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Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation yesterday that prohibits drivers from using text messaging devices while operating a motor vehicle.
“Building on legislation already helping save lives in California, I am happy to sign this bill because it further encourages safe and responsible driving,” Schwarzenegger said.
“Banning electronic text messaging while driving will keep drivers’ hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road, making our roadways a safer place for all Californians,” he explained.
Senate Bill 28 by State Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) specifically bans the use of an electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication while driving a motor vehicle. The law, which will go into effect Jan. 1, imposes a base fine of $20 for a first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense.
This bill compliments an existing law which Schwarzenegger signed in 2006. SB 1613, also by Simitian, requires motorists to use hands-free devices while talking on a mobile phone when driving a motor vehicle.
jeb bing,schwarzenegger,text messaging,simitian
jeb bing,schwarzenegger,text messaging,simitian
If is amazing, we have to wait until something really tragic happens (in the governments eyes that would be the death of 10 or more) forget the accidents caused by texting that has killed one preciouos human life, this should have been in effect a long time ago, along with not talking on the cell phone, texting, talking or anything with a gadget in while driving is dangerous. you know we blame these youngsters for alll this, texting, talking on the phone, when our generation is the one that created this for them!!!!!
It’s amazing that people don’t have the common sense to not text while driving. It’s about time this become a law. Good for Arnie.
Well based on what little impact the previous cell phone law has had on drivers, I’m not sure this one will be any more successful. Watch as you are driving through Pleasanton or down the freeway and you will see MANY still talking away on their cell phones while driving. I’m always amazed at how people believe that the laws don’t apply to them.
Hopefully, by making it law the liability in accidents will dramatically increase and eventually the scofflaws will reduce in number. Simply the fact that texting is being logged and the records can be accessed in the aftermath of an accident puts the perpetrator at risk.
About two years ago an event occurred that at the time puzzled me. At night I was walking down Vineyard Avenue and witnessed a slowly moving car drift off the road and slam into a light pole. Out came a young lady, about 16 or so, with a cell phone to her ear. I immediately ran over and when I arrived she was on the phone with her mother, apparently, crying and bleeding from the mouth. I called the PPD on my cell phone and advised that perhaps an ambulance was needed.
I advised the arriving officer that I witnessed the event but could not see any reason this young lady at slow speed drove into a light pole.
Now I know why.
I am against more laws, but with the lack of common sense these days, they are needed to remind people to ‘shut up and drive’. I use to commute 5 hrs a day, and I cant even list all the things people do while driving in heavy traffic. It is amazing to me that more people dont die.
I currently commute to Santa Clara daily, and yes people still use the cell phone without the hands free kits. I have even done so without thinking about it. (busy day and wife calls about kids, yah know the typical)
But when I see a person reading the newspaper (this morning on 680s) and another putting on eyeliner (surprised she didnt poke herself), I think we need to really get common sense back into driving.
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