Primary-Enforced Texting Laws Save Drivers’ Lives: University Research

July 28, 2014

  • July 28, 2014 at 1:16 pm
    Scott R says:
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    Enforcement is key. In Maryland three out of five cars I pass have drivers either talking on the phone or texting. Police should do better. Or, get rid of the law. Reckless driving is already a law.

    • July 28, 2014 at 2:20 pm
      Agent says:
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      I agree Scott. Drivers who text claim they can multi task and can handle it. NOT SO MUCH! What is really scary is being stuck on a 6 lane freeway with vehicles flashing by on both sides either on their cell or trying to text and drive.

  • July 28, 2014 at 2:29 pm
    Vickie says:
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    There is a device that can block texting while a car is in motion. It should be an absolute MUST. It isn’t just youthful drivers who text. In fact, it doesn’t seem limited to any demographic. The same folks who used to put the newspaper or maps on the steering wheel text over the steering wheel.

    Makes a lot of sense …… Let’s drive a heavy machine at high speeds (actually they almost ALWAYS slow down to below the speed limit) on a multi lane highway. Makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

  • July 28, 2014 at 2:29 pm
    Dave says:
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    Any time I’m in the passiing lane and there’s some fuddy-duddy in front of me, when I pass them up on the “right” side I always check who the driver is and what they are doing. Nine times out of ten they are texting or talking on the phone. And as far as gender, I will not say but leave it up to others who “observe”. If this law was properly enforced I’m sure it would generate more revenue than speeding tickets. And it would save lives and prevent thousands of serious injuries. I’m normally against over-regulation, but I’d love to see one requiring auto manufacturers to install devices in their cars which disable phones inside the vehicle while it is moving. I know there are movie theaters using a certain kind of paint on the inside of their walls to prevent cell phones from working. I’m sure jamming devices could be installed in moving cars.

    • July 28, 2014 at 3:01 pm
      Agent says:
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      Dave, the cell is the most addictive thing we have in society right now, far outstripping drug use and alchohol. We thought Linus blanket in Charlie Brown was bad. These cell addicts have to have it in their hand at all times just in case they get a text or a call. I have had clients in my office giving a sales presentation and be interrupted 4 or 5 times by texts or calls. It is very frustrating. I saw a lady at the grocery store last week. She got out of her car, went in the store, shopped for groceries for an hour, went through the check out line, went out to her car and drove off and never once got off the phone. That is a serious addiction.

      • July 30, 2014 at 11:22 am
        txmouthbreatherboogereatertx says:
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        The Linus Blanket is from The Peanuts and not Charlie Brown (it’s a tissue and not a Kleenex)

        Why are your clients giving sales presentations and how could you and your staff be so rude by interrupting them by texting?

        I’m guessing they don’t have stalking laws in Texico otherwise you wouldn’t be watching someone for over an hour. Were you packing just in case?

  • July 29, 2014 at 8:04 am
    Mike says:
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    I agree with Vickie but wold add that the technology is built into the phones now. Simply have an app that is required on ALL phones that automatically switches to airline mode when the GPS senses that the phone is moving greater than 10mph. No call, no time, is worht the lives that are being lost.

    • July 30, 2014 at 9:47 am
      CL PM says:
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      Mike – I am completely against texting or using a phone while driving, but have a question. In your scenario, how does the phone distinguish between someone driving versus someone sitting in the passenger seat who wants to use their phone? I often ask a passenger in my car to call someone or look something up while we are on the road.



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