Floating topic
http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2014/04/nj_needs_a_total_ban_on_phoning_while_driving_editorial.html
By: Ramon Contreras & Alejandra Alanis
Banning Texting While Driving
Main topic
Legal Foundations
2017: House Bill 65 took effect
Governor Greg Abbott signs
Becomes a law
45 cities have also enacted hands-free ordinances.
Texas the 47th state to officially ban the dangerous practice of texting while driving
2015: House Bill 80
Lacked votes in order to reach the Senate
Defeated in the Senate before becoming law
Passed the House panel
Misdemeanor statewide to use a portable wireless device
2013: similar bill was passed with wide bipartisan support
Senate Transportation Committee refused to allow a vote on the bill.
2011: the Texas Legislature was successful in passing a statewide ban
Unfortunately was vetoed by Gov. Rick Perry.
Goals
Ban should be reconcider
Laws against texting and banning are hard to enforceme
Hard for officers to see what a person is doing with their cellphone
Texting and driving being illegal is unpractical
Other factors of distraction
Raising public awareness
Reduce wrecks
Making it safer for pedestrians and motorists
Reduce the amount of money spent in wrecks
Setting an example to children
Web Driving Simulators
Providing Extensive research over
Limit the use of electronic devices
Regulating unsafe driver behavior
Identify traffic safety problems
Provisions
Legal
Red light, it's not a violation to be looking at a phone because they're not "operating a vehicle" in that moment.
Motorists in most cities to use their phone
Illegal to use a mobile device in any school zone.
Drivers under 18 are also barred from texting and driving.
Fines and Charges
Injury and death
MAX of $4,000
One year in jail
Additional charges/ punishments
Offenders
Continuous offenders
Fine up to $100 - $200
First time offenders
FIne up to $25 - $99
Interest groups
Oppose
Young drivers
Adults 18 to 30 years old
Teenagers
People being sued
Support
Citizen Groups
Law Reformers
Safety Programs
AAA Foundation Of Traffic Safety
End Distracted Driving
Impact Teen Drivers
Drop It and Drive (DIAD)
National Safety Council (NSC)
U.S. Department of Transportation/National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA)
People who want to sue
Resulted injured
Lost people
