even tying their ties!!) while driving. And heard of many too.
If it’s a really important call or urgent text, it only takes a minute to find a safe place to pull over.
Brunettekoala’s last blog post..Cette Semaine
[Reply]
Brunettekoala
12:21 pm
It’s illegal in the UK. As is talking on a mobile phone (what we call cell phones) without a hands free kit.
I’ve not had any of my friends/family fined but you read/hear about it all the time.
Carolyn’s last blog post..I think I need a miracle.
[Reply]
Carolyn
12:28 pm
If I ever get twitter on my blackberry, I will even more of a hazard than I already am. (And that’s a pretty big hazard, in case you’re wondering.)
katdish’s last blog post..How to Take a Punch (by Billy Coffey)
[Reply]
katdish
12:46 pm
@Jessica: Remember, these are the same people who were seriously trying to pass a “pull up your pants” law!
[Reply]
Aaron
12:48 pm
It is illegal to use a cell phone while operating a vehicle in Nova Scotia unless it is handsfree. And oh yes they have given out many tickets – and it costs over $150 per offense. I think it will be around for a long time here. They never seem to repeal laws no matter how outdated they get.
paul’s last blog post..Worship confessional May 31-09
[Reply]
paul
12:53 pm
Pete, As people from Cali have already told you, we have a hands free law here. It applies to talking or texting while driving. What I don’t think most people realize is that this is not only supposed to apply to cellies but also to doing anything like putting on your makeup-not you Pete(at least I hope not)-shaving or eating while driving.
[Reply]
Kels
1:01 pm
Oh I forgot to tell you, last year, here in Redding, CA, there was a lady reaching behind her to get her baby’s bottle. She inadvertantly veered right into the bike lane. She hit a lady riding her bike. The lady died instantly. I knew this lady. She was a member of my church. They want you to pull over to do stuff like that.
[Reply]
Kels
1:06 pm
1. Yeah, like others have already said, it’s illegal here in California.
2. I don’t know anyone who has received a citation for it yet.
3. I don’t text while driving because it takes my complete concentration. I couldn’t even do it while walking through the mall. I had to walk over to the side and give it my full attention. I’m not even sure I can text and chew gum at the same time.
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[Reply]
Brenda
1:10 pm
@Aaron, now that is funny!
pete wilson’s last blog post..Put The Phone Down
[Reply]
pete wilson
1:13 pm
Not gonna lie – I totally text/tweet from my car, although I do make a point of doing it while waiting at a red light.
I remember reading that something like 60% of accidents involving 18-25yrs old, were caused by talking/texting while driving.
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[Reply]
Angel Castaneda
1:29 pm
How many times have you seen someone swerve or not accelerate when a light turns green only to see them with a blasted phone in their hand? I think talking on a cell is like buzzed driving; texting on a cell is like drunk driving.
Bottom line, it’s not safe because your attention is focuses on something other than the road. My kids know they are not to answer the phone and certainly not text while driving or they lose their phone (well, only one is driving but I’ll have a another teen on the road in a few weeks–YIKES!).
That being said, I do talk on my cell and I have sent texts while in motion…I’M A FREAKIN’ HYPOCRITE! But, because my kids are watching me? I’m rethinking EVERYTHING like that–my speed, road rage…and especially cell phone use.
It’s a shame we can’t regulate or restrain ourselves, that a law “needs” to be inacted, ya know?
Robin ~ PENSIEVE’s last blog post.."Danger? Hah! I walk on the wild side…"
[Reply]
Robin ~ PENSIEVE
1:30 pm
I am guilty of it but recently have had a couple of situations that rattled me a bit. It was not me that was drifting over into another lane but an oncoming driver who I could see was holding his phone up and was texting with two hands!!!
Though it will affect me I am down with them making it a law. The other thing is I am a cyclist and a long distance longboarder and I don’t want to get hit by someone who is Tweeting!! LOL
[Reply]
Marion Karr
1:31 pm
i do the same as your wife. text, twitter really, when ive stopped. brent on the other hand…doesnt matter. that boy will tweets everywhere. bad dog.
anyway…i think it is dangerous. it isnt illegal here, yet, but im sure it will be soon. someone mentioned here that they read billboards, traffic signs, maps…whats the difference between that and texting? interesting.
and pete, i would discourage you from texting. i mean, can you even see above the steering wheel?
what.
i love ya!
tam’s last blog post..Chaos Theory
[Reply]
tam
1:32 pm
We’ve had several car wrecks around these parts due to people on cell phone! I try to pull over… Of course, if I even remotely think about texting/driving or reading/driving – any one of my four accountability peeps jump my case! Husband and 3 sons are on it like summer time calls for lemonade and water!
cameyg’s last blog post..Revealing Gifts!
[Reply]
cameyg
1:33 pm
1. No
2. No
3. Yes
I think texting while driving is one of the most selfish things a person can do while driving. There is nothing more important than keeping your eyes and mind locked on the road and what you are doing behind the wheel. Most people will never be in a situation where they’ll cause a wreck or take a life as a result of texting… but why take the risk? There is nothing important enough on a cell phone that could justify causing a wreck and taking a life because of a preventable distraction.
When I am riding with someone who texts while driving, I will asked them to let me answer for them.
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[Reply]
Crystal Renaud
1:34 pm
Yes it is illegal here in California
No, I have never been “caught” – yet…and don’t know anyone who has.
I will say that the law has caused me to do it less…but I still do it on occasion, but mostly while sitting in traffic or at a stop light. I have a blackberry so its easier for me to text…
Tina’s last blog post..Desires of My Heart
[Reply]
Tina
1:34 pm
Hmmm….don’t know for the first two questions and if it becomes a law in NC, then I’ll have to hire a personal assistant or find a boyfriend…
[Reply]
greatgibbs
1:36 pm
Ya know…to text for me while I drive. I don’t like to text and drive since I have two touch screen phones and I’m trying to break that habit.
[Reply]
greatgibbs
1:37 pm
It’s not illegal in Texas, I don’t know of anyone who has received a ticket…and if they make it a law, I’m not gonna lie…I would still do it.
but safely of course. It’s probably more dangerous when I crank up the music and dance while driving…is that illegal?
[Reply]
Rachel Durban
1:39 pm
Yes talking on your phone or texting while driving is a secondary offense in WA… they have to pull you over for something else and then you get a fine if you are caught with the phone.
I try not to get caught, ’cause I’m usually speeding too. Those tickets get pricey after a while!
I talk on the phone ALL THE TIME while driving, and don’t use a hands free b/c they both died on me. It’s such a huge waste of time to just drive, and I can get so much done if I multi-task
As for texting, I have a QWERTY keyboard on my phone, so I occasionally do, but just at lights or while sitting in traffic. I drive a stick also, so I *can* text and drive, but add that I’m only 5’2″ and driving w/ my knees gets a little more difficult (esp. when shifting)
[Reply]
Jennifer
1:40 pm
1. Not yet
2. Not that I know of
3. No
Interesting that EMTs will be able to text. Like while driving an emergency vehicle at 80 mph? I don’t text unless I’m at a red light, or on the 4 lane with the steering wheel safely between my knees.
And Brandi wants an iPhone, just in case you missed that.
Candy’s last blog post..Buddy the Dog or "What’s for Lunch?"
[Reply]
Candy
1:46 pm
1. Yes. In CA it’s illegal to talk holding the phone to your head. Bluetooth or plug-in earpiece/microphone only. Somehow that’s less distracting (?!) Six months later the no texting law went into effect. Both were last year.
2. Are you kidding!? This state has no money! People get tickets for both ALL THE TIME!
3. I tried to text and drive once. When I realized how far I’d travelled with my eyes not on the road it scared.me.to.death! That was before the law was passed, so the law really didn’t have anything to do with me not doing it anymore.
I have no idea how effective the laws are though…I still see people talking with the phone in their hand or texting every day. Jus thooping not to get caught. But it’s over $200 if you do. Apparently that’s not much of a deterrent.
Christine’s last blog post..Miss Amy…In the Kitchen…With the Scissors
[Reply]
Christine
1:46 pm
If the following is true, you won’t have to worry about tweeting while driving:
“Your voice messages will be converted into text and sent to all of your Twitter followers.”
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10207406-48.html?tag=mncol;title
@Jenni
I don’t think your husband will have to abide if he is an officer: http://kl.am/tkU
~Cheryl
[Reply]
Cheryl Bak
1:47 pm
Yes, it’s illegal to both text or talk on your phone (without a headset)
I’ve never gotten a citation (I don’t do it) but a friend recently got a ticket for talking on her phone.
Knowing that they actually *do* stop people keeps me from doing it, except when it’s an emergency.
[Reply]
Chere
1:48 pm
Sorry, edit: you won’t have to worry if you have On*Star
~@FruitySpirit9
[Reply]
Cheryl Bak
1:48 pm
based on the above comments, i am never driving again. you might hit me because you’re too busy texting, twittering, whatever, to drive!
how they really plan to enforce it, though, is a mystery…
[Reply]
krista
2:00 pm
I don’t text while driving. Already seen too many accidents that have been a result. 7 Pounds (Will Smith Movie) is a great example of the phenom when Hollywood pulls it into a movie plot.
I do text while at stop lights but put it down as soon as the light turns green. I also try to use an ear piece as much as possible when on the cell in the car when actually talking on the phone + use voice dialing to dial #’s rather than typing them in.
Just not worth it to be distracted. We create our own sense of false urgency with cell and text these days, in my opinion.
Not to sound mean but my cell phone and texting if for my convenience, not everyone else’s.
I agree with outlawing texting while driving and think the offense should carry more penalty to actually deter people from it.
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Daniel Decker
2:11 pm
As a plaintiff’s attorney, one of the first things I do when I have a client injured in a car wreck is subpeona the defendant’s cell phone records. I can’t tell if they are reading a text, but rest assured if they are talking on the phone or have just sent a taxt (of a flurry of texts) my client’s case will jump in value.
Jeremy Nelson’s last blog post..What Are You Looking For?
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Jeremy Nelson
2:11 pm
I love the Idea of this its great, and It will save thousands of lives. Even though I am young and love to text I would never endager other people on the road or in my own car.
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Carly Clark
2:16 pm
@Brenda-don’t feel bad, I can not chew gum and walk at the same time. One second taking my eyes off of the path in front of me and I fall-honest.
@Pete, there may be a sermon in there for you!
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Kels
2:16 pm
Text while driving…hmmm YES! Let’s see, other things I’ve done while driving:
-eat
-read a book
-pluck my eyebrows
Ok I’ll stop there. But in my defense, I had a wreck bc I fell asleep driving so its much safer for me to keep busy than to sit there and drift off to dreams. HA HA
Disclaimer: None of this is really funny and you shouldn’t try it. I am trying to cut back on the texting while driving thing but I don’t know if I could give up talking on the phone while driving. There aren’t enough hours in the day so I have to get my “catching up” done while in the car.
Megan’s last blog post..Yancey en Panama
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Megan
2:35 pm
It isn’t illegal here in Maine. I’m not sure you can/should regulate common sense. I was never a big texter and still aren’t if comparing to what the 20year olds and younger are. But I use it regularly and is incredibly handy. Mostly I use it to stay in contact and keep lines of communication open with my younger Godsons and nephews both close and far away. But while driving?? I’m a bad enough driver as it is.
Shannon’s last blog post..May
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Shannon
2:50 pm
1. illegal in Alaska
2. don’t know of anyone personally.
3. I use a voice to txt app when I’m in the car. But this is just another stupid law like not being able to sell Ice Cream on Sunday’s after 6pm in New Jersey. (true story look it up!) It’s not enforceable and wastes our tax money that could be used on more important matters.
Thad white’s last blog post..These Are The Days of Our Lives
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Thad white
2:56 pm
Driving is so boring if you aren’t multi-tasking, right?
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brian
3:23 pm
I don’t know if it’s illegal here… I’ve never heard of an actual citation. I do like to text when I’m driving–not a ton, probably max 3 per hour, when the highway is flat and straight and I’m not around other cars. But I’ve gotta keep in touch with people somehow, and it seems easier than calling, particularly because it’s easier to stop a text in the middle of writing than a conversation in the middle of talking in case something comes up that needs my full driving attention. (Wow, I didn’t mean to write that long of a comment!)
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Krista
3:41 pm
it’s entirely possible that I just commented on this post while driving. Not sure if it’s legal or not but I should probably stop doing it if I want to stay married.
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Josh Surratt
3:47 pm
@Josh, hilarious!
@Tam, you haven’t commented in like a month and you took that cheap shot. You should be ashamed!
@Jeremy Nelson, oh holy cow. I didn’t even know you guys could do that!
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pete wilson
3:58 pm
It is illegal here, and a relatively new law. I never could text while I was driving anyway (at least when the car is moving) so this law isn’t the only thing stopping me.
That said, I do still talk on the phone while driving, but only on speaker when I’m on city streets. If I’m on the freeway though (and am more likely to spot a cop before he spots me) I do use the handheld. Just too lazy to learn how to hook up the bluetooth!
Melody’s last blog post..Asthma is yummy.
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Melody
4:06 pm
I have no idea if it’s illegal here but I would be in trouble if it was.
Although if you get a text from me while I’m driving it’s much more likely to have misspelled words as I don’t actually look at the screen while texting. That has to be safer than actually looking at the screen right?
Whitney’s last blog post..Why me…
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Whitney
4:25 pm
No, I will do it safely as I can for “big deal” emails and emergencies. Afterall, I am an “official” human being, so I guess I am exempt. I believe it is a shame that people have been killed in accidents where texting was involved. Watch “Seven Pound” w/ Will Smith. However, pretty soon you will not be able to go outside on your front porch without breaking a law.
“That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends (Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness), it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government,….” -Thomas Jefferson
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Jody
6:03 pm
Im with my sister @jennicatron on this. Loop Hole Loop Hole i will find it!!! I text/tweet more then I talk on the phone. Lets be honest. Its like the seatbelt law You can get that thing on before they get to your car if your good. They cant prove you had it on or not.
Jessica Esch’s last blog post..Redeeming Love
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Jessica Esch
6:17 pm
I’m not sure if it’s illegal where I’m at. If it isn’t I wish it were.
I cannot stand when others text and drive, and I don’t do it myself. The roads are dangerous enough…why give yourself another reason not to pay attention?
I’m fortunate, though, as my Focus is equipped with Sync and actually reads my text messages to me. If I have to respond, I wait for stop lights, or just wait until I reach my destination.
I think I’m in the minority here…
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Erin
7:00 pm
Love this law Pete…and I have been guilty of it myself.
I have completely stopped doing it though…just realized it is so dangerous.
joseph’s last blog post..back to the PNW- day 3
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joseph
9:02 pm
It’s illegal. A couple years ago, a woman was killed very near where I live when she was hit by another woman who was text messaging….the texter got 6 years in prison.
Woman sent to prison
Annie’s last blog post..These times, they are a’tryin’
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Annie
9:17 pm
I too only text when I am at a stop light. If I am with others and get a text, I will ask them to answer for me. I have a blue-tooth, and Pete, my really cool red Mini, is set up with blue-tooth, so it all comes through the speakers. I have to stick with the rules, as I will have a 15 year old 9 days! She will be getting her permit on the 11th. I will have strict rules for her. No texting and I will provide a blue-tooth, she can be hands free, so she’ll have both hands on the wheel. Are there ways to keep up with teens and all that fun texting/talking on the phone while driving? Nervousness setting in…pray for me! LOL
I also agree with Marcia, what is the difference btw talking to another in the car and talking on the phone, especially if it is through a blue-tooth?
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Lorrie Harden
9:39 pm
anyone watch 7 Pounds? I’m sooooo guilty of texting/reading while driving. It needs to stop, but it’s so hard…is this an addiction? (GULP)
Brian’s last blog post..Summertime Goals Part 2: SPIRITUAL (if there is such a thing)
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Brian
9:46 pm
I don’t think it’s a law in GA but it probably should be…did you see 7 pounds???
oh my holy cow a person could end up with no kidney,bone marrow, eyes or heart if he texts while driving.
Robin’s last blog post..Summer Shrimp and Blue Cheese Dip!
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Robin
9:48 pm
p.s. the iPhone needs a new app where you can speak a message and it sends it as an instant text message. There are already Google voice search engines for the iPhone, why not turn it into a texting tool that could be used hands free? Any takers?
Brian’s last blog post..Summertime Goals Part 2: SPIRITUAL (if there is such a thing)
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Brian
9:49 pm
It is still legal to text while driving in FL. A bill was intro’d to ban it in 2008 & again a couple of months ago after a group of teenagers died in a NY accident that was linked to the driver texting, but I doubt it will pass. For heaven’s sake, motorcyclists don’t have to wear helmets down here! As for whether I text or not; I used to. Now I either pull over or wait until I get to my destination. Nothing is THAT important.
ginger’s last blog post..In control? Not so much…
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ginger
10:29 pm
1. yes
2. yes – fines up to $1000, I know of one at $478
3. yes – though I like having a passenger who can help. Otherwise, only at the lights…
David (@dg4G)’s last blog post..Tongues
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David (@dg4G)
10:54 pm
@Brian, I agree. That would be such a cool app.
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Pete Wilson
4:50 am
In CT you get fined $200 first offense (I think) for not using a hands free device with our cell phone while driving..eek! So I imagine texting would be included…..
I don’t have texting….(I know I know) but I will admit that I toss my cell phone on the seat whenever I see Johnny Law!
*~Michelle~*’s last blog post..Pah-lease tell me this is a joke…..
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*~Michelle~*
6:24 am
1. Not sure if it’s the law, but I do not think so
2. I’ve never heard of anyone being cited for it where I live.
3. I don’t text, but I read emails on my iphone, and I need to stop, and yes I would obbey the law.
Thanks for the reminder. I think I needed to hear this today.
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Emily Rowe
10:49 am
Did they say anything about when you are flying? Seriously this is good to make the roads safer. I will have to change my habits.
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lance
11:14 am
I think it’s definitely illegal in the UK. I know of cases where people have been ticketed for eating too. (Imagine that happening in the US!)
I think it is a good law b/c honestly it can be distracting to be on the phone and texting someone (looking at the phone) can’t be good! It actually scares me to read how many people text while driving. Please let me know where you all live so I stay off the roads there!
Jessica’s last blog post..design dilemma
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Jessica
12:55 pm
I live in Tennessee so the law affects me. I don’t text while driving anyway, but I have been guilty of viewing a received text and then responding at a traffic red light. Or, I give the phone to a passenger and tell them what to text back. I don’t see how they are going to really enforce this, but I think it’s a good law.
Amy Hass’s last blog post..Prepay Or A Contract: What’s Your Plan?
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Amy Hass
3:39 pm
It’s been illegal in Australia for as long as I can remember. Yet another one of those things where commonsense needs a law to try and make the dummies use it.
That being said, I will *sometimes* answer my phone while driving if it’s my husband, but it’s usually to say “I’m driving, is it important?” I don’t text while driving though, as that’s just stupid.
Jen’s last blog post..
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Jen
4:43 pm
@pete
nope.
im just ashamed i didnt word it better.
tam’s last blog post..i dont play around
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tam
4:59 pm
This type of regulation is one of the thousands of examples of the government overstepping its proper role in society by trying to micromanage human behavior with arbitrary and unnecessary legislation.
- There are already law(s) against careless driving, which cover this and any other type of behavior that can cause careless driving as the officer sees fit (e.g. he sees you swerving due to texting or not paying attention due to texting, etc..)
- The specification for “texting” is absurd. What about reading the news, what about posting to a blog, what about sending an email, what about checking the weather, or stocks, etc… on your phone?
- Many/most people are horrible drivers not because of cell phones or moderate alcohol consumption or anything else that can be externally flagged and outlawed. They are horrible drivers because they are innately irresponsible and easily distracted. What’s next, banning the occupants of the car from telling jokes so as to avoid the dangers of driver laughter? Give me a break.
Our country is being destroyed inch by inch by politicians who dream stuff like this up, all under the false premise of putting safety/people first.
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Tom
8:05 pm
you can’t really enforce these laws nobody is seriously going to stop texting. I found this video that has more about the Tenn. law as well as other laws like it across the country: http://www.newsy.com/videos/texting_and_driving_your_right_or_a_new_way_to_crash
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Rosa
7:49 am
1. I believe it is illegal, but not positive.
2. I’ve not received one.
3. It wouldn’t deter me, the irony is that the girl whom I like got on my about texting while driving and I have all but stopped it.
I have no idea if growing up in the tech age makes it easier for me to integrate it into my life, but texting while driving really isn’t difficult at all for me. I’m a very quick texter and my car is a stick. I used to on a regular basis drive stick and text at the same time, shifting with the phone still in my hand(knowing the sound of the engine and when I needed to shift helps alot). I don’t look away from the road and type out a whole message, I type one word at a time without looking, check the spelling and repeat. I’ve never come close to having an accident due to texting and driving, speeding isn’t much of an issue either. Who knows, thats just my view. I don’t remember the last time I texted while driving and thats not a bad thing.
ZacharyThomas’s last blog post..Muzic
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ZacharyThomas
9:11 pm