Virginia Considers Ban on Text Messaging While Driving

By Michael Santo
Executive Editor, RealTechNews

When California enacted its law banning 16- and 17-year olds from cell phone use while driving (it takes effect July 1st), I asked, “Why stop there?” While there is also a law on the books (starting the same day) which requires all drivers to be hands-free when using a cell phone while driving, that law doesn’t address text-messaging or email use - and I know from experience how hazardous that can be.

I use email on a smartphone as part of my job. I’ll admit (and I’ve admitted it before) that I have not just read emails while driving, but written emails while driving. No accidents so far, but I have had a couple of near misses. So I know the hazards.

In Virginia, HB39, introduced by Delegate Jim Scott on January 9th, and HB609, introduced by Del. Al Eisenberg on the same day, would prohibit “operation of a motor vehicle, bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped on the highways in the Commonwealth while using any wireless telecommunications device for the purpose of sending, receiving, or reading any text message.”

I assume they will amend the text to explicitly add email, which could be considered different (though certainly not in terms of distraction). Interesting that it includes bicycles and powered wheelchairs.

I’m unsure why they have two bills which seem identical, but then I’ve never understood politics.

However, most say that text messaging should be completely banned while driving, so why not institute something nationwide? Last year Washington state and New Jersey passed such a law, as did Phoenix, according to the Washington Post.

Text messaging while driving has not been confirmed in any traffic fatalities yet, but it is suspected in the deaths of five cheerleaders last year.

We Say: I’ve seen responses to these laws that say such things as government should butt out, but let’s face it: people have become more and more selfish and self-centered, and only really care about themselves. Even without distractions drivers are rude and take incredible chances. And rather than protecting those who are texting, this really protects the other drivers who have to be still more defensive because of the miscreants.

It’s kind of like second-hand smoke: you want to smoke (or text), feel free. Just don’t do anything that affects me adversely.