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“previous drunken driving conviction, six speeding tickets and four tickets for careless driving”
Why was he still driving?
Sadly you can pass all of the laws you want but it will only stop the already law abiding, conscientious drivers from texting and talking on cell phones while driving. Oregon already has the law and in the 3 miles from home to work, I see 1/2 a dozen people on the phone talking and some texting. The fine is about $250 if caught too. It does not seem to stop people.
Recently, I saw a lady texting while driving with two small children in car seats. I thought briefly about reporting it, but that would have meant calling while driving as I couldn’t clearly see her plates to identify her later. Also I wondered if it would do any good as our officers seldom write tickets (recent news article) for this.
I think this texting while driving should be banned, but I also think it will be a hard thing to prove in court. How can it be documented the exact time of pressing the keys to write a text and the exact time of the accident?
I agree LP. While I believe you are absolutely ignorant to text while driving or drive distracted at all, passing a knee jerk law sadly won’t change much in my opinion. Something should be done but do people really believe a ban on texting will stop people from doing it?
I know it sounds crazy but I am a firm beilever that taking down a majority of traffic signs and replacing traffic lights with round-a-bouts will help driving safety. There are studies that back it up. People will have to drive cautiously and look out for other drivers. Just an idea that may make more of a difference then some ban.
What about technology that would prohibit texting while in a moving vehicle??? But that is probably not going to help, people always find a way around it.
“… it’s unrealistic to enforce a statewide ban in such a vast state with hundreds of miles of rural driving.”
If a tree falls in Custer State Park and no one is there, does it make a sound?
If a texter is driving on Route 73 and he collides with the only person he’s seen for hours, is it still safe for others to be allowed to text? Of course not.
You know it may not be completely enforceable, but, in heavily populated areas, and in town with lots of traffic…YES it can be enforced, and I know they write tickets for it. But those dang budget cuts have put fewer patrols on the road. I feel there should be a ban in all states. Have I been guilty of “talking” while driving with the speaker feature on my phone yes….but not texting.
As per the first comment: Why does / did he still have a license.
He’s certainly as irresponsible as they come and should have his car impounded, sold (if it’s worth anything) and the funds used to pay for his victim’s funeral. Then, if the victim had family, the driver should be mandated to find a job and have his wages garnised for the next ten years and paid to them, even if he’s only able to work at the local McDondald restaurant.
Jim I hope the funeral is real cheap. The car was wrecked, and the @sshole was uninsured so there’s no payment, no liability coverage, you name it, and he’s 21 and probably without assets. If he has parents, if he’s living at their home, even though he’s not a minor, THEY will probably be the ones paying, not him.
And would you really want this guy flipping your burgers? EEEEWWWW.
I wish to extend my condolences to the family of Philip Sorensen; given the reach of the internet someone related or connected to Mr. Sorensen may have seen my humorous comment to the original story on Friday, 7/27/12. With hopes for recovery from his injuries at the time, it was written with no disrespect intended. At least the driver was caught and will face the consequences.
Yeah, pure BM… may not be saying much, but I liked it. Irreverence appreciated.
“Police said Friday that O’Neal faces charges of first- and second-degree manslaughter. He was initially charged with felony hit and run and other offenses.”
there was only 1 fatality. you can only charge him for one manslaughter charge. the judge may knock-down the charge to 2nd degree.
here’s the issue i have. this case is a no-brainer. but what about cops who you see on the cellphone or texting or on that computer in the car with them while driving? are they not held accountable for the law as well? a law is upheld by our police but they are not excempt from the law. so even on business, they still need to follow the rules of the road. including no texting, whether cell or computer. if the states says no cells, like NY, then they need to abide by that also.
Does the law call this mansluaghter?
Wudchuck, couldn’t agree more, I live in MD, travel extensively in MD,VA,PA,DE and NJ for work. As a percentage of the number of cars I see with folks txting, talking on cells, etc, the vast majority, by far, are law enforcement officers. If I see 20 vehicles on the road 10 or so are doing this, if I see 20 police cars, 15 – 18 are guilty. I have cops in my family and when I ask them about it it’s always, well, we’re working we need to use these tools. BS, the arrogance of these folks makes me want to puke and there is no accountability or awareness of how this might look to the general public. Tough to get people to stop when the people who are charged to uphold the law are doing the same behavior. Do as I say, not as I do.
the kid has quite a record. throw the book at him. he earned it!