State of Virginia: Driving: Texting

[CarMike]

LINK (http://www.godanriver.com/gdr/news/local/danville_news/article/motorists_face_20_fine_for_texting_while_driving_w hen_ban_takes_effect_wedn/12131/)

Motorists face $20 fine for texting while driving when ban takes effect Wednesday

By SUSAN ELZEY
Special to the Register & Bee
Published: June 27, 2009

Hands on the wheel, not the cell phone. In an effort to cut down on distracted driving, the Virginia General Assembly has made it unlawful to either text or e-mail while driving after Wednesday.

Motorists who do so will be violating the law and will face a $20 fine for the first offense and $50 for a second.

There are several exceptions to the law, including emergency vehicle drivers, drivers reporting an emergency or drivers who are parked, according to a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles news release.

Texting or e-mailing while driving will be a secondary offense, meaning that a law enforcement officer must have stopped or arrested the offending driver for another reason.

Several Danville Communi-ty College students interviewed Friday think the law is a good one.

“I think it’s a good idea because I have friends who text when I am in the car and they aren’t paying attention,” Erin Newton, 20, said. “I call when I’m in the car but don’t text — I’m not coordinated enough.”

She didn’t even have texting on her phone anymore after she racked up a high texting bill and her parents took it off her phone.

Leigh Anne Keatts, 22, has texting on her phone, but doesn’t text while driving.

“Texting while driving is dangerous because you have to look down,” she said. “I usually have the radio on and don’t even hear when I get a text.”

Thoughts?

[Ibleedburgundy]

$20? What is this, 1943?

[shally]

LINK (http://www.godanriver.com/gdr/news/local/danville_news/article/motorists_face_20_fine_for_texting_while_driving_w hen_ban_takes_effect_wedn/12131/)

Motorists face $20 fine for texting while driving when ban takes effect Wednesday



Thoughts?

it doesnt work unless the police give it a high priority in terms of enforcement.. here in central washington, at least 10 % of drivers are either texting or holding up cell phones as they drive.. it is illegal and can get you a 100 dollar fine.. the police dont even bother..

at least once a week either my wife or i have a near miss because someone is driving distracted and is clueless as to where they are going.
ridiculous...

[dj_stouty]

The law is great...the fine isn't enough. But as is, I still think it will curb driving & texting a bit.

[SpicyMcHaggis]

20 bucks? LMAO

They can revoke your license over here if they catch you texting while driving.


Edit: Wait, hold on a minute..I re-read the article more carefully, and I Can't believe this...it was LEGAL to text while driving before this law? Seriously?

[shally]

The law is great...the fine isn't enough. But as is, I still think it will curb driving & texting a bit.

i doubt it, unless police really go after people

20 bucks? LMAO

They can revoke your license over here if they catch you texting while driving.

now, THERE is an enlightened DMV.. that is what is necessary.
. first offense 100 bucks.. second offense 1000 bucks.. third offense suspension for a year.
that would do it...

[shally]

20 bucks? LMAO

They can revoke your license over here if they catch you texting while driving.


Edit: Wait, hold on a minute..I re-read the article more carefully, and I Can't believe this...it was LEGAL to text while driving before this law? Seriously?

i am totally outraged by this..how can ANYONE think it is their right to do this ??

[SpicyMcHaggis]

i am totally outraged by this..how can ANYONE think it is their right to do this ??

Unbelievable. Who the hell made the previous law? "Sure drivers, go ahead and whire text messages while driving, what could possibly go wrong?"

[dj_stouty]

Unbelievable. Who the hell made the previous law? "Sure drivers, go ahead and whire text messages while driving, what could possibly go wrong?"

I dont' believe there was any existing law pertaining to texting; which is why they had to make one.

[SpicyMcHaggis]

I dont' believe there was any existing law pertaining to texting; which is why they had to make one.

Well, it sure took them a while...when did text messaging start? 10 years ago?

[dj_stouty]

Well, it sure took them a while...when did text messaging start? 10 years ago?

This is one of those cases where enough car fatalities happened due to texting where they put it in law. I agree its too late.

Some states don't let you talk on your phone while driving. Some do...

And quite frankly, I'm often distracted by my GPS; so hopefully they don't outlaw those as well!

[SpicyMcHaggis]

This is one of those cases where enough car fatalities happened due to texting where they put it in law. I agree its too late.

Some states don't let you talk on your phone while driving. Some do...

And quite frankly, I'm often distracted by my GPS; so hopefully they don't outlaw those as well!

With some kind of headphone or just holding the cell with your hands? Because over here the first is allowed, but the second isn't.

And I can agree that the GPS can be distracting, but at least it serves a purpose that is linked to the reason you are driving in the first place...meaning you have to get somewhere.

[dj_stouty]

With some kind of headphone or just holding the cell with your hands? Because over here the first is allowed, but the second isn't.

And I can agree that the GPS can be distracting, but at least it serves a purpose that is linked to the reason you are driving in the first place...meaning you have to get somewhere.

In VA, both (handheld and hands-free) are allowed...but places like DC and MD (I believe) you need hands-free devices.

[CarMike]

A few weeks ago I'm coming back from my wifes school helping her move out for the summer. I'm in the fast lane going about 60 MPH. [speed limit 55 through the city] Seems like in no time I'm right on the bumper of teenage girl in front of me. No one is in the right lane for a few hundred yards. I expect her to get over so I can go on. Nope. Doesn't even look up. So I pass her on the right. Look over and she's driving with her knees while texting. I couldn't believe it.

I don't think there's any laws in NC against texting or using a cell phone. Could be wrong though since I don't own a cell phone.

[SpicyMcHaggis]

A few weeks ago I'm coming back from my wifes school helping her move out for the summer. I'm in the fast lane going about 60 MPH. [speed limit 55 through the city] Seems like in no time I'm right on the bumper of teenage girl in front of me. No one is in the right lane for a few hundred yards. I expect her to get over so I can go on. Nope. Doesn't even look up. So I pass her on the right. Look over and she's driving with her knees while texting. I couldn't believe it.

I don't think there's any laws in NC against texting or using a cell phone. Could be wrong though since I don't own a cell phone.
I don't understand any law that allows you to do something with your hands while driving other than holding the steering wheel. The correct driving position is with two hands on the wheel, and you shoul dbe concentrated on the road at all times. Now, naturally not everyone drives with both hands on the wheel (I usually keep one hand on the clutch for example), but the law should obligate you to do so.

[MONK_in_HOF]

$20? What is this, 1943?

Seriously. Awesome deterrent. :rolleyes: Should be much higher, but at least it is a start. Now will it be enforced?

Edit: I think points should be given to offenders.

[CarMike]

I don't understand any law that allows you to do something with your hands while driving other than holding the steering wheel. The correct driving position is with two hands on the wheel, and you shoul dbe concentrated on the road at all times. Now, naturally not everyone drives with both hands on the wheel (I usually keep one hand on the clutch for example), but the law should obligate you to do so.
Couldn't agree more.
Seriously. Awesome deterrent. :rolleyes: Should be much higher, but at least it is a start. Now will it be enforced?

The part that got me was that they can't pull over for texting. They have to witness you doing something else first. Then they can write you a ticket for texting while driving.

IMO, they should start out at $50 dollars [or more] instead of your second offense being $50 dollars.

[SpicyMcHaggis]

Seriously. Awesome deterrent. :rolleyes: Should be much higher, but at least it is a start. Now will it be enforced?

Edit: I think points should be given to offenders.
We have a point-based system over here.

Everyone starts out with 20 points on their license, and loses 2, 5, 10, or 20 points according to the infraction that was committed (and if you don't lose points for 2 years you get a 2 point bonus, which is why I should be at 22 or 24 right now). When you get to 0 your license is revoked.
Speaking on your cell phone should be 5 points if I'm not mistaken, and texting I think is 10.

[MONK_in_HOF]

20 bucks? LMAO

They can revoke your license over here if they catch you texting while driving.


Edit: Wait, hold on a minute..I re-read the article more carefully, and I Can't believe this...it was LEGAL to text while driving before this law? Seriously?

We have a point-based system over here.

Everyone starts out with 20 points on their license, and loses 2, 5, 10, or 20 points according to the infraction that was committed (and if you don't lose points for 2 years you get a 2 point bonus, which is why I should be at 22 or 24 right now). When you get to 0 your license is revoked.
Speaking on your cell phone should be 5 points if I'm not mistaken, and texting I think is 10.

So that is why all the Italians were pulling over to talk/yell on their cell phones. We have a point system too. But it doesn't apply to enough infractions IMO.

Edit: My commute from MD to DC over the years has left me with many driving pet peeves and a bit of road rage as I see the same stupidity happen on a daily basis with no repercussions. So many people do everything but concentrate on the road.

[dj_stouty]

Couldn't agree more.


The part that got me was that they can't pull over for texting. They have to witness you doing something else first. Then they can write you a ticket for texting while driving.

IMO, they should start out at $50 dollars [or more] instead of your second offense being $50 dollars.

If I recall...many seatbelt laws are written the same way. You can only get a ticket for not wearing a belt if you are pulled over for a separate infraction. Sounds stupid to me...especially when most smart offenders will quickly buckle up before the Officer reaches the car.

[BurgundyNGold]

I'll be interested to see how they can enforce this. How do you know if someone is texting? If you pick up your phone while it's ringing and thumb it a couple of times to roll the call over, can that construed as "texting"?

They should starting with banning sexting while driving. Easier to spot.

[JasonCampbell]

I've considered making a sign and putting it on my passenger's seat that reads "YOU SUCK AT DRIVING WHILE USING A PHONE, JUST SO YOU KNOW" and holding it up as I pass these schmucks.

People that do this show blatant disregard for the safety of themselves, their passengers, and other motorists. If I am ever in an accident where a cell phone is involved, I'll probably get arrested for trying to jam my cell phone down their throat.

[MONK_in_HOF]

I'll be interested to see how they can enforce this. How do you know if someone is texting? If you pick up your phone while it's ringing and thumb it a couple of times to roll the call over, can that construed as "texting"?

They should starting with banning sexting while driving. Easier to spot.

That is the big question for me. I don't think they will enforce it. Only once have I seen someone pulled over for not using handsfree in DC since the law went into effect. Kind of hard to believe considering every 4th or 5th person I pass has a cell in their hand.

If talking w/out handsfree isn't enforced, which is clearly visible, then I doubt they will enforce the texting law, which as you say, really can be harder to distinguish. I have hardly ever seen HOV enforced either.

Your point about answering led me to wonder if the handsfree law states you can't touch your phone at all, even to answer and must have an earpiece capable of doing so??

[BurgundyNGold]

I've considered making a sign and putting it on my passenger's seat that reads "YOU SUCK AT DRIVING WHILE USING A PHONE, JUST SO YOU KNOW" and holding it up as I pass these schmucks.

People that do this show blatant disregard for the safety of themselves, their passengers, and other motorists. If I am ever in an accident where a cell phone is involved, I'll probably get arrested for trying to jam my cell phone down their throat.
People suck at driving period. And those that don;t suck per se seem to think that they are the only person on the road, doing 45 in the left lane, taking lefts from the right lane, not signalling, hitting their brakes for no reason at all -- you name it.

There really should be an IQ test for drivers. If I have to get retested to fly a plane every 2 years, why the hell shouldn't I be retested to drive a car in traffic at least every 5?

Aside from the common sense things (like don't get behind buses, trucks, out of state plates, etc) here are some things to help you avoid problems on the road before they happen:

1) Taxi's cannot drive. Never, ever feel sorry about cutting them off, they don't think about it at all when they do it for you.

2) Minivans are the scourge of the road. There are a million of them out there and they're usually filled with kids that are distracting the driver. If coming up on 2 cars on the road or a light, all things being equal, choose the lane without the minivan.

3) Volvo drivers are deficient. This one is actually based on some psychology. Why would anyone buy a Volvo over another car? Well, what do they market? Safety. That's been their shtick for 30 years. So, if someone buys a Volvo, it's safe to assume that safety was a predetermining factor, if not the predominant factor in buying that car. Odds are they are overly defensive drivers which, much like an old person with a shopping cart, leave havoc in their wake. They might never get into an accident, but they sure leave them in their rear view. Meanwhile, they just putt along like oblivious retards. Avoid them at all costs.

4) Toyota Corolla, usually older ones, seem to be the reigning choice of the recently immigrated. The recently immigrated cannot drive. Also, since it is such a popular, affordable car, and assuming they're not driving a beat up, 15 year old truck really slowly, this is also the choice for the recently *illiegally* immigrated. Illegals don't want to get deported, so they avoid the police. No better way to avoid the police than to buy an inconspicuous car and drive really slowly. Welcome to 30 mph in a 40 mph zone. Avoid Toyota Corollas.

5) Ironically, the nicer the car, the worse people drive. Seems counterintuitive, right? Economic Darwinism would conclude that the smarter people are, the more likely they are to be successful. Capitalism dictates that the more money you have, the more likely you'd be to buy a nice car. So, smarter people should be driving nicer cars at a higher percentage, right? Wrong. Mercs, BMWs and Lexus are among some of the dumbest, most self-entitled drivers you'll ever see. Usually, they're on a cell phone talking about how great they are.

There are more, but that should help folks get places safer and quicker.

[JasonCampbell]

People suck at driving period. And those that don;t suck per se seem to think that they are the only person on the road, doing 45 in the left lane, taking lefts from the right lane, not signalling, hitting their brakes for no reason at all -- you name it.

There really should be an IQ test for drivers. If I have to get retested to fly a plane every 2 years, why the hell shouldn't I be retested to drive a car in traffic at least every 5?

Aside from the common sense things (like don't get behind buses, trucks, out of state plates, etc) here are some things to help you avoid problems on the road before they happen:

1) Taxi's cannot drive. Never, ever feel sorry about cutting them off, they don't think about it at all when they do it for you.

2) Minivans are the scourge of the road. There are a million of them out there and they're usually filled with kids that are distracting the driver. If coming up on 2 cars on the road or a light, all things being equal, choose the lane without the minivan.

3) Volvo drivers are deficient. This one is actually based on some psychology. Why would anyone buy a Volvo over another car? Well, what do they market? Safety. That's been their shtick for 30 years. So, if someone buys a Volvo, it's safe to assume that safety was a predetermining factor, if not the predominant factor in buying that car. Odds are they are overly defensive drivers which, much like an old person with a shopping cart, leave havoc in their wake. They might never get into an accident, but they sure leave them in their rear view. Meanwhile, they just putt along like oblivious retards. Avoid them at all costs.

4) Toyota Corolla, usually older ones, seem to be the reigning choice of the recently immigrated. The recently immigrated cannot drive. Also, since it is such a popular, affordable car, and assuming they're not driving a beat up, 15 year old truck really slowly, this is also the choice for the recently *illiegally* immigrated. Illegals don't want to get deported, so they avoid the police. No better way to avoid the police than to buy an inconspicuous car and drive really slowly. Welcome to 30 mph in a 40 mph zone. Avoid Toyota Corollas.

5) Ironically, the nicer the car, the worse people drive. Seems counterintuitive, right? Economic Darwinism would conclude that the smarter people are, the more likely they are to be successful. Capitalism dictates that the more money you have, the more likely you'd be to buy a nice car. So, smarter people should be driving nicer cars at a higher percentage, right? Wrong. Mercs, BMWs and Lexus are among some of the dumbest, most self-entitled drivers you'll ever see. Usually, they're on a cell phone talking about how great they are.

There are more, but that should help folks get places safer and quicker.

WARNING: Do not read this with an fluid in your mouth...great post.

I will say this about luxury cars: If I'm sitting in traffic, I almost always will let another car in front of me...unless of course they are sitting in a lexus, BMW, etc. If they spent so much money on it, I only figure that I'll give them a bit more time to hang out in their car :)

I honestly cannot believe that this country doesn't make you take some sort of driving test once you hit a certain age. It is moronic that someone could get a license at 16 and legally drive until they die of old age.

[CarMike]

If I recall...many seatbelt laws are written the same way. You can only get a ticket for not wearing a belt if you are pulled over for a separate infraction. Sounds stupid to me...especially when most smart offenders will quickly buckle up before the Officer reaches the car.

Not in North Carolina. It started out that way. But I've gotten two tickets for not wearing my seatbelt. Both happened over 5 years ago. And both happened within a week.

I think it changed here after the "Clicket or Ticket" campaigne.

So, with that said.........

North Carolina +1

:D

[shally]

A few weeks ago I'm coming back from my wifes school helping her move out for the summer. I'm in the fast lane going about 60 MPH. [speed limit 55 through the city] Seems like in no time I'm right on the bumper of teenage girl in front of me. No one is in the right lane for a few hundred yards. I expect her to get over so I can go on. Nope. Doesn't even look up. So I pass her on the right. Look over and she's driving with her knees while texting. I couldn't believe it.

I don't think there's any laws in NC against texting or using a cell phone. Could be wrong though since I don't own a cell phone.


i see that all the time here.. especially around the local community college.. it is so bad there, i try and avoid streets near it.. young people are just brain dead when it comes to this issue

[shally]

If I recall...many seatbelt laws are written the same way. You can only get a ticket for not wearing a belt if you are pulled over for a separate infraction. Sounds stupid to me...especially when most smart offenders will quickly buckle up before the Officer reaches the car.

failure to wear a seatbelt is a high priority for the state patrol here.. 115 bucks for a first offense.
the program is called "click-it or Ticket".. to me, i am opposed to this because you can only hurt yourself by failing to buckle up, whereas you can wipe out another family by failure to pay attention while texting.
they have it back-asswards here

edit: glad to see north carolina and washington both sent beaurocrats to the same naming conference

[SpicyMcHaggis]

failure to wear a seatbelt is a high priority for the state patrol here.. 115 bucks for a first offense.
the program is called "click-it or Ticket".. to me, i am opposed to this because you can only hurt yourself by failing to buckle up, whereas you can wipe out another family by failure to pay attention while texting.
they have it back-asswards here

edit: glad to see north carolina and washington both sent beaurocrats to the same naming conference
But a priority of any state is to protect its citizens...even from themselves. I understand why many are against these kinds of laws, but unfortunately people aren't smart enough to look out for themselves, so someone has to do it for them.
Obviously though I agree that it's idiotic to give a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt and NOT give one for using your cell while driving.

[Patrick]

Bottomline - it should be a $200 fine PLUS 1 point if caught AND it DOES NOT involve an accident.
IF it DOES involve an accident - 3 points, $2000 fine PLUS .............

[BurgundyNGold]

But a priority of any state is to protect its citizens...even from themselves. I understand why many are against these kinds of laws, but unfortunately people aren't smart enough to look out for themselves, so someone has to do it for them.
Obviously though I agree that it's idiotic to give a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt and NOT give one for using your cell while driving.
Save that talk for Europe, Spicy! :D

IMO, if people don't want to wear seat belts, fine. If they don't want to wear helmets on their motorcycles, also fine. Kids are a different story because they're under 18. But ticketing adults for not wearing a helmet on their bicycles? And I can't even buy, possess or light off fireworks in Maryland on the 4th of July because the government has to protect me fro myself???

C'mon! (http://comeon.ytmnd.com/)

Let people be free, damnit!

[SpicyMcHaggis]

Save that talk for Europe, Spicy! :D

IMO, if people don't want to wear seat belts, fine. If they don't want to wear helmets on their motorcycles, also fine. Kids are a different story because they're under 18. But ticketing adults for not wearing a helmet on their bicycles? And I can't even buy, possess or light off fireworks in Maryland on the 4th of July because the government has to protect me fro myself???

C'mon! (http://comeon.ytmnd.com/)

Let people be free, damnit!

You are protecting them by protecting their retarded parents from flying out of the car and under the wheels of another car as well....

And if you really wanna do fireworks, go to Naples...they will sell you atomic bombs there. lmao

[BurgundyNGold]

You are protecting them by protecting their retarded parents from flying out of the car and under the wheels of another car as well....
Yeah, but you're ultimately hurting the human species. 10,000 years ago, those dumb***es would have have been trampled to death trying to put nail polish on a mastodon.

And if you really wanna do fireworks, go to Naples...they will sell you atomic bombs there. lmao
I shouldn't have to go to Naples or Virginia for that matter. I'm a consenting adult. I can own a gun but I can't shoot off fireworks once a year?

Come on!

[shally]

Yeah, but you're ultimately hurting the human species. 10,000 years ago, those dumb***es would have have been trampled to death trying to put nail polish on a mastodon.


I shouldn't have to go to Naples or Virginia for that matter. I'm a consenting adult. I can own a gun but I can't shoot off fireworks once a year?

Come on!

shoot your gun off then, it is the New Orleans way...