World Library  
My Account |  Register |  Help  
  
Flag as Inappropriate
Email this Article

Texting while driving

Article Id: WHEBN0023750915
Reproduction Date:

Title: Texting while driving  
Author: World Heritage Encyclopedia
Language: English
Subject: Restrictions on cell phone use while driving in the United States, Songify the News, Go On (TV series), Text messaging, Traffic law
Collection:
Publisher: World Heritage Encyclopedia
Publication
Date:
 

Texting while driving

Texting while driving leads to increased distraction

Texting while driving is the act of composing, sending, reading text messages, email, or making other similar use of the web on a mobile phone while operating a motor vehicle. Texting while driving is considered dangerous by many people, including authorities, and in some places has either been outlawed or restricted. A survey of more than 90 teens from more than 26 high schools nationwide conducted nationwide by Liberty Mutual Insurance Group in 2006 showed that 37% of students consider texting to be either "very" or "extremely" distracting. An American Automobile Association study showed that 47% of teens admitted to being distracted behind the wheel because of texting and 40% of American teens say they have been in a car when the driver used a cell phone in a way that put people in danger.[1] A study involving commercial vehicle operators conducted in September 2009 concluded that though incidence of texting within their dataset was low, texting while driving increased the risk of accident significantly.[2]

Texting has become a social norm since the year 2000 because of the popularity of smartphones, which allow people to communicate faster and easier.[3] There have been many studies that have linked texting while driving to be the cause of life-threatening accidents due to driver distraction. The International Telecommunication Union states that “texting, making calls, and other interaction with in-vehicle information and communication systems while driving is a serious source of driver distraction and increases the risk of traffic accidents”.[3]

A 2010 experiment with Car and Driver magazine editor Eddie Alterman, which took place at a deserted air strip, showed that texting while driving had a worse impact on safety than if you were driving while intoxicated. While legally drunk, Alterman's stopping distance from 70 mph increased by 4 feet; by contrast, reading an e-mail added 36 feet, and sending a text added 70 feet.[4] While celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey have campaigned against texting while driving, there are reports that the message has not been getting through to teenagers.[5]

Research

The scientific literature on the dangers of driving while sending a text message from a mobile phone, or driving while texting, is limited but growing. A simulation study at the Monash University Accident Research Center provided strong evidence that retrieving and, in particular, sending text messages has a detrimental effect on a number of safety-critical driving measures.[6] Specifically, negative effects were seen in detecting and responding correctly to road signs, detecting hazards, time spent with eyes off the road, and (only for sending text messages) lateral position. Mean speed, speed variability, lateral position when receiving text messages, and following distance showed no difference.[7] A separate, yet unreleased simulation study at the University of Utah found a sixfold increase in distraction-related accidents when texting.[8]

The low number of scientific studies may be indicative of a general assumption that if talking on a mobile phone increases risk, then texting also increases risk, and probably more so. 89% of U.S. adults think that text messaging while driving is "distracting, dangerous and should be outlawed."[9] The car accident because he was receiving a text message while he was driving. Texting while driving attracted interest in the media after several highly publicized car crashes were caused by texting drivers, including a May 2009 incident involving a Boston trolley car driver who crashed while texting his girlfriend.[11] Texting was blamed in the 2008 Chatsworth train collision which killed 25 passengers. Investigations revealed that the engineer of that train had sent 45 text messages while operating. Despite these incidents, texting was still on the rise. A July 2010 Fairleigh Dickinson University PublicMind poll found 25% of New Jersey voters admitted to sending a text while driving, which was an increase from 15% in 2008. This increase could be attributed to drivers over the age of 30 sending text messages. More than 35% of New Jersey drivers aged 30 to 45 and 17% of drivers over 45 admitted to having sent a text message while driving in the last year, an increase of 5–10% from 2008.[12] Several studies have attempted to compare the dangers of texting while driving with driving under the influence. One such study was conducted by Car and Driver magazine in June 2009.[13] The study, carried out at the Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport in Oscoda, Michigan, used two drivers in real cars and measured reaction times to the onset of light on the windshield. The study compared the reaction times and distances of the subjects while reading a text message, replying to the text message, and impaired. The study showed that at 35 mph, reading a text message decreased the reaction time the most, 0.12 and 0.87 seconds. Impaired driving at the same speed resulted in an increase of 0.01 and 0.07 seconds. In terms of stopping distances these times were estimated to mean:

  • Unimpaired: .54 seconds to brake
  • Legally drunk: add 4 feet
  • Reading e-mail: add 36 feet.
  • Sending a text: add 70 feet[14]

On Sept. 29, 2010, the insurance industry’s Highway Loss Data Institute released research purporting to show that texting-while-driving bans in four states failed to reduce crashes and may instead have contributed to an increase in road accidents. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood called the study "completely misleading".[15]

In March 2012 the UK's Institute of Advanced Motorists published a study which claimed that using smartphones for social networking while driving is more dangerous than drink-driving or being high on cannabis.[16] In 2013, based on the 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System Survey conducted by the Center for Disease Control in the US, nearly half of all male and female respondents aged 16 to 19 reported they texted while driving.[17]

Research by the Transport Research Laboratory showed that texting while driving slowed a driver's reaction time more so than drinking alcohol or using drugs. Driver's reaction times decreased by 46% while making a call, 37% when texting and driving, and 27% during hands-free calls. Those who were drinking and driving at the limit of 80 mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, reaction times slowed by 13% and 21% for those under the influence of cannabis.[18][19]

A study by the University of Buffalo revealed that a similar habit, texting while walking, causes more injuries than texting while driving.[20]

Virginia Tech Transportation Institute study

On July 27, 2009, the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute released preliminary findings of their study of driver distraction in commercial vehicles.[21] Several naturalistic driving studies, of long-haul trucks as well as lighter vehicles driving six million combined miles, used video cameras to observe the drivers and road. Researchers observed 4,452 "safety-critical" events, which includes crashes, near crashes, safety-critical events, and lane deviations.81% of the "safety-critical" events involved some type of driver distraction. Text messaging had the greatest relative risk, with drivers of heavy vehicles or trucks being more than 23 times more likely to experience a safety-critical event when texting.[22] The study also found that drivers typically take their eyes off the forward roadway for an average of four out of six seconds when texting, and an average of 4.6 out of the six seconds surrounding safety-critical events. The study revealed that when traveling at 55 miles per hour (89 km/h), a driver texting for 6 seconds is looking at the phone for 4.6 seconds of that time and travels the distance of a football field without their eyes on the road. Some of VTTI's conclusions from this study included that "texting should be banned in moving vehicles for all drivers", and that "all cell phone use should be banned for newly licensed teen drivers". The results of the study are listed in the table below.

Risk Increases of Cell Phone Tasks by Vehicle Type[23]
Cell phone task Risk of crash or near event crash
Light Vehicle Dialing 2.8 times as high as non‐distracted driving
Light Vehicle Talking/Listening 1.3 times as high as non‐distracted driving
Light Vehicle Reaching for object (i.e. electronic device...) 1.4 times as high as non‐distracted driving
Heavy Vehicles/Trucks Dialing 5.9 times as high as non‐distracted driving
Heavy Vehicles/Trucks Talking/Listening 1.0 times as high as non‐distracted driving
Heavy Vehicles/Trucks Use/Reach for electronic device 6.7 times as high as non‐distracted driving
Heavy Vehicles/Trucks Text messaging 23.2 times as high as non‐distracted driving

Naturalistic studies

In 2011 Shutko and Tijerina reviewed large naturalistic studies on cars (Dingus and Klauer, 2008; Klauer et al., 2006; Young and Schreiner, 2009), heavy good vehicles (Olsen at el, 2008) and commercial vehicles and buses (Hickman et al., 2010) and in field operational tests (Sayer et al., 2005, 2007), and concluded:

  • (a) Most of the collisions and near-misses that occur involve inattention as a contributing factor;
  • (b) visual inattention - that is, looking away from the road scene - is the single most significant factor contributing to crash and near-crash involvement, and
  • (c) cognitive distraction associated with listening to or talking on a handheld or hands-free device is associated with real world crashes and near-miss events to a lesser extent than is commonly believed, and such distractions may even enhance safety in some instances.[24]

Dangers

The popularity of mobile devices have some unintended and even dangerous consequences. The use of mobile devices are linked to a significant increase in distracted driving, resulting in injury and even loss of life.

  • According to a Pew Research Centre survey, 40% of American teens say that they have been in a car where the driver used a cell phone in a way which put people in danger.[1]
  • The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute has found that text messaging creates a crash risk that is 23 times worse than driving while not being distracted.[26]
  • Eleven percent of drivers who are between the ages of 18 to 20 who were involved in an automobile accident and survived have admitted that they were either sending or receiving texts when they crashed.[27]

Laws by location

A number of countries ban all cell phone use while driving (talking and texting).

Australia

The laws are much the same for all states and territories in Australia. The driver of a vehicle (except an emergency vehicle, taxi or police vehicle) must not use a mobile phone while the vehicle is moving, or is stationary but not parked, unless the driver is exempt from this rule under another law of this jurisdiction. The law does not apply if the phone is in a secured fixed mounting that is positioned in such a way that the driver does not have to take their eyes off the road. The law does also not apply if the driver is using a hands free device. In some locations provisional or learner drivers are banned from all forms of mobile phone usage while they are in control of a vehicle. Apart from mobile phones, drivers should not appear to be distracted by anything else, this include GPS devices or PDA's.

Canada

All provinces and the Northwest Territories have banned both talking on hand-held phones and texting while driving. The country's other two territories, Nunavut, and Yukon, have yet to enact bans.[28]

In 2010, the province of Alberta introduced Bill 16 - Alberta's first distracted driving legislation. While the bill is not law yet, the government and several media outlets have publicly discussed what will and won't be allowed under the law.

Germany

Any use of a mobile phone is forbidden as long as the vehicle's engine is running. This does however not apply to hand-free devices, provided that the driver does not become distracted.

Netherlands

Any use of a mobile phone is forbidden if the vehicle is moving. This does not apply, however, to hands-free devices.

New Zealand

In 2009, the New Zealand Government introduced new clauses to its Land Transport (Road User) Rule, which ban any use of mobile phones while driving, except for emergency calling to 111 or *555 (only if unsafe or impracticable to stop the vehicle to make the call).[29][30]

Sweden

The Government of Sweden, as of 22 December 2012, has stated that texting while driving is not an offence that can lead to a ban, but that it is looking to clarify the Highway Code too include it under reckless driving.[31]

United Kingdom

Driver texting while driving a car at United Kingdom

Any use of a hand-held mobile phone or similar device while driving, or supervising a learner driver, is illegal. This includes when stopped at traffic lights. The only exceptions are emergency calls to 999 or 112.[32]

United Arab Emirates

The use of mobiles while driving is prohibited and offenders can also expect to have demerit points added to their record. In one instance a UAE minister was himself given a fine for using his mobile phone while driving.[33]

United States

Map of laws for cell-phone use and text messaging while driving

Texting while driving has been outlawed for all drivers in the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Dakota,[34] Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada. New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont,[35] Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The state of Texas prohibits school bus drivers from texting while transporting a child under the age of 17.[36] The following states have laws that restrict those who are underage and/or those with learner's permits from texting while driving: Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas.[37] Missouri also bans all commercial drivers from texting and cell phone use. [38]Law that were enacted in Kentucky in 2010, Indiana in 2011 and Ohio in 2012 banned texting for all drivers, as well as those who are under 18 from using cell phones while driving. The latter feature is unusual in that a driver with an unrestricted licenses is subject to the ban; most states that have banned cell phone usage by young drivers apply their laws only to those holders of either a restricted or graduated licenses.

Texting while driving remains a contentious issue in Texas. Despite a bipartisan bill being approved by state lawmakers, Governor Rick Perry vetoed the bill claiming that it infringed on individual freedoms.[39] In response to Gov. Perry's veto of a blanket ban on texting while driving, several Texas cities introduced their own city-wide bans to make the practice illegal. These cities include Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Amarillo, Galveston, El Paso, Missouri City, the Canyon, Stephenville and Pecos. In the Texas legislative session which began in 2013, new proposals to reduce texting while driving have been introduced.[40] The proposal was killed by Senator Robert Nichols even though it had passed the House overwhelmingly .[41]

On October 1, 2009, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced President Barack Obama's signing of an Executive Order directing federal employees not to engage in text messaging while driving government-owned vehicles, among other activities.[42] According to Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood, “This order sends a very clear signal to the American public that distracted driving is dangerous and unacceptable. It shows that the federal government is leading by example." As a part of a larger move to combat distracted driving, the DOT and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched the public information website distraction.gov.[43] In addition, a petition has been created on the White House petitions site, We the People, to ask the Obama administration to encourage all states that have not done so to create laws that ban texting and driving.[44]

On January 26, 2010, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a federal ban on texting while driving by truckers and bus drivers.[45]

Existing laws

State Effective Restriction Penalty Other details Source
Alabama August 1, 2012 Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers. Ban on texting for all drivers. Penalties include a $25 fine for the first offense, increasing to $50 and $75 and two points on the driver's license. [46]
Alaska September 1, 2008
May 11, 2012 		House Bill 8 prohibits drivers from using electronic devices with a visual display (e.g. televisions or computers) while driving. The law does not specify cell phones, though it can be interpreted this way, and is seen as a ban on texting and driving.  HB 255 was signed into law 11 May 2012 and specifically targets "cell phone texting".  The previous 2008 HB 8 and 2012 HB 255 laws do provide for exceptions, such a caller ID usage while making a voice phone call and using GPS devices. Alaska’s anti-texting laws are considered “primary” laws, which means that an fficer can pull you over for an offense without having witnessed another violation. Anyone that violates this law (depending on the circumstances) would only be guilty of a misdemeanor and if a driver is in accident that results in an injury or death, then they would be charged with a felony. For the 2008 HB 8, violators are guilty of misdemeanor. If death is caused by violation, violator is guilty of a felony. For the 2012 HB 255, violators are guilty of a Class A Misdemeanor (same as DUI) and can result in a $250 to $500 fine for first-time offenders, but could result in jail time. (Need Citation) [47]
2008 HB 8
2012 HB 255
Arizona Unknown Ban on all cell phone use In the city of Phoenix the fine for texting and driving is $100 (or $250 if texting is the cause of an accident. The same fines applies in Phoenix as well. [48][49]
Arkansas October 2009 All drivers, regardless of age or experience, prohibited from sending text messages while driving Offenders can face fines up to $100. Known as HB1013 or "Paul's Law." Exempts emergency service providers in the provision of services. A violation of the law is a primary offense, meaning it can be the sole reason for a traffic stop. [50][51]
California January 1, 2009 Prohibits sending electronic text messages while driving $20 first offense
$50 each subsequent offense 		[52][53]
Colorado December 1, 2009 Prohibits sending text messages, email, or tweets while driving $50 first offense
$100 second offense 		Also prohibits drivers under 18 from talking on a cellphone while driving [54]
Connecticut October 1, 2006 All handheld cell phone use banned $100 first offense
$150 second offense
$250 third or subsequent offense 		Also prohibits drivers under 18 and school bus drivers carrying passengers from talking on a cellphone while driving [55]
Delaware January 2, 2011 Illegal for all drivers $50 first offense
$100 second offense
$200 third or subsequent offense 		Also prohibits drivers under 18 from talking on cell phones while driving [56]
District of Columbia Unknown All handheld cell phone use banned First time offenders will have their fines suspended, but only if they submit proof of that they have acquired a hands free device. If a driver is from another jurisdiction and are ticket for a cell phone driving infraction, then they may loose their drivers license if they have failed to pay their Washington D.C. ticket. There is a $100 fine for repeat offenders for each violation. The ban is considered to be a “primary” laws, as it does prohibit use of cell phones by bus drivers. A primary law is when an officer can pull you over for an offense without even having to witness another violation, to say that if an officer see you texting he can issue you a citation. [57]
Florida October 1, 2013 Senate bill SB 52 prohibits drivers from in Florida from typing into a virtual keyboard, sending or read messages, but keep in mind that even if a driver does manually enter information into a wireless device, it in itself will not result in an arrest. A driver will only charged for the violation only if they are arrested for another motor vehicle violation. If officers pull a driver over for another offense and see that the driver was also texting, drivers would be subject to a $30 fine on the first offense. If texting results in a crash, the driver would be assessed six points. Points lead to increased insurance rates. [58][59]
Georgia July 1, 2010 Prohibits writing, sending, or reading any text-based communication, including via internet; also prohibits drivers under 18 with provisional licenses from talking on cell phones while driving. Up to $150 The ban is considered to be a “primary” laws, as it does prohibit use of cell phones by bus drivers. A primary law is when an officer can pull you over for an offense without even having to witness another violation, to say that if an officer see you texting he can issue you a citation. [60][61]
Hawaii July 1, 2013 Illegal to use most electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle $200 for a first offense The State of Hawaii does not use a point system, so texting while driving violations will not access any points assessed on a driver's license, and because this penalty is not deemed to be a traffic infraction, it has no effect on your driving record. [62]
Idaho July 1, 2012 Illegal for all drivers Anyone who violates this law will be guilty of an infraction and will not result in any violation point counts as it is as prescribed in section 49-326, of Idaho Code. Additionally a conviction will not be deemed as a moving traffic violation for the purpose of establishing rates of motor vehicle insurance that is charged by a casualty insurer. [63][64]
Illinois January 1, 2010 Illegal for all drivers to use handheld devices. Only hands-free devices such as speakerphones, Bluetooth, and headsets are permitted. In addition to the ban on using handheld devices, all cell phone use is prohibited while driving in a school zone, in a construction zone, and all cell phone use if prohibited you you are a novice driver. Texting is prohibited for all drivers in Illinois. Violation fines start at $75 This is a Primary Law, which means that the driver can receive a ticket for the violation without other traffic violations taking place (such as speeding). [65]
Indiana July 1, 2011 All drivers prohibited from reading or sending text messages. Drivers under 18 prohibited from using cell phones for any purpose. Up to $500 fine. Up to $500 fine. [66]
Iowa July 1, 2010 Adults are banned from text messaging while driving and teens are prohibited from using handheld electronic devices. $30 for adults texting while driving and $50 for teens using handheld electronic devices [67]
Kansas May 24, 2010 Illegal for all drivers this includes to report a current or Report current or ongoing illegal activity to law enforcement; to prevent imminent injury to a person or property; or to relay information between transit or for-hire operator and the operator's dispatcher, in which the device is permanently affixed to the motor vehicle. $60 Exemptions to the ban includes: (1) A law enforcement officer or emergency service personnel acting within the course and scope of the law enforcement officer's or emergency service personnel's employment; (2) a motor vehicle stopped off the regular traveled portion of the roadway; (3) a person who reads, selects or enters a telephone number or name in a wireless communications device for the purpose of making or receiving a phone call; (4) a person who receives an emergency, traffic or weather alert message; or (5) a person receiving a message related to the operation or navigation of the motor vehicle. [68]
Kentucky July 15, 2010 House Bill 415 prohibits the following:
  • Reading, writing, and sending email or text messages by all drivers when the vehicle is in motion.
  • All cell phone usage by drivers under 18, regardless of license type. Exceptions for emergencies, and for GPS use that does not involve data entry.
Warnings until January 1, 2011. After that date:
  • $25 for first offense
  • $50 for subsequent offenses
  • For drivers under 18 on restricted licenses, mandatory 180-day waiting period from the time of offense before graduating to the next license level. This applies from the law's effective date.
Drivers 18 and over allowed to read, select, and enter phone numbers or names in order to make a call. All drivers allowed to use GPS features, and drivers 18 and over allowed to enter data for GPS purposes at all times. [69]
Louisiana August 15, 2010 SB9 prohibits the following: Text messaging ban for all drivers. Primary enforcement begins Aug. 15, 2010:
  • Fines up to $175 (first offense)
  • $500 (second offense)
Drivers under 18 years old may not use wireless devices — including cell phones, text-messaging units and computers — while operating motor vehicles
  • Drivers with learner’s and intermediate licenses prohibited from using cell phones unless a hands-free device is attached
[70]
Maine September 26, 2011 Prohibits texting while driving Fine of $100 for first offense and then increased fines for subsequent offenses. This is a Primary Law, which means that the driver can receive a ticket for the violation without other traffic violations taking place (such as speeding). [71]
Maryland July 1, 2009 Prohibits writing or sending text messages while operating motor vehicle or while in the travel portion of the roadway. Fine up to $500 Exception for use of GPS or emergency situations. [72][73]
Massachusetts July 6, 2010 Prohibits drivers from sending a text or instant message, use of electronic mail, Internet access, using a phone for GPS navigation, and all of the above on electronic devices including phones, laptops, pagers, or other hand-held devices First offense: $100, second offense: $250, and 3rd offense: $500; If one is under 18, 1st offense: $100 fine in addition to a 60-day license suspension, and attend a mandatory "attitude" class. 2nd offense: $250 fine and a 180-day suspension. 3rd offense: $500 fine and a-one year suspension. GPSs are still allowed. Use of a phone is banned to all people under 18. Once 18, a driver can make hands-free or normal calls. Also, the bill requires anyone over 75 to get a driving test every five years and take a vision test. [34][74]
Michigan July 1, 2010 Reading, typing, or sending while vehicle is moving $100 first offense
$200 each subsequent offense 		Exception for use of GPS or emergency situations. [75][76]
Minnesota August 1, 2008 Any form of text messaging while driving is illegal, and is considered a petty misdemeanor statewide. Up to $300. Also prohibits drivers under 18 from talking on a cellphone while driving; GPS and cell phone usage still allowed. [77][78][79]
Mississippi 2014 Illegal for learner's permit and intermediate license holders and school bus drivers Fines up to $500; or $1,000 if an accident results. [80][81]
Missouri August 28, 2013 Text messaging and using a hand-held mobile device while operating a motor vehicle prohibited. $200 This is a Primary Law, which means that the driver can receive a ticket for the violation without other traffic violations taking place (such as speeding). [82][83][84]
Montana 2009-2013 In cities such as Missoula, Bozeman, Helena, Whitefish, Butte-Silver Bow, Hamilton, Great Falls and Billings. It is illegal to text while operating a vehicle. $50 First offense, $100 second offense, $200 third offense. 2 point moving violation is added onto your record. [85]
Nebraska 2013/2014 Text messaging is banned for all drivers on Nebraska’s roads and highways. Those drivers under the age of 18 who have either a learner’s permit or other intermediate licenses are prohibited from using cellphones all together. Fines $200–$500 plus 3 points against driver’s license. [86]
Nevada July 1, 2011 Drivers are prohibited from using either a cell phone or other wireless communications device to access or search the Internet, or to type, enter, send, or read any non-voice communication, including text messages, instant messages (IM), or email. Global positioning systems (GPS) are not covered by the law. Fines of up to $50 for a first offense; $100 for a second offense that occurs within seven years; and $250 for a third offense the occurs within seven years. Higher fines are imposed on drivers who violate the law in traffic control zones. Ban does not apply to emergency emergency personnel, or licensed amateur radio operators who are communicating certain public information, employees of public utilities who are responding to emergencies, or drivers who are reporting emergencies or responding to dangerous situations. [87][88]
New Hampshire Jan. 1, 2010 Illegal for all drivers $100 This is a Primary Law, which means that the driver can receive a ticket for the violation without other traffic violations taking place (such as speeding). [89][90]
New Jersey March 1, 2008 All drivers are prohibited from using handheld cell phones except if: (1) The operator has reason to fear for his life or safety, or believes that a criminal act may be perpetrated against himself or another person; or (2) The operator is using the telephone to report to appropriate authorities a fire, a traffic accident, a serious road hazard or medical or hazardous materials emergency, or to report the operator of another motor vehicle who is driving in a reckless, careless or otherwise unsafe manner or who appears to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. $200 to $400 for the first offense, $400 to $600 for the second offense, and up to $800, three points on your license. Possible 90-day suspension of license. Anyone under the age of 21 who have either a learner’s permits or probationary licenses are prohibited from using all cell phones, texting devices and other hand-held or hands-free wireless electronic devices while driving (this includes MP3 players, video games, and similar devices). [91][92]
New Mexico Unknown Illegal for learner's permit holders and intermediate license holders $25 for a first offense, then $50. This is a Primary Law, which means that the driver can receive a ticket for the violation without other traffic violations taking place (such as speeding). [93][94]
New York 2009 No person shall operate a motor vehicle while using any portable electronic device while such vehicle is in motion. "Using" shall mean holding a portable electronic device while viewing, taking or transmitting images, playing games, or composing, sending, reading, viewing, accessing, browsing, transmitting, saving or retrieving e-mail, text messages, or other electronic data. Fine up to $150 plus mandatory $85 surcharge fees. Violation also carries 5 driver violation points. Does not apply to (a) the use of a portable electronic device for the sole purpose of communicating with any of the following regarding an emergency situation: an emergency response operator; a hospital; a physician's office or health clinic; an ambulance company or corps; a fire department, district or company; or a police department, (b) any of the following persons while in the performance of their official duties: a police officer or peace officer; a member of a fire department, district or company; or the operator of an authorized emergency vehicle as defined in section one hundred one of this chapter. [95][96]
North Carolina December 1, 2009 Text messaging as well email and internet use is prohibited for all drivers. Drivers under the age of 18 who have a provisional are prohibited from using cell phones while driving, unless they are calling their parents. Operators of school buses are prohibited from using cell phones while driving.
  • Texting, email and internet use: $100 and no points against license.
  • Drivers under 18 using cellphone: $25.
  • School bus operators using cell phones $100, no points.
[97][98][99]
North Dakota August 1, 2011 Text messaging is prohibited for all drivers, and driver under the age of 18 are prohibited from using any electronic communications devices, including cell phones. $100 fine. This is a Primary Law, which means that the driver can receive a ticket for the violation without other traffic violations taking place (such as speeding). [100][101]
Ohio August 28, 2012 Illegal for all drivers
  • Primary offense for drivers under 18 years old. Youth drivers may be stopped and cited for texting while driving.
  • Secondary offense for adult drivers. Adult drivers must be stopped for another offense before they can be cited.
$150 fine, license suspension The use of any handheld device by drivers under the age of 18 is illegal. [102]
Oklahoma April 7, 2010 Prohibited for Novice drivers in Oklahoma - drivers with permits or graduated license, as well as bus drivers. $100 This is a Primary Law, which means that the driver can receive a ticket for the violation without other traffic violations taking place (such as speeding). [103][104][105]
Oregon January 2010 House Bill 2377 prohibits all drivers from using a mobile communication device while operating a motor vehicle. A mobile communication device is defined as "a text messaging device or a wireless, two-way communication device designed to receive and transmit voice or text communication."

House Bill 2872 prohibits drivers that are under 18 years of age from using any type of mobile communication device such as a cell-phone. This includes text-messaging and does not allow for hands-free operation of a cell-phone. This law applies if you are under 18 and driving with a provisional drivers license, a special student driver permit, or an instruction driver permit.

Minimum fine of $142.00 HB 2377 exempts use of hands-free devices by all drivers 18 and over; some drivers who use a mobile communications device while driving if the vehicle is necessary for the person’s job; and some drivers who use radios (CB-style) while in the scope of their employment. [106]
Pennsylvania March 8, 2012 Text messaging while driving prohibited for all drivers. There is no statewide limit on cell phone use, but some local ordinances address cell phones and driving. $50 fine [107][108]
Rhode Island 2009 Text messaging outlawed for all drivers on Rhode Island roads. Those under the age of 18 prohibited from using cell phones all together. School bus operators prohibited from using cell phones while driving. $85 for the first offense, then $100 and then $125. Considered “primary” laws, which means that an officer can pull you over for the offense without having to witness some other violation. That is, the officer sees you texting and issues a citation. [109][110]
South Carolina June 9, 2014 Prohibits driver from writing, sending or reading a text while driving, but can text only if they are legally stopped or are using a hands-free device. Also includes Facebook, Twitter & Emails. $25 fine the first time then $50 fine after that. Known as bill S 459, it supersedes at least 19 different city, as well as two county, ordinances on texting. Exception for use of GPS or emergency situations.[111] [112][113][114][115][116][117]
South Dakota 2013 All drivers are banned from text messaging while driving. Drivers who are under the age of 18 who have a restricted/learners license are banned from using handheld wireless communications devices. At least nine South Dakota cities have distracted driving ordinances — Rapid City, Huron, Watertown, Brookings, Mitchell, Vermillion, Aberdeen, Box Elder and Sioux Falls. $100 [118][119]
Tennessee July 1, 2009 All drivers prohibited from transmitting or reading a written message while vehicle is in motion Up to $50
Plus court costs not to exceed $10 		Also known as Senate Bill 393. [120]
Texas September 1, 2009 Cell phone usage is prohibited in school zones $50 for school zones where posted Operators of passenger buses may not use a cell phone if minors are on board as well as drivers in the intermediate stage for the first 12 months are also banned. Austin TX, texting while driving is banned effective Jan 2010 [36][56]
Utah May 2009 Utah has one of the toughest texting laws in the country. There is no prohibition on cell phone use, but all drivers in Utah are prohibited from texting while driving. First Offence: Class C misdemeanor

Second Offence: Class B misdemeanor Automatic Class B misdemeanor if the person inflicted serious bodily injury upon another as a proximate result of using a handheld wireless communication device for text messaging or electronic mail communication while operating a moving motor vehicle

[121][122]
Vermont June 1, 2010
  • All "portable electronic device" usage banned for drivers under 18
  • Texting from such devices banned for all drivers
  • FIRST OFFENSE:
    • $100 fine + surcharge + 15% = $156
    • 2 points on license
    • Junior Operators (under 18) subject to 30 day recall (suspension)
  • SECOND OFFENSE (within two years of First Offense)
    • $250 fine + surcharge + 15% = $329
    • 5 points on license
    • Junior Operators (under 18) subject to 30 day recall (suspension)
[123]
Virginia 2009 All drivers are prohibited from texting while driving. School bus drivers are prohibited form using cell phones either handheld or hands-free and as with all Virginia drivers, school bus drivers are prohibited from texting while driving. $125–$250 Virginia’s school bus and novice cell phone bans are considered “primary” laws. A primary law means that an officer can pull you over for the offense without having to witness some other violation. Virginia’s texting law is a secondary law, which refers to the fact that an officer can only pull you over and issue a ticket if the officer has witnessed some other violation – for example, you ran a stop light while texting. [124][125]
Washington 2010 Illegal for all drivers $124, more if an accident results Text messaging or cell phone use without a hands free device is a primary offense. Do Not Text and Drive putting others at risk. [126][127]
West Virginia Summer 2012 Text messaging and the use of handheld cell phones are illegal for all drivers in West Virginia. Teenagers who have a learner’s permits or intermediate licenses are prohibited from using wireless communication devices while driving. School bus drivers are prohibited from using cell phones while operating the vehicles. $100 (first offense), then $200, then $300. Three points against the driver’s license on the third and subsequent convictions. West Virginia’s texting & handheld cell phone law and 17C-14-15 [128]
Wisconsin December 1, 2010
  • Illegal for all drivers
  • The law is primary, meaning police officers can stop motorists suspected of this offense alone.
  • FIRST OFFENSE:
    • $20–$400 Fine
    • 4 points on license
  • SECOND OFFENSE
    • $200–$800 Fine
Signed into Law: May 5, 2010 Wisconsin DOT
Wyoming July 1, 2010 Sending message from any electronic device while driving declared illegal. $75 for first offense. [129]

Notable collisions

  • On August 29, 2007, Danny Oates was killed by a young driver of a car, allegedly texting while driving. The defense had argued that driver Jeffrey Woods had possibly suffered a seizure during the time of the accident.[130]
  • On January 3, 2008 Heather Leigh Hurd was killed by a truck driver who allegedly was texting while driving. Her father Russell Hurd has been actively supporting a law in various U.S. states called Heather's Law that would prohibit texting while driving.[131]
  • The 2008 Chatsworth train collision, which killed 25 people, and which occurred on September 12, 2008, was blamed on the operator sending text messages while operating the train.[132]
  • In May 2009 a crash occurred on the MBTA Green Line in the Boston area of the MBTA, when a driver, 24-year-old Aiden Quinn, was text messaging his girlfriend while driving the train.[133] The crash, which injured 46 people, was estimated by MBTA officials to have cost $9.6 million.[134]
  • In May 2012 a jury in Corpus Christi, Texas awarded $21 million in damages to a woman who was struck by a Coca-Cola driver who had been on her cell phone at the time of the accident. The plaintiff’s attorneys were able to successfully argue that Coca-Cola’s cell phone policy for its drivers was “vague and ambiguous.”[136]
  • In June 2012 18 year old Aaron Deveau of Haverhill, Massachusetts was found guilty of motor vehicle homicide by texting. He was sentenced to two years in prison and loss of his license for 15 years. Deveau was the first person in the state of Massachusetts to be convicted of motor vehicle homicide by texting, and possibly the first in the United States.[137]
  • In September 2012, 21 year old Stephanie Kanoff of Sun Prairie, WI was found guilty by a jury in July of homicide by negligent driving for the Oct. 24, 2010 death of Dylan Ellefson, 21, a senior at UW-Madison, who was behind his disabled car when he and his car were struck by Kanoff's minivan. Kanoff was also sentenced to serve two years of extended supervision after her release from prison. In addition to prison and extended supervision, Kanoff was ordered to spend 100 hours speaking to young people learning to drive and other groups about the dangers of texting while driving, and was also ordered to not drive with a phone that's turned on in the driver's area of a car. Kanoff will also have to take a driving safety course to get her license back after a mandatory yearlong revocation.[138]

Using technology to address the problem

A sign in West University Place, Texas (Greater Houston) advising drivers that they are not allowed to text

In 2009 it was reported that some companies, including iZUP, ZoomSafer, Aegis Mobility, and cellcontrol by obdEdge employ systems that place restrictions on cell phone usage based on the phone’s GPS signal, data from the car itself or from nearby cellphone towers.[139] Also, companies like TextNoMore offer an opt-in solution that rewards users for activating.

The use of telematics to detect drunk driving and texting while driving has been proposed.[140] A US patent application combining this technology with a usage based insurance product was open for public comment on peer to patent.[141] The insurance product would not ban texting while driving, but would charge drivers who text and drive a higher premium.

In 2013, the use of location-based technology to detect potential texting while driving situations has been announced.[142] This approach utilizes the GPS and Network Location services of Android mobile phones to estimate the speed that the cell phone is travelling at the time text messages are sent. The recommended approach in this case is for parents install an app on their children's Android mobile phone to silently monitor texting, send alerts when potential texting while driving situations occur, and counsel phone holders (in this case, teenage drivers) after the fact.

In addition to technological solutions to address the issue of text-driving, drivers may consciously read and sign a pledge to never text while driving. After drivers read and sign the pledge, they remember their pledge each time they have an urge to text while driving. While there is no fool-proof solution to this problem, each and every small initiative helps.

To date there isn't a technology based solution for iPhones. This is due to the application security sandbox approach Apple has implemented on the iOS operating system. An iPhone app does not have access to low level device interfaces, as a result an iPhone app cannot block or auto respond to a text message while a person is driving. However the SafeTexting Campaign has developed an iPhone app that detects if a person is driving and reminds them not to text and drive.[143]

Over the past few months, various state police forces in Australia have started trialling cameras which have the ability to pick up errant drivers from more than 500 metres away.[144] Police in Western Australia makes use of undercover motorcycles to keep an eye on other motorists and any offence will be recorded on the motorcycle officer's helmet camera.[145]

Very recently, police in India have started to clamp down on a wide variety of traffic violations and once again, there is a widespread use of cameras .[146]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Teens and Distracted Driving". Pew Research Center. Retrieved 2012-01-25. 
  2. ^ "Driver Distraction in Commercial Vehicle Operations". U.S. Department of Transportation. Retrieved 2012-02-14. 
  3. ^ a b Adolph, Martin. "Decreasing Driver Distraction." International Telecommunication Union. August 2010
  4. ^ Texting And Driving Worse Than Drinking and Driving, CNBC, June 25, 2009.
  5. ^ Larry Copeland (September 20, 2010). "Teens missing message on road texting risk". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2010-09-21. Many teens view texting while driving as less risky than drunken driving despite a sustained campaign against texting behind the wheel and research indicating it's as dangerous as drinking and driving, a new survey for State Farm insurance company finds. ... talk show host Oprah Winfrey regularly urges her millions of viewers not to do it, 
  6. ^ Hosking, S.G., Young, K.L., & Regan, M.A. (2006). "The effects of text messaging on young novice driver performance". Retrieved 16 August 2014. 
  7. ^ Hosking, Simon; Kristie Young; Michael Regan. "The Effects of Text Messaging on Young Novice Driver Performance" (PDF). 
  8. ^ "Text messaging not illegal but data clear on its peril". Retrieved 30 September 2014. 
  9. ^ Mark Wilson. "89% of Americans Want Texting While Driving Outlawed". Gizmodo. Retrieved 30 September 2014. 
  10. ^ a b Hanowski, Richard (June 3, 2009). "Driver Distraction in Commercial Vehicle Operations". Retrieved 2009-07-28.  [1]
  11. ^ Valencia, Milton (8 May 2009). "MBTA: Conductor in Boston trolley crash was texting his girlfriend". The Boston Globe. 
  12. ^ http://publicmind.fdu.edu/texting/final.pdf
  13. ^ Austin, Michael (June 2009). "Texting While Driving: How Dangerous is it?".  
  14. ^ "Texting And Driving Worse Than Drinking and Driving at cnbc.com". CNBC. Retrieved 30 September 2014. 
  15. ^ Paul McNamara (28 September 2010). "Texting while driving bans don't work, may actually hurt, study finds". Network World. Retrieved 30 September 2014. 
  16. ^ Warning about mobile phone driving danger" at which.co.uk""". Retrieved 30 September 2014. 
  17. ^ O’Malley Olsen, Emoly; et al (June 2013). "Texting While Driving and Other Risky Motor Vehicle Behaviors Among US High School Students". Pediatrics 131 (6). Retrieved 18 June 2013. 
  18. ^ Arbuthnott, George; Ward, Audrey (8 June 2014). "Texts worse than drink-driving". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 8 June 2014. 
  19. ^ "'"Using a mobile while driving 'worse than drink or drugs. itv. 8 June 2014. Retrieved 8 June 2014. 
  20. ^ "This Habit Causes More Injuries than Texting and Driving... And You're Probably Doing It". Catania and Catania. 10 June 2014. Retrieved 16 August 2014. 
  21. ^ "Texting While Driving Greatly Increases Crash Risks". Retrieved 16 August 2014. 
  22. ^ Clayton Hasbrook (May 28, 2014). "Survey: More Than Fourth of Drivers Text While Driving". Retrieved 16 August 2014. 
  23. ^ Press Release Cell phones and Driver Distraction, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute 
  24. ^ Shutko, J. and Tijerina, L., (2011), Ford's Approach to Managing Driver Attention: SYNC and MyFord Touch, Ergonomics In Design, Vol. 19, No. 4, October 2011, pp. 13-16
  25. ^ [2]
  26. ^ "April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month - Virginia Tech Transportation Institute - Virginia Tech". 15 April 2013. Retrieved 30 September 2014. 
  27. ^ "The Dangers of Texting While Driving". Federal Communications Commission. Federal Communications Commission. Retrieved 23 June 2014. 
  28. ^ Hands free driving laws - Yahoo! Autos Canada
  29. ^ "Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 (SR 2004/427) (as at 01 January 2014) 7.3A Ban on use of mobile phones while driving". New Zealand Legislation. 1 January 2014 [2004]. Retrieved 23 September 2014. 
  30. ^ "Driving rules and legislation". New Zealand Police. 23 September 2014. Retrieved 23 September 2014. 
  31. ^ "nget förbud mot sms under bilkörning" (in Svenska). .svt.se. 22 December 2012. Retrieved 26 Augudt 2013. 
  32. ^ Using mobile phones when driving: the law - GOV.UK
  33. ^ Sheikh Abdullah thanks police after texting while driving stop | The National
  34. ^ a b Massachusetts bans texting while driving and GPS on phones – Cell Phones & Mobile Device Technology News & Updates | Geek.com
  35. ^ Texting While Driving | Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
  36. ^ a b "TRANSPORTATION CODE,TITLE 7. VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC,SUBTITLE C. RULES OF THE ROAD,CHAPTER,545". Texas Constitution and Statutes. Retrieved 2009-10-24. 
  37. ^ "State Distracted Driving Driving Laws". Ghsa.org. Retrieved 2013-05-24. 
  38. ^ Missouri Revised Status Section 304.820.3 and 304.820.4. http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/c300-399/3040000820.htm accessed 28 August 2014
  39. ^ "Perry vetoes texting while driving ban, 22 other bills". June 17, 2011. Retrieved 22 March 2013. 
  40. ^ "Proposal To Ban Texting While Driving Moves Forward". March 5, 2013. Retrieved 22 March 2013. 
  41. ^ http://nodd.org/2013/06/sen-nichols-killed-texting-ban-bill/
  42. ^ DOT Press release
  43. ^ Distracted Driving | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | Distraction.gov
  44. ^ We the People: Your Voice in Our Government
  45. ^ [3]
  46. ^ Alabama Department of Public Safety. "Act No.2012.291". Alabama Department of Public Safety. Retrieved 2013-05-24. 
  47. ^ Alaska Driving Laws | Text Messaging | Cell Phone | Hands Free | drivinglaws.org
  48. ^ "Arizona: Cell phone laws, legislation". Hands Free Info. Hands Free Info. Retrieved 16 June 2014. 
  49. ^ "Arizona Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved 16 June 2014. 
  50. ^ Arkansas Driving Laws | Cell Phone | Hands Free | Text Messaging | drivinglaws.org
  51. ^ http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2009/R/Bills/HB1013.pdf
  52. ^ Yi, Matthew (September 25, 2008). "California bans text messaging while driving". The San Francisco Chronicle. 
  53. ^ "V C Section 23123 Hand Held Wireless Telephone Prohibited Use". California Department of Motor Vehicles. California Department of Motor Vehicles. Retrieved 15 June 2014. 
  54. ^ Ingold, John (June 2, 2009). "Colorado criminalizes texting, tweeting while driving". Denver Post. 
  55. ^ "Connecticut General Statutes, Chapter 248, Section 14-296aa". Retrieved 30 September 2014. 
  56. ^ a b State Cell Phone Use and Texting While Driving Laws
  57. ^ "Washington DC Cell Phone, Text Messaging, & Hands Free Laws". DrivingLaws.org. DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved 16 June 2014. 
  58. ^ "Texting while driving ban passes, goes to Gov. Rick Scott". CFN 13. Retrieved 2 May 2013. 
  59. ^ "Florida Cell Phone & Texting and Driving Laws". DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved 20 June 2014. 
  60. ^ Perdue signs ban on texting while driving | ajc.com
  61. ^ "Georgia Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved 19 June 2014. 
  62. ^ "Arizona Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved 16 June 2014. 
  63. ^ "Texting and driving ban now offically law in Idaho | News - Home". Localnews8.com. 2013-05-20. Retrieved 2013-05-24. 
  64. ^ "Idaho Statutes: Title 49: Motor Vehicles, Chapter 14: Traffic-Enforcement and General Provisions, 49-1401A - Texting While Driving". State of Idaho Legislature. State of Idaho Legislature. Retrieved 19 June 2014. 
  65. ^ "Illinois Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved 19 June 2014. 
  66. ^ Howlett, Rick (May 2, 2011). "Indiana texting ban to take effect later this year".  
  67. ^ "Iowa: Cell phone laws, legislation". http://handsfreeinfo.com. http://handsfreeinfo.com/iowa-cell-phone-laws-legislation/. Retrieved 19 June 2014. 
  68. ^ "Kansas Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved 19 June 2014. 
  69. ^ Steitzer, Stephanie (July 14, 2010). "Texting while driving ban, other new Kentucky laws take effect today".  
  70. ^ "Louisiana Traffic Safety Laws". Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. Retrieved 19 June 2014. 
  71. ^ "Maine Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved 19 June 2014. 
  72. ^ Wagner, John (March 18, 2009). "Md. Senate Passes Ban on Texting While Driving". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 25, 2010. 
  73. ^ BILL INFO-2009 Regular Session-SB 98
  74. ^ Massachusetts Bans Texting While Driving - Truckinginfo.com
  75. ^ Michigan texting while driving ban will be signed into law by Gov. Jennifer Granholm on Friday's 'Oprah Winfrey Show' | MLive.com
  76. ^ http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2009-2010/billenrolled/House/htm/2009-HNB-4394.htm
  77. ^ Minnesota Driving Laws | Cell Phone | Text Messaging | Hands Free | drivinglaws.org
  78. ^ Pawlenty signs ban on texting while driving, plus teen driver restrictions | Minneapolis and St. Paul | kare11.com
  79. ^ [4]
  80. ^ "Mississippi Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved 19 June 2014. 
  81. ^ "Mississippi: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved 20 June 2014. 
  82. ^ "Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 304, Traffic Regulations". Missouri General Assembly. Retrieved 2013-10-29. 
  83. ^ "New Texting PSAs Spell Out Grim Reality". Missouri Department of Transportation. Retrieved 2012-02-14. 
  84. ^ "State Laws". Distraction.gov. Retrieved 2012-02-14. 
  85. ^ "Montana: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved 20 June 2014. 
  86. ^ "Nebraska: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved 20 June 2014. 
  87. ^ "Nevada: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved 20 June 2014. 
  88. ^ "Nevada Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved 20 June 2014. 
  89. ^ "New Hampshire Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved 20 June 2014. 
  90. ^ "New New Hampshire: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved 20 June 2014. 
  91. ^ "New Jersey Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved 20 June 2014. 
  92. ^ "New Jersey: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved 20 June 2014. 
  93. ^ "New Mexico Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved 20 June 2014. 
  94. ^ "New Mexico: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved 21 June 2014. 
  95. ^ "NYS DMV - Cell Phone and Texting Laws". Dmv.ny.gov. 2011-10-05. Retrieved 2013-05-24. 
  96. ^ "Vehicle & Traffic Law - Distracted Driving, Talking & Texting". Safeny.ny.gov. 2011-07-12. Retrieved 2013-05-24. 
  97. ^ The Pendulum - Texting behind the wheel now illegal in the state
  98. ^ http://www.ncdot.gov/programs/GHSP/download/TeenTearPad.pdf
  99. ^ "North Carolina: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved 21 June 2014. 
  100. ^ North Dakota Cell Phone and Texting Laws" at drivinglaws.org""". DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved 30 September 2014. 
  101. ^ "North Dakota: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved 21 June 2014. 
  102. ^ "Kasich Signs Statewide Texting Ban for Drivers". WBNS-10TV Columbus, Ohio. Retrieved 30 September 2014. 
  103. ^ "Oklahoma Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved 20 June 2014. 
  104. ^ "Oklahoma: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved 21 June 2014. 
  105. ^ "Oklahoma Legislative Bill 2276". Oklahoma Legislator Website. Oklahoma Legislator. Retrieved 20 June 2014. 
  106. ^ Relating to use of mobile communication device while driving; amending ORS 811.507
  107. ^ "Pennsylvania’s Texting Law Goes Into Effect, Supersedes Philadelphia’s Cell Laws « CBS Philly". Philadelphia.cbslocal.com. 2012-03-08. Retrieved 2013-05-24. 
  108. ^ "Pennsylvania: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved 21 June 2014. 
  109. ^ "Rhode Island: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved 21 June 2014. 
  110. ^ "Rhode Island Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved 20 June 2014. 
  111. ^ "S 459". Retrieved 30 September 2014. 
  112. ^ Seanna, Adcox (13 June 2014). "Texting while driving now illegal statewide in SC". The Sun News. Retrieved 13 June 2014. 
  113. ^ "South Carolina passes statewide texting ban". carolinalive.com. WPDE. Retrieved 13 June 2014. 
  114. ^ "Gov. Haley signs texting ban". wbtw.com. WBTW. Retrieved 13 June 2014. 
  115. ^ "SC becomes 49th state to outlaw texting while driving". wmbfnews.com. WMBF-TV. Retrieved 13 June 2014. 
  116. ^ "Texting while driving now illegal statewide in SC". wmbfnews.com. WMBF-TV. Retrieved 13 June 2014. 
  117. ^ Griffin, Courtney. "Texting while driving ban also includes Facebook, Twitter & Emails". WPDE. Retrieved 1 July 2014. 
  118. ^ "South Dakota Distracted Driving Laws". CarInsurancePedia. Retrieved 2014-02-06. 
  119. ^ "South Dakota: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved 21 June 2014. 
  120. ^ http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/106/Bill/SB0393.pdf
  121. ^ Utah Code
  122. ^ "Utah Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved 20 June 2014. 
  123. ^ Texting While Driving | Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
  124. ^ "Virginia Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws". DrivingLaws.org. DrivingLaws.org. Retrieved 20 June 2014. 
  125. ^ "Virginia: Cell phone, texting laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved 21 June 2014. 
  126. ^ "Washington state: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved 21 June 2014. 
  127. ^ "RCW 46.61.668: Sending, reading, or writing a text message while driving.". Washington State Legislature. Washington State Legislature. Retrieved 21 June 2014. 
  128. ^ "West Virginia: Cell phone laws, legislation". HandsFreeInfo.com. HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved 21 June 2014. 
  129. ^ "Wyoming: Cell phone & texting laws, bills". HandsFreeInfo.com. HandsFreeInfo.com. Retrieved 21 June 2014. 
  130. ^ "Man who killed bicyclist gets 6 years". The Orange County Register. Retrieved 30 September 2014. 
  131. ^ [5]
  132. ^ Feds probe texting before train crash - U.S. news - Life - msnbc.com
  133. ^ "Trolley Driver Was Texting Girlfriend At Time Of Crash: 46 Injured In Green Line Crash", WCVB, Boston, May 8, 2009.
  134. ^ Texting Trolley Driver Is Transgendered Male, ABC News, May 11, 2009
  135. ^ Plastic Surgeon Was Texting in Car Before Fatal Crash, People, August 17, 2010
  136. ^ "Coca-Cola Hit with a $21 Million Distracted Driving Judgment". The National Law Review.  
  137. ^
  138. ^ "Sun Prairie woman sentenced to 1 year in prison for fatal texting crash : Wsj". Host.madison.com. 2012-09-22. Retrieved 2013-05-24. 
  139. ^ High-Tech Devices Help Drivers Put Down Phone, New York Times, November 21, 2009
  140. ^ Harold Davis “’Black Box’ idea travels to cars”, The News-Times, 5/22/09
  141. ^ US patent application 20090063201 “SoberTeen driving insurance”
  142. ^ "TxtWatcher Alerts Parents About Kids Texting While Driving | | TxtWatcherTxtWatcher". Txtwatcher.com. 2013-03-13. Retrieved 2013-05-24. 
  143. ^ Safe Texting Campaign - Preventing texting while driving through education and technology
  144. ^ "SA Police to look at using high-tech traffic cameras to nab drivers who illegally use mobile phones". Retrieved 30 September 2014. 
  145. ^ "WA police bust 1379 texting drivers". Retrieved 30 September 2014. 
  146. ^ Mangalorean.com - Mangalore News Articles, Classifieds to Around the World

External links

  • FCC - The Dangers of Texting While Driving Consumer Guide
  • Cell phone and driving laws in the United States (including texting)
  • Distracted driving FAQ
  • Safe Texting Campaign
  • Texting & Driving Facts and Prevention through new Technology
  • Traffic Safety Facts: Driver Electronic Device Use in 2011 (U.S.), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, April 2013
  • Texting and Driving - A National Epidemic
General
Software
Culture
Devices
Environment
and health
Law
Networking
Generations
Rules of the road
Road user guides
Enforcement
Speed limit
Moving violations
Driver licensing
Traffic violations reciprocity
Parking
Car safety
Road safety
This article was sourced from Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. World Heritage Encyclopedia content is assembled from numerous content providers, Open Access Publishing, and in compliance with The Fair Access to Science and Technology Research Act (FASTR), Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., Public Library of Science, The Encyclopedia of Life, Open Book Publishers (OBP), PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and USA.gov, which sources content from all federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial government publication portals (.gov, .mil, .edu). Funding for USA.gov and content contributors is made possible from the U.S. Congress, E-Government Act of 2002.
 
Crowd sourced content that is contributed to World Heritage Encyclopedia is peer reviewed and edited by our editorial staff to ensure quality scholarly research articles.
 
By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. World Heritage Encyclopedia™ is a registered trademark of the World Public Library Association, a non-profit organization.
 


Copyright © World Library Foundation. All rights reserved. eBooks from Project Gutenberg are sponsored by the World Library Foundation,
a 501c(4) Member's Support Non-Profit Organization, and is NOT affiliated with any governmental agency or department.