Distracted Driving
“Drive while you are driving.”
Who knew that when cell phones were invented they could become the kiss of death for thousands of people each year? If you consider that at any daylight moment, 660,000 vehicles are being driven by someone using a hand-held cell phone, it makes you wonder why legislators haven’t been more aggressive in toughening laws to put a halt on distracted driving. Doesn’t it frighten you even more to think that in a recent survey, 18% of drivers said they have sent text messages or e-mails while driving? EMAILS! We need to do more than just hang up the phone when we get in the car.
We need to turn it off. Do not accept phone calls from anyone while they are driving. No phone call or text is worth a life.
WSL Supports the following Distracted Driving Policies & Legislation
- Prohibiting drivers from engaging in any activity not related to the actual operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that interferes with the vehicle’s safe operation. This includes prohibiting the use of hand held electronic communications devices; provides that this offense be primary and not secondary. The fine should be in excess of $100.00 for a first offense.
- Would require distracted driving issues, including cell phone use, to be tested as part of the state driver’s license exam.
- Require every application for an original or renewal of a driver’s license, contain a statement requiring the applicant to acknowledge that he or she knows of the dangers of distracted driving.
- Require all school districts to provide instruction on the dangers of texting while driving as part of the Core Curriculum Content Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.
- Require distracted driving violations appear in a motor vehicle operator’s driving history record accessible to motor vehicle insurance providers.
- The Creation of Task Forces on Distracted Driving
- Prohibit School bus drivers from talking on a cell phone and driving, except in emergencies.
- Prohibit drivers under the age of 21 from using a telecommunication’s device while driving. Learner’s and intermediate license holders may not use interactive communication devices while driving.
- No driver may use a handheld wireless telephone when passing a school building or school zone during school hours when children are present and outside the building; or in a highway work zone when a highway worker is present.
What You Need to Know about Distracted Driving:
