Texting while operating a motor vehicle

[Americano]

Many states have passed laws prohibiting texting while operating a motor vehicle and studies are showing those laws were not a deterrent as texting becomes even more widespread, complete with the usual escalation in accidents always accompanying negligence that make insurers whine.

I personally believe texting while operating a motor vehicle is every bit as negligent as driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The difference being the problem with laws against texting have no significant penalty. Most violations carry a citation and fine under $200. If that penalty was raised to match DWI levels, say $5000 and loss of driving privileges for the first offense, I'd think compliance would reach satisfactory levels and reduce accidents.

What do others think? Is a head-on collision produced by negligence less offensive if caused by texting rather than drinking?

[Michael]

I believe we have already had a long discussion/argument on a related topic previously... here (http://www.discussionworldforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=124)

Nevertheless, I'm a strong supporter of banning the usage of ANY electronic devices of any kind while driving. "Hands-free" makes zero difference. The danger to public safety comes not from using one's hands for these devices - the danger to public safety comes from the distraction of one's concentration while driving.

I certainly do not accept the idea that a motor vehicle travelling on public highways are 'private spaces'. That is absurd in the context of the road, the vehicle and the driver's licence (and insurance) are all mandated by government - there is nothing that is essentially 'private' here.

I do agree that "DWI" level penalties ought to be applied to violators of these laws. Small fines are not sufficient to address the severity of the crime (killing/maiming).

[Americano]

I believe we have already had a long discussion/argument on a related topic previously... here (http://www.discussionworldforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=124)

Nevertheless, I'm a strong supporter of banning the usage of ANY electronic devices of any kind while driving. "Hands-free" makes zero difference. The danger to public safety comes not from using one's hands for these devices - the danger to public safety comes from the distraction of one's concentration while driving.

I certainly do not accept the idea that a motor vehicle travelling on public highways are 'private spaces'. That is absurd in the context of the road, the vehicle and the driver's licence (and insurance) are all mandated by government - there is nothing that is essentially 'private' here.

I do agree that "DWI" level penalties ought to be applied to violators of these laws. Small fines are not sufficient to address the severity of the crime (killing/maiming).

I revisited the topic because current penalties are having no effect on blatant texting by drivers.

[Michael]

I revisited the topic because current penalties are having no effect on blatant texting by drivers.
Sure, no problem. I was just referencing the older thread in case anyone is curious. :)

And these laws are rather new. It takes a while for human behavior to change in response to stimuli. There was lots of opposition to banning in the first place.

But I agree, penalties have to rise for them to be effective deterents. $100 fines are not a meaningful deterent. That size fine works for speeding tickets only because of the $1000 insurance premium hit you are actually risking. If the ONLY penalty for speeding was a $100 or $200 fine, I would pay a whole lot less attention to the issue. Heck, I'd drive whatever speed I liked and then offer to pay the fine with debit or credit card right there on the roadside if a cop catches me and be done with it. :)

But the risk of a $1000 hit on my insurance rate definitely keeps me watching the speed limits.

[Americano]

Insurers are the ones making noises about current lax enforcement of existing legislation. Unlike DUI citations, there's no muni revenue to speak of in texting citations and LE efforts are directed at producing revenue streams for cities and counties. They like DUIs (big fines plus sharing proceeds in the vehicle towing business), dope busts (personal and real property confiscation) and school zone speeding citations (fines here start at $375 and escalate upwards at take your breath away numbers).

Until fines reach a level that attracts LE enforcement, it'll take significant hits to insurance rates for texting citations to get the general public's attention.