Washington first state to ban texting while driving
by Chris Ziegler 
posted May 14th 2007 at 8:33AM
Following up on a prior threat, Washington has put its legislative rubber to the road to become the first state to turn texting drivers into criminals. While the safety of handsfree voice calling continues to be a source of controversy, texting behind the wheel is a pretty boneheaded move any way you slice it -- seeing how it robs you of your eyes, your hands, and your attention -- so we applaud Washington's stance here. For the time being, though, it's more of a symbolic move since the state's politicians gave the law virtually no bite to back up its bark; besides the relatively light $101 fine, DWT is a secondary offense, meaning that a driver already needs to be nailed for something else (say, speeding) to get thrown the book. Maybe a little time in the pokey would get violators on the straight and narrow?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
neil @ May 14th 2007 9:32AM
First.
Here in Ireland, it's illegal to hold a phone while driving (or "cradle" it with any part of your body), and could get you a fine or penalty points on your license.
g76monte @ May 14th 2007 10:36AM
more stupid laws for stupid people, yay!
(the next thing is no children in cars, because we all know they are far more dangerous than any electronic device.)
the good doctor @ May 14th 2007 11:09AM
Seriously. I was in a random accident, a cop gave me ride back to a gas station, she was messaging on her laptop, almost ran into the back of a post van, almost ran a red light. The important message? "Thanks".
Anyone ever done the math? I swear Morris Code is faster...... how’s that for progress?
phenoum @ Jul 29th 2009 1:56PM
Morris code.... is that from Saved by the Bell??
JeffnLA @ May 14th 2007 1:24PM
How about a law about txt-ing in movie theaters! I can't stand going to the movies anymore.