Arizona Votes To Ban Texting While Driving

Proponents say the bill would help curb an obvious threat to highway safety while opponents say motorists distracted by texting can and should be ticketed for reckless driving.

The bill would make texting while driving a civil traffic violation punishable by a $50 fine. The fine would rise to $200 if the violator is involved in an accident.

A similar bill failed to emerge from the Senate last year. This year's bill is supported by cell phone and insurance companies, as well as hospital, police and firefighter groups.

At least 20 other states have enacted bans on texting while driving.

Comments

[chuck prebys]

02:40 AM on 03/24/2010

How come being stupid and driving isn't illegal?

[darth geekboy]

10:57 PM on 03/23/2010

this law is pointless. ANY distraction to your driving, even switching channels on your car radio or just looking at a roadside billboard, CAN and have caused accidents in the past.

going after these devices right now is just de rigueur among politicians and the public,

this and ALL other types of distraction that cause accidents should fall under reckless driving violations.

[dmsdzinr]

04:44 PM on 03/23/2010

$50 is NOTHING! I say first offense, license suspension for 6 months to a YEAR!

[cmnsnts]

10:14 AM on 03/24/2010

I agree! most teens can pay a $50 fine and would happily do it to use their phone again. A first time offense should really hurt them both in money and time.

[NWBrunette]

04:21 PM on 03/23/2010

$50? That's not a fine, that's a licensing fee. Sheesh.

[CRMurray]

02:56 PM on 03/23/2010

While these laws are well intentioned here are a few flaws...

1. Is texting defined? If not there will be a huge gaping hole there.
2. How will it be determined that someone was actually texting? (typing on a phone does not automatically equal texting)
3. Just ban distractions altogether(eating, radio, makeup, etc). There are studies that show that these laws don't actually decrease accidents but of course there are those that do.

[Niet]

02:46 PM on 03/23/2010

Good. The dumbest things I've seen drivers do in the past few years hasn't been under the influence of alcohol but rather while texting or chatting on their damn cellphone.

Seriously, put the damn thing down and pay attention to the road or if you absolutely must communicate while driving at least get a hands free phone ffs.

[dmsdzinr]

01:31 PM on 03/23/2010

THIS SHOULD BE a Federal Law!!!! I would also like to see, at a minimum, the complete ban of the use of a Cell Phone by a Driver unless it is totally Hands Free!

[techcafe]

10:57 AM on 03/23/2010

if you are still not convinced that texting and using of handheld devices - while driving - should be banned... take a look at the following:

UK Public Service Announcement
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0LCmStIw9E&fmt=22

[JScott]

10:51 AM on 03/23/2010

Yeah fine but what about hand held cellphone calling, need to ban that too.

Ca. has already done this YAY

Rest of states WTH you waitin for

[beachsandshuffle]

10:34 AM on 03/23/2010

Weak consequence. First violation should result in 30 day suspension of license.

[Talossa]

10:20 AM on 03/23/2010

The world's most obvious law.

[poco767c]

10:11 AM on 03/23/2010

About time.