To the girl who almost slammed into me as she was texting away on her phone while driving last week: regardless of the crazy face you made and the nasty words you mouthed through your windshield, that was your fault. California agrees with me.
Just yesterday, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation outlawing the reading or writing of text messages while driving. Starting January 1st, the first violation will set you back 20 bucks, with a 50 dollar fee every time after that. Not mentioned in the legislation is a secret rule where everyone you’re text-driving near gets to pull over and punch you in the face.
It’s about time.
Misleading headline.
This should be a no brainer law.
There was a time you could assume that a slow, swerving, driver had tipped a few.
Nowadays, it seems like every time I drive past a swerver, they’re either texting or talking.
I’m all for individuals having the right to do what they like if it doesn’t screw over anyone else, but there is no way someone can safely text and drive at the same time.
i agree with you!!!
the problem is – how can you tell that somebody is texting and not just dailing a number? I know on my HTC Wizard it looks like the same thing! Next thing you know – we won’t be able to even HOLD phones while driving!
Sucks for the iPhone crowd that they can’t voice dial!
http://www.mobilecrunch.com/2008/06/30/new-california-laws-take-effect-tomorrow/
Hands-free has been required in CA since July 1st, actually.
Welcome to the UK. Except no fines here, jail.
Quit with the laws!! You can just ticket for reckless driving or the other REAL issue, not the texting itself. Think of it; is there a law that prevents doing makeup; shaving; turning around to scold kids; eating; etc…
Focus on the issue (bad driving); don’t try to write a law for every little behavior.
Sorry for the rant, but get a grip
i think it’s about time. just hope that it will be applicable to everybody, no exemptions.
smart move.. i crashed into a car before texting.. new way to do it is to hold your phone up.. better to look at both phone and street at the same time.
What? Now i can’t text while looking at my gps, listening to music, drinking coffee and watching my dvd player at the same time. My commute is going to be boring.
I really welcome this law which helps in avoiding accidents. Now a days people do mobile texting and mobile talkig while eating, reading, walking etc., They never concentrate on one job which leads to a lot of mistakes.
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Angelinjones
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