Governor Steve Beshear signed the Cell Phone Text Messaging Bill into law in Kentucky on April 25, 2010. It is about time. I hope this bill will have its intended impact and prevent serious automobile accidents caused by inattentive or distracted drivers.
Under the new law, any driver under the age of 18 is prohibited from using a cell phone in any manner while driving. This applies to an instruction permit, intermediate license or a full operator’s license. There is one and only one exception to this. That is to summon medical help, law enforcement or a public safety agency in the case of an emergency.
There are also provisions that relate to ALL drivers. Anyone who is operating a motor vehicle cannot write, send or read a text-based communication such as text message, instant message or electronic mail while operating a motor vehicle. My understanding is that there will be warnings issued on violations until January 1, 2011.
The fine for a first offense is a mere $25.00. Second offenders on up are fined $50.00 plus court costs. These fines appear to be a mere slap on the wrist. What if a bicycle accident victim is seriously injured or killed by someone who is texting while driving? Is a $25.00 fine going to send a message and act as a deterrent? I would propose much harsher penalties, maybe even prison time and a charge of manslaughter in extreme circumstances. Texting while driving is said to be more dangerous then drunk driving. The penalties should at least be the same!
Two weeks after the Cell Phone Text Messaging Bill was signed into law I was traveling down I-64. Ironically I was near the Frankfort, where the bill was signed and debated. I was passed by a driver who had a laptop computer wedged between the passenger seat and the dashboard. The computer faced him and he was typing as he passed me going well over the speed limit! I had a “Did I really just see that?” moment.
We really need to use some common sense when we are driving a car. I believe the Text Messaging Bill is a good start; however, I don’t believe the penalties are harsh enough to have a real impact. It didn’t faze my friend with the computer wedged in his front seat. Inattentive driving can cause can cause severe consequences, such as brain injury, paralysis or even death.
There are efforts nationally, such as Oprah Winfrey’s “No Phone Zone.” This is a push to get teenage drivers to enter into a contract abstaining from texting while driving or even using a cell phone in the car. What a great idea! My 16-year-old daughter helped to get signatures and pledges at her high school. Her class was able to get over 100 students to sign a contract or pledge not to use a cell phone while driving.
This is a good start but as I said, Kentucky needs to go further with penalties and enforcement. For now, we’ll take what we have and hope that all Kentuckians use common sense to prevent serious motor vehicle accidents and fatal accidents on our roads.
