March 19, 2007
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DWT-Driving While Texting
The Washington State Legislature is considering a bill that would make it a crime to “operate a motor vehicle while reading, writing or sending electronic messages.
A few serious accidents have taken place because people were text messaging while driving. The issue has come up in relationship to people talking on there cell phones while driving. But text messaging appears to be even more dangerous.
Most states that are looking into the issue are considering serious fines for the offense. Oregon is considering a bill that would fine drivers up to $720 for driving while texting or holding a cell phone up to an ear. Here is the link: Link
Should it be illegal to DWT?
Comments (133)
YES its unhealthy
Probably but I’m guilty of doing it.
I know from personal experience that I can’t txt while I’m driving. I don’t care if you know the letters or not, you’re still going to look. So I wait until I’m at a red light to txt back
yes
It already is here in Jersey.
though people would do it anyway because they’re idiots or they just feel like breaking the law. not paying attention at all is far worse than paying half your attention to the road and half of it to a heard conversation.
its really hard to do that and drive, its better not to. illegal? thats just annoying you can’t really protect people from being stupid!
Yes! I have heard stories about people trying to text while driving and I think it’s absolutely appalling! Driving while talking on the cell phone should be illegal in all states too!
People who do that and die are just Darwin at work, Dan.
I ment “It’s” whoopise
how would you ever know? The phone is held down by your lap.
It ought to be unethical and stupid before it’s illegal…
what bothers me is not that they are making a law like that, but that they actually NEED a law like that.
Maybe we are just apes in monkey suits.
-Josh
In the few serious accidents, were the drivers killed? Because the Law of natural selection is of higher order than the Oregon State legislature.
Yes.
you can only prove that someone sent the text, you can’t prove that they were reading it…
but no, i don’t
Texting, definately, yes. The use of a cell phone is debatable, but you can’t type and look at the road at the same time.
yeah, it’s really dumb
YIKES…I’d be in SO much trouble!!!
Yes. It is very dumb.
Yes.
yes
you canNOT type and look at the road simultaneously. likewise you canNOT spread a newspaper over your steering wheel to read while driving and expect me to believe that you can see the road or react to what you see effectively. ditto putting on makeup, curling your hair, tying your tie, or eating food that requires LOOKING at it.
yes, you can be distracted by talking on a cellphone, but how much more dangerous is it when your physical vision is impaired/impacted by what other thing you are doing?
While in singapore, I saw a man driving a motorcycle while type a text message. I thought that was incredible.
I wonder how long he’ll live.
yeah it should be…. even though i do it all the time….im bad…dont copy me kiddos…..
i really don’t think so
i mean, i’ve been driving for over two years
of which about a year of that has been me texting while i drive
i don’t think its that big of a deal
i mean, at least, it doesn’t bother me
and i can do it
some people can multi-task and still pay a lot of attention to the most important task on hand..
thats how i can do that..
i usually have to do at least 3-5 things at a time
so driving may be a big thing that has a lot of attention needed, but i still need something else
so i also listen to music and text..
it just all matters what you can do
<3s
Yeah, but I think it’d be hard to prove.
Yeah.
yes.
I don’t think it should be illegal, that’s meddling too much in our American rights. I do think people need to be way more careful about what they do while they drive.
Perhaps it should be illegal to text.
Studies have actually shown that most of the hazard of talking on the phone while driving is from the cognitive impact of having the conversation not from holding the cell phone. Therefore, using an earpiece does not remedy the problem, it only makes it less apparent.
Yes, but it should also be illegal to read a newspaper while driving.
wow. I can’t believe how stupid some people are. While I do think you can’t regulate stupidity, people who DWT are putting themselves and others in danger.
yea, cause in my opion its harde to text than call whil driving.
Absolutely yes, that is even more dangerous than talking on the cell and driving. Crazy stuff.
i’ve done it before, and i think it probably should be illegal
Michael
The only accident I’ve ever been in was when I was texting, so I’m definatly never going to do that again.
we are too quick to add a law
Yea. Its just stupid to do it.
Yes.
It could be argued that people can “text without looking”, but you still have to see what the other person is saying back. Plus .. its mostly teens that text. And its mostly teens that get in accidents.
.. I see a connection here.
Hey Dan, thought you might be interested in the new Featured_Content blogring
of course.
Most laws are made as a result of people doing stupid things. If people are going to be stupid enough to attempt texting and driving at the same time, we probably need one.
txting WHILE driving..??
that’s extremely dangerous.. o___o
i agree.
it should be illegal.
When I lived in the Philippines, I would DTW all the time, but the pace of traffic was much slower there. I have done it here in the US, but I don’t like doing it. It is definitely dangerous.
I think that the only thing that should be allowed is talking on a phone with a hands free set.
Odd, I was in the car with my brother just last night and he was texting while driving and I was wondering how easily we could have like, died.
So yeah.
If women can wait till they reach a red ligh to reapply makeup, then why can’t we just wait a bit as well to reply to a text?
No. We already discussed this in regards to the biking on a cell phone thing–you can’t make stupidity illegal, it doesn’t work.
RYC: Yep, you’re the big winner. Good for you. I’ll post the story of my suffering later and see if you still feel so smug.
(I’m just kidding. It wasn’t that bad. I’ll post later!)
my sister can safely text while driving… she doesn’t have to look at the keys! it’s weird.
YEs…
I cant stand talking on my cell while driving. i might answer it for 2 seconds but then i hang-up, its just not worth it, especially if you are going fast and in traffic.
- Daniel (doubledb)
in 30 years, if that law passes, its gonna become a “weird law”
No, it shouldn’t be. If this should be illegal because it’s dangerous, then women and old people shouldn’t be allowed to drive either.
I honestly don’t know how you could enforce it either.
If somebody is DWT and hits someone or whatever because they were being negligent, throw the book at them. Otherwise, text away morons.
check this out,Recently in upstate NY a cop, off duty, after being at a bar (DWI) was texting some girl and hit 2 women crossing the street, killing one. Yeah it’s deffinately dangerous. And if you think it’s not, ask a construction worker who’s put in danger everyday by ppl either texting or talking!
As long as it’s not a woman driving.
Well, I’ve done it a few times, but only on straight roads with not much traffic around, but it is dangerous… at least for most people, and most of those people would think themselves invulnerable….
You know me, I disagree with everyone.
On this though? Run dwt drivers over a cliff, that is a truly stupid stupid move…
No, duh.
I mean yes…duh. Oh whatever.
OF COURSE IT SHOULD BE ILLEGAL.
Something needs to be done, that’s for sure. Saw a program on Discovery Channel (I think that was the channel) where the topic was about cars of the future. There was a comment made to the effect that soon drivers will be able to concentrate on “more interesting things than driving, like looking for music and other forms of emtertainment” instead of watching the road! Seems to me that a lot of people do that anyway.
i think some people shouldnt be aloud to drive at all, actually
Absolutely!! I agree there also needs to be a law making it illegal to drive and talk on a cell phone. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to take evasive action to avoid being hit by someone who wasn’t paying attention to their driving because they were to busy talking on their cell phone. The fine of $720 needs to be quadrupled!!!!
If it became illegal, I’d be in trouble. I do it all the time!! LOL! Seriously, I drive and text more than I drive while talking.
yes. but isn’t it common sense not to text while driving due to the fact you’re not looking at the road and instead your cell phone? *sigh* it’s just not sensible.
Funny how so many people are against both texting and driving and yet I see people doing it ALL THE TIME. Either we have the one group of people in the US who doesn’t do it, or most are being really hypocritical…
it should definitely be illegal to drive while texting. i was walking down the stairs at school today, texting a friend to let her know what the homework was–and i found myself walking down a lot more slowly because, you know, i didn’t want to fall on my face.
and imagine all drivers suddenly slowing down like that on the road…
Whoops… I meant to say both texting and TALKING… not driving. Sorry!
It probably should be, but I know I do it.. I’m better at doing that than I am at talking and driving though.
Yeah, I’ve had near-life experiences because my stupid friends do stupid shit like that.
I don’t know about a law…. but it should have some fine to it (not as large as 725 dollars though).
But you can’t outlaw stupidity, and some people just aren’t talented or smart enough to text at the same time as drive. They need to learn their limitations.
yes. you absolutely MUST keep your eyes on the road.
i guess it’s time to stop texting while i drive then… i’ve been trying to cut back anyway.
Fight Mental Illness Stigma
yes. i do it occassionally and i scare myself driving.
YES!!! It should because it is VERY hazardous!! Some lady in a wal-mart parking lot was doing that and hit my dad’s truck!!
Shame Shame Dan!! It’s people talking on THEIR cellphones
sorry its a pet peeve
yes
WHAT? No more driving while reading Harry Potter? Boo.
hahaha probably. but i am guilty of multi-tasking too..but i know it should probably be illegal. very dangerous. today i was trying to change my ringtone while driving. granted im in a familiar suburban neighborhood, i shouldnt have done so!
While I can’t stand any interference by government inside my own vehicle, I can see the dangers of not concentrating on your driving while texting. Just the slightest distraction for a split second and it could cause someone their life.
…It already isn’t?
Of course it should be!
One time I was falling asleep behind the wheel after a late night hockey practice and no one else was on the road so I read a little bit of This Present Darkness while I was driving, it was pretty cool. But I don’t think I will do it again and I would certainly not text message.
It should be obvious that is dangerous and there shoudl be a law covering driving while distracted. You shoudl not need an individual law for each form of distraction eg can I drive and polish my shoes. There isn’t a law against that except in New Jersey where there is a law for everyone.
I get upset whenever I see a driver who’s talking on a cell phone. “Hello! Danger? Come greet me!” When driving, your attention should be focused on the ROAD and not on a conversation. If you’re going to talk, pull over to the side of the road.
Totally. You’d think that people wouldn’t be so dumb, but alas… They are.
Much as I sneer at many of the dumb laws enacted by legislators, I have to agree with this one. Phones, texting, any kind of communication that requires you to mentally or physically input or output whilst driving – they are all deadly, and should be banned. The justification for this restriction of personal freedom? Easy. A driver voluntarily surrenders personal freedoms - relevant to his driving – when he turns the ignition key on a potentially lethal piece of machinery, and thus applies to act as a licensed driver, a creature that does not occur in nature, and has probably caused more slaughter than all regular and serial killers put together.
yes, it’s worse than talking on a cell phone; you’re looking at it.
Yes, I’m guilty of it too.
Check the DMV statistics. The #1 killer is speeding, #2 is tailgating. Yet, speeders and tailgaters do not go to jail for eons, like drunk drivers do. Where does texting fit into the scheme of deadlies? If safety is really the issue, then why aren’t speeders and tailgaters in jail with the drunks? Soon to be followed by the texters.
Yes! I don’t get why they don’t make driving while holding a phone illegal. Although, I would get busted a few times, just when my mommy calls me while I’m n the road. . . but still.
Only if no – one else is on my road. If I see someone, I just put my phone into my pocket until I have a better chance to reply.
I don’t see how one can even text while driving without endangering thier life or somebody elses. But honestly- how much more can the government interfere in the general public’s life? It becoming obsecure to be able to do something without having somekind of a law entact.
Yes. It kills people. So it should be banned.
Yes. Besides, it’s more dangerous simply talking on a phone while driving than being drunk and driving. I saw it on Mythbusters.
Oh good gravy granny, YES!!! But I don’t think we need more laws legislating us to death. If some poor bloke wants to text message and kill himself, let him. Or maybe kill someone else and spend life in prison…without email and text messaging…let him.
Stupidity can’t be legislated. Some people will be stupid regardless.
Obviously!
In Australia, it is illegal for a driver to use a hand-held mobile phone while the car is moving or when the car is stationary, such as at traffic lights (Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, 2003). In Queensland, the maximum fine for using a mobile telephone whilst driving is $1,500
Yes
Yes! … but what of road signs?
There should be a law against stupidity…this would fall in that category.
I can’t believe they actually have to pass a law for this. Why is common sense so friggin uncommon?
If so, then I’d get pulled over and ticketed pretty much everyday lol. It’s probably for the best though.
Grammar: their cell phones.
I almost hit a car while I was texting in my golf cart.
Yah, some would say it should be illegal…
But I think hey — if you’re willing to risk your neck, why not.
Yes.
Yes, for sure!
I had a friend who’s father would drive with his knees while he typed papers for school on his laptop which was in his lap. He was a good typist, so he didn’t have to look down very much I guess. Most of the drive was country highway. I wonder what other crazy feats people have attempted while driving. Suddenly talking on a phone doesn’t seem so bad? I had another friend who would eat stuff like soup and omelets and chili. That seemed impossible to me. I can barely drink coffee and keep my eyes on the road.
I think stupid people should be illegal. But that might be hard to do.
common sense would tell you that it’s a bad idea.
probably. i do it though, to some extent.. ad i live in WA state…
All the way. They’re dangeresque 3. Haha inside joke.
Yeah. It’s not like not being able to will change people’s lives. If it’ll save lives, and it isn’t a hassle at all, which it isn’t, then yes.
No. While it is unethical, it would impossible to enforce.
Incidentally, people would do it anyway.
Sounds like a retarded thing to do.
It probably should be. The only time it would be anywhere near safe is on a country road. And even then, you could end up in the ditch.
Yes, unless you are stopped for something.
Too difficult to enforce.
-David
sorry but im awesome ( yeah i said … i OWN at it) at texting and driving at the same time…. i memorized the letters and shit like that .
so i hope they dont … it would suck lol
Yes for cripes sake! I can barely pay attention when I have my radio on!
My Aunt puts on mascara while she’s driving. It annoys and scares me.
yes yes and effing yes.
I think if they want to make a law like that then they will have to add similar offenses which include stuff that people have been doing long before cell phones and pdas were an issue
what about writing a note with pen and paper? isn’t that the same?
reading books, mail, whatever
and like a previous reply included – makeup, shaving,
searching for CDs (or previously cassette tapes), dealing with stereo buttons
many foods eaten have people driving with their knees (ok, that is a personal irritation to me by people I know because I know it is not possible to be safe while doing that)
and so many of the people who do these things will rightly call drunk driving reprehensible but be blind to their own recklessness
people are wounded and killed because other people think they are in a hurry and “have to” do stuff like that while driving
it’s sad
and sure cell phones and texting are part of the issue but why impose legislation on just a small part of the problem?
I have to admit, I do look at maps when I drive sometimes but I usually do read it over thoroughly before I even start out and then do my best to update at red lights but I think the only time I have good luck with green lights is when I’m not sure where I am and could use a red to check my map ;-/
A lot of people here are able to text while driving. They’re good, I tell you! They don’t have to look at the keys to type. Ha!
In Germany you get a bill if you are only seen with your cell in one of your hands while driving. (But I’m guilty of that
)
Yes. Just yesterday I was riding with a friend, and he drove up on the curb on a busy street while talking to some woman on his cell phone. Ridiculous.
At least while talking on the phone you can keep your eyes on the road. You can’t do that while writing a text message (unless you’re REALLY good). Yes, it should be illegal.
Yes. It should be. I dont care how “talented” , or how good at “multi tasking” U think U are, its dangerous, and stupid.
I sit the fence when it comes to people and cell phones. Texting is a definite no-no. I don’t know how you’d even do that. But, cellphones, for some people, they can do it, others just aren’t as coordinated. I usually hang up if I’m in heavy traffic. But, I’m really sick of being stuck behind someone who speeds up, slows down, speeds up again and weaves across the road, only to see the silohouette of the classic arm bend and hand pressed to the face of the cell phone user.
Just stop doing anything in your car other then driving! I can’t believe text while they drive, actually I can believe that. People must want to be in a car accident. :-/
These things are only dangerous to careless and inattentive drivers, which shouldn’t even be on the road in the first place. So why treat everyone like a moron or a criminal just because a few people do it?
I say no, because our safety is in our own hands and we deserve the right to do as we please as human beings. Besides, those idiots should be taken off the road BEFORE they’re texting. It’s not like texting is the only thing they’re bound to do while driving after all.
No please no.
Oh heck yes it should be!
If you don’t know how to without crashing.
Ok that’s it!!!!!!!!! Let me off this crazy train. Have we all lost our minds????
Next they will start banning toys in a car because it will become a projectile in a car accident. Or loud colors on cars because they are a distraction. ooh Good one here…Ban bumper stickers cause some idiot hit a car reading one in bumville,wherever.
I want off. Me, I have never gotten in any accident that didn’t involve a deer, ice or a car being operated by idiots. FYI none of them were texting.
psshhh yeah!
Only idiots would text while driving…lol
YES
YES.
I do not want to die because someone had to type “LOL” into their mobile phone while they were driving! It is so irresponsible and rude.
Most people while using their phones drive slowly and don’t really have much regard for pedestrians, and I’d like not to get run over in town by some a-hole talking about football on his mobile while he’s driving, thanks.
It really just makes me angry to hear people talk about using their phones while they drive. HANG UP AND DRIVE.
It burns me up. A lot. I pull over to use the phone, and I wish it was the law.
If I get into an accident because of some idiot on their mobile, damn right I am going to work to get it in the books.