Arlington Passes Texting and Driving Ban

[Dagwood]

http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/Arlin...129772403.html

First issue - more government intrusion, which, generally, I stand firmly against. Second issue - lacking common sense from the citizens.

I can already see where this will lead -- a policeman pulls someone over for what appears to be texting while driving (whether in motion or not). The driver disputes it by saying he/she was searching for or dialing a number. What's the policeman to do from there? Issue the ticket anyway and the driver dispute it in court? Will cell phone records be brought into the picture to prove either side's story?

I'm all for less government and more common sense. And I get frustrated, too, when I see someone driving and texting, or scrolling through their phone -- they're usually weaving back and forth in the lane and/or driving extremely slow. But, is a ban really worth the time and expense to enforce it? I don't live in Arlington and don't know their capabilities. So, I suppose we'll see how it goes and see if other cities here start jumping on board...

[Whoop Harted]

It is already illegal to do this on any military base, has been for years.

Should be illegal to text or talk on the phone while driving.

I totally support the ban for commercial drivers, best thing I have heard for a while.

[Dagwood]

Originally Posted by Whoop Harted

It is already illegal to do this on any military base, has been for years.

Should be illegal to text or talk on the phone while driving.

I totally support the ban for commercial drivers, best thing I have heard for a while.

From what I've observed and experienced, it's more of a distraction to be texting or entering any kind of info on the keypad as opposed to actually talking on the phone.

For the most part, entering data on a phone requires one to look down at the phone more than looking forward. On the contrary, talking on the phone requires one to be looking forward as opposed to looking down.

From a workforce standpoint, imagine all the people who use their phone while driving to conduct business (conf calls, specifically). I, myself, know about this since several of my colleagues are on their cell phone while driving or waiting at the airport.

For me, texting is convenient only as necessary; it should NEVER be a priority to respond unless I'm stopped somewhere off the roadway. On the other hand, a phone call should not be held to the same level of scrutiny as texting.

I just hope the new law doesn't eventually get amended to include making or receiving calls. That will render far greater negative impacts than I think many people realize...

[scotty]

I could only dream of a day where we didn't need government to impose laws on us because of the stupid among us. But unfortunatly, I don't see that day coming anytime soon. In the mean time, teens as well as adults are dying because they are stupid.
I'm against texting and driving. Here in Arkansas it is against the law and has been for almost a year. The new one past a couple of months ago makes it against the law to even be talking on the phone while in a school zone.
I believe there are some states where it is illegal to talk on the cell phone and drive unless your using a hands free device.

[Dagwood]

Originally Posted by scotty

I could only dream of a day where we didn't need government to impose laws on us because of the stupid among us. But unfortunatly, I don't see that day coming anytime soon. In the mean time, teens as well as adults are dying because they are stupid.
I'm against texting and driving. Here in Arkansas it is against the law and has been for almost a year. The new one past a couple of months ago makes it against the law to even be talking on the phone while in a school zone.
I believe there are some states where it is illegal to talk on the cell phone and drive unless your using a hands free device.

I agree with you. And I'll probably "hear it" from some people on here when I say this, but this issue alone is probably the ONLY time I would have no problem with "government" intervening and controling something that otherwise has proven uncontrollable with some. Why? Becuase I (and anyone else who might feel the same way) won't suffer like the person who texts all the time while they are driving. I don't do it myself.

I believe Texas has a statewide ban on handheld devices being used in school zones too. I know that's the case here where I live and neighboring cities...

[Sister Alvear]

if we all moved to the deep dark jungle there are no towers there...

[canam]

actually i can text with out looking ! so can alot of people.

[Dagwood]

Originally Posted by canam

actually i can text with out looking ! so can alot of people.

I wouldn't doubt it...

[Ferd]

I would be double mad if this had been done by the feds.

At the local level however, I dont have an issue with it. the city of Arlington knows the statistics for that community. they each represent a smaller number of people and are therefore much more closely alligned with the community.

[canam]

I have also known of young ladies who can text with their phone in hand while the hand is in the purse,and i ve heard of one person playing a keyboard and texting ,like in church !