Just a few thoughts. First, I have not read the exact wording of the law, but what I have heard on the news has been that it focuses on "typing and reading" while driving. If that is the case, the issue is not texting or IMing or Skyping. The issue is looking at the device while the auto is in motion. I think that avoids the issues about Twitter, Loopt, GPS, etc. The focus is on looking at something else, no matter what it is, while the vehicle is in motion. While they call it the "No Texting Law", it really looks beyond that one action. Agreed, it does not cover women applying make up, or crazy kids messing with the CD or radio, but it does address an action that has caused significant damage to many in Indiana. This leads to my second point.
Second, I heard this morning that the latest data indicates this behavior caused over 7,500 auto accidents in the last reporting period (I think in calendar 2010, but I am not certain of that time frame) by drivers doing this. The estimated cost to Indiana was over $250,000,000. Like it or not, this behavior has a dramatic impact on citizens who are not texting (I will use that term generically for behaviors as explained in my first point). Those 7,500 accidents involved a "texter" injuring and/or damaging the property of someone who was not texting. The damages and injuries are significant amounts.
Third, we all are aware that wisdom dictates those using such devices should pull to the side of the road, complete their texting business and then resume driving. This is simply a basic act of wisdom. Most of us do not do it, but we should; we are a clear and present danger to ourselves and to others if we text and drive. We all know this to be true. The distraction is significant and dangerous; so wise and conscientious drivers will stop, text and then drive.
Fourth, if people will not act wisely, laws must be passed to provide a deterrent. Excessive speed endangers others on the road, so speed limits are enacted. Excessive alcohol consumption while driving endangers others on the road, so alcohol limits are enacted. Excessive inattention to the road endangers others, so texting limits are enacted. If people refuse to act wisely, it is necessary for government to intervene to protect the citizenry at large.
Fifth, make a behavior too expensive and the behavior will be reduced. A $500 fine for texting is significant. A court case to oppose it will begin with a $1,000 retainer for an attorney, additional fees to the court, extensive time to complete the process, etc.
There is a fellow on INGO who has a quote at the bottom of all his posts that goes something like this: "When you get mad enough, grab your rifle and run out to the street. If you are alone, it is not time." I think, if you grab your rifle and dash into the street over this one, you will find yourself alone. It is not time—yet.
Second, I heard this morning that the latest data indicates this behavior caused over 7,500 auto accidents in the last reporting period (I think in calendar 2010, but I am not certain of that time frame) by drivers doing this. The estimated cost to Indiana was over $250,000,000. Like it or not, this behavior has a dramatic impact on citizens who are not texting (I will use that term generically for behaviors as explained in my first point). Those 7,500 accidents involved a "texter" injuring and/or damaging the property of someone who was not texting. The damages and injuries are significant amounts.
Third, we all are aware that wisdom dictates those using such devices should pull to the side of the road, complete their texting business and then resume driving. This is simply a basic act of wisdom. Most of us do not do it, but we should; we are a clear and present danger to ourselves and to others if we text and drive. We all know this to be true. The distraction is significant and dangerous; so wise and conscientious drivers will stop, text and then drive.
Fourth, if people will not act wisely, laws must be passed to provide a deterrent. Excessive speed endangers others on the road, so speed limits are enacted. Excessive alcohol consumption while driving endangers others on the road, so alcohol limits are enacted. Excessive inattention to the road endangers others, so texting limits are enacted. If people refuse to act wisely, it is necessary for government to intervene to protect the citizenry at large.
Fifth, make a behavior too expensive and the behavior will be reduced. A $500 fine for texting is significant. A court case to oppose it will begin with a $1,000 retainer for an attorney, additional fees to the court, extensive time to complete the process, etc.
There is a fellow on INGO who has a quote at the bottom of all his posts that goes something like this: "When you get mad enough, grab your rifle and run out to the street. If you are alone, it is not time." I think, if you grab your rifle and dash into the street over this one, you will find yourself alone. It is not time—yet.
