Ban on Texting While Driving Takes Effect in MD

*chernmax* · 10-01-2009, 11:03 AM

Put the Hoes on Hold!!!

ANNAPOLIS (Sept. 30, 2009) -- "BTW," "LOL" and "TTYL" are now outlawed from the driver's seat for Maryland motorists.

(Editors note: For the non-texters, the acronyms above stand for "by the way," "laughing out loud," and "talk to you later.")

Regardless of texting IQ, a state law prohibiting most cell phone text messaging while driving went into effect Thursday. The law was approved by the General Assembly last session, and lawmakers and highway officials hope it will increase driver attentiveness and decrease traffic accidents and deaths.

"There's just no way a person can use both hands on an electronic device and focus on a conversation and at the same time drive safely," said Sen. Jamie Raskin, D-Montgomery, a co-sponsor of the bill. "It makes no sense."

Texting is one of the most distracting things a driver can do behind the wheel, said Dr. John Lee, an engineering professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Speaking Wednesday at the Distracted Driving Summit, a two-day conference organized by the U.S. Department of Transportation in Washington, Lee said texting was "the perfect storm" of distraction because it takes the driver's eyes, hands and brain off the road.

"I'm sure there are worse things [than texting], but it's hard to imagine them," Lee said.

Dr. Tom Dingus, director of the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and another speaker at the conference, cited a study demonstrating just how hazardous texting and driving is. Examining drivers over the long term and in real driving conditions, the study found that drivers are 23 times more likely to have an accident or near accident while texting than during normal driving.

"Cell phone texting in particular has the potential to create a true crash epidemic if the popularity grows exponentially," Dingus said during his presentation. "We really need to get the message out that those activities are really, really bad."

In Maryland, more than 30 percent of the roughly 95,000 traffic accidents last year resulted from distracted driving, according to the Maryland State Highway Administration. While this includes not only texting but also eating and talking on a cell phone, Lori Rakowski, spokesman for MSHA, said it's "impossible" to text and drive safely at the same time.

"Clearly, distraction plays a major role in crashes," Rakowski said. "The texting law sends a positive message that drivers should avoid distractions and focus on safe driving.

Officially the Delegate John Arnick Electronic Communications Traffic Safety Act, the texting ban passed overwhelmingly in both the house and senate during this spring's session. Drivers can be pulled over by the police if they're suspected of texting and face up to a $500 fine if convicted.

Maryland joins 18 other states that have already outlawed texting, with nine additional states banning the practice for young and inexperienced drivers.

While the law only prohibits writing and sending text messages -- reading them is still legal -- Maryland State Police spokesman Elena Russo was confident that police would be able to tell the difference.

"Like everything else, people are going to be blatant about texting and driving," Russo said, noting that a driver writing a message is clearly distinguishable from one who is merely reading one, particularly with the full keyboards offered on many cell phones. "You can tell when someone is texting while driving."

Beyond enforcement, bill sponsor Sen. Norman Stone, D-Baltimore County, believes that simply passing the law will inform drivers that texting and driving is dangerous.

"We're hoping that, as a matter of policy, we'll get the message over and people will stop doing it," Stone said. "The idea is to try to save some lives."

With the texting ban in the books, both Stone and Raskin expressed hope that the legislature can pass a law prohibiting the use of cell phones without a hands-free device in the upcoming session. Last May, Gov. Martin O'Malley issued an executive order requiring state workers to use a hands-free device to make calls while driving.

"This is a preventable kind of disaster," Raskin said. "I'm proud that the state has gone this far in enacting [the texting ban], and I hope we go further next session."

Capital News Service contributed to this report.

sho off · 10-01-2009, 12:14 PM

Clear arguments can be made on both sides.

But, I as a texter oppose this. Then again it doesnt matter to me along with dc no cell phone rule. Why? because I have 5% tint that they cant see into anyways.rofl

*SuperChris* · 10-01-2009, 01:24 PM

one should steer with one's knees ONLY when eating in the car...

*chernmax* · 10-01-2009, 09:04 PM

Texting while driving is straight up stupid. There are no two sides to this story. Texting is more about chance, the chance your dumbass was looking at a text screen verse the road the split second before you impacted the car or person by a distance of 2 feet verse 500+ feet!!!

Teaner · 10-01-2009, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperChris

one should steer with one's knees ONLY when eating in the car...

or amongst other things

Quote:

Originally Posted by chernmax

Texting while driving is straight up stupid.

so true. i see more more people on the road talking and texting these days. time after time I have to pass people due to their extremely slow driving or just ignorance to the road, end up being on the phone. life is so short and taken for granted

tookrzy4u192 · 10-01-2009, 09:32 PM

what if one is so used to texting on the phone that he/she doesnt need to look at the screen or keypad to text? (i used to be able to do that until i got the iphone)

but i agree, texting and driving is dangerous

*chernmax* · 10-01-2009, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teaner

or amongst other things

so true. i see more more people on the road talking and texting these days. time after time I have to pass people due to their extremely slow driving or just ignorance to the road, end up being on the phone. life is so short and taken for granted

Yes totally agree, most people texting or talking on their cell phone fall into their own little bubble and either drive slower than the speed limit or make it seem like the driving rules no longer apply becaise I'm on the phone and can't you people see this is more important than driving!!!

YoNsTar · 10-01-2009, 09:44 PM

Question of the Year: how in the hell is police gonna really see you texting? and then prove it by the time they get to your car?...FAIL... ppl still gonna do it and mow everything rite off the road...

The6spdMax · 10-02-2009, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YoNsTar

Question of the Year: how in the hell is police gonna really see you texting? and then prove it by the time they get to your car?...FAIL... ppl still gonna do it and mow everything rite off the road...

Totally agree, or you can make a case saying "I was just calling someone."

Leo_Koneval · 10-02-2009, 01:08 AM

I agree texting while driving is stupid, I mean I admit I sometimes eat and drink (Non-alcoholic beverages) while driving but my eyes are still on the road but texting is just asking for it especially on the freeway with tons of college students rushing to get to class because they were about to miss a test

tookrzy4u192 · 10-02-2009, 09:12 AM

i see both sides of the situation.. but isn't using a "navigation" a danger too? a lot of people have that on their phone and could be the same as texting in ways.. how would a cop prove that a person is texting?

*chernmax* · 10-02-2009, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tookrzy4u192

i see both sides of the situation.. but isn't using a "navigation" a danger too? a lot of people have that on their phone and could be the same as texting in ways.. how would a cop prove that a person is texting?

IMO most people won't know the law is in affect anyway and will be pulled over. All the cop needs to do is check the date and time on your text send box!!!

sho off · 10-02-2009, 10:06 AM

Well i can efficiently send the little two or three word texts while still looking at the road. This law refers to mostly girls or dweebsauces that have long drawn out convos during driving... Plz............

If i must say all that than i need to call that person. Or my phone has the voice sms feature. gets the job done...

Coolsaber57 · 10-02-2009, 10:22 AM

Thank God.

Marylanders can't drive for sheit and need all the help they can get.

*chernmax* · 10-02-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tookrzy4u192

i see both sides of the situation.. but isn't using a "navigation" a danger too? a lot of people have that on their phone and could be the same as texting in ways.. how would a cop prove that a person is texting?

In a wreck they pull the phone out of your cold dead hands!!!

*321VQ35MAX* · 10-02-2009, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chernmax

IMO most people won't know the law is in affect anyway and will be pulled over. All the cop needs to do is check the date and time on your text send box!!!

But would the cop have the right to go through your phone?

*chernmax* · 10-02-2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 321VQ35MAX

But would the cop have the right to go through your phone?

He can go through your pockets and wallet, why not? Probable cause comes to mind...

*SuperChris* · 10-02-2009, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YoNsTar

Question of the Year: how in the hell is police gonna really see you texting? and then prove it by the time they get to your car?...FAIL... ppl still gonna do it and mow everything rite off the road...

Trooper/Cop: "Come to court & fight it; I'll see you there."

u really wanna risk a higher fine (plus court costs) trying to prove a flimsy point? good luck...

Maximum I · 10-03-2009, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperChris

Trooper/Cop: "Come to court & fight it; I'll see you there."

u really wanna risk a higher fine (plus court costs) trying to prove a flimsy point? good luck...

$500 point yes....i dont really have that much money to throw away..but the cop can take and look at your phone i think but cant go through it...they can inspect the outside and take it apart though to look for "hidden things" but not through your personals. but maybe w/ the new law and all they have cleared that loop hole

*chernmax* · 10-03-2009, 10:20 PM

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Starting today, Maryland drivers will face a hefty fine for texting while driving and teens will have to wait an additional six months to get their drivers license. But other distractions like talking on the phone and reading a message won't cost you.

Sgt. Bruce Evans sees the dangers of texting while driving daily while patrolling the roads of Montgomery County (web | news) . "It's a huge risk. It takes all of your time, it takes all of your attention. By the time you look up, your response time is delayed and a lot of times we have come out and right an accident."

The first offense will cost you up to $70 and a point off your license.

The law applies to drivers anywhere on the roadway, even ones stopped at a red light.

"I won't be doing that again whether stopped at a light or driving," said Steven Evans, Maryland driver.

Many Maryland motorists and even cops say the texting ban has a huge loophole - it is still legal to read a text message while driving.

"It's the same thing; you have to look down to read your text, send a text. You think both should be illegal?" said Yakini Blanford, a motorist.

Even President Obama today issued an executive order prohibiting most government employees from texting while driving during work hours in government vehicles or if they are using a government phone.

As part of the new laws, sending a text message while driving is punishable by a fine of up to $500. "There's no warning period. We're going to be vigilant in our tickets," an officer said.

Some Maryland residents remain divided about whether the new driving laws will really help to break the habit.

"I actually had a friend get in an accident the other day when he was texting, so I think it's time," a driver said.

Maryland drivers will also be penalized for breaking speed limits near school and highway work zones throughout the state. Speed traps will also be popping up state-wide near schools and highway construction zones with one location being along the ICC construction site on I-95.

Drivers will be slapped with a $40 fine if they're caught going 12 mph over the speed limit.

"If they're going to give tickets for going 12 miles over... A lot of people are going to be getting a lot of mail" Danny Cohen of Rockville.
The new laws also crack down on drunk drivers. Repeat offenders won't get their license back for a year and will have to pay heftier fines.

Stricter laws on underage drinking are also being put into place, but teens won't have their driving privileges taken away if they're caught drinking. And that has some parents concerned the laws may too soft.

Also under the new legislation, teens will have to wait an extra six months to apply for a driver license. Other laws now on the books focus on domestic violence, capital punishment and the environment.

This comes as the Transportation Department reported that nearly 6,000 people were killed and a half-million were injured last year in vehicle crashes connected to driver distraction. That includes drivers talking on cell phones and texting.

Maximum I · 10-03-2009, 10:33 PM

i see now the new upgrade for phones coming out...(tinted face plates)

YoNsTar · 10-05-2009, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperChris

Trooper/Cop: "Come to court & fight it; I'll see you there."

u really wanna risk a higher fine (plus court costs) trying to prove a flimsy point? good luck...

i dont wanna prove anything but just stating that ppl can get around this ban very easily..even if the police go through your sent msgs, if you have a brain you would have deleted it before the officer gets to the car..SIMPLE AS THAT..this ban scares away ppl that wasnt going to do it anyway, but it wont stop the mindless dummies thats going to do it no matter what.

...Just like this bull**** with guns..they try to keep it out of the streets but end up just keeping it away from you, while the bad guy is creepin in your bushes...FAIL

good luck nothin

YoNsTar · 10-05-2009, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chernmax

Texting while driving is straight up stupid. There are no two sides to this story. Texting is more about chance, the chance your dumbass was looking at a text screen verse the road the split second before you impacted the car or person by a distance of 2 feet verse 500+ feet!!!

lmao!!! not so funny about creaming somebody but the delivery of it was hilarious..true tho, put the hoes on hold ppl no joke...Im not tryna get hit by a crash dummy texter.

sho off · 10-06-2009, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YoNsTar

lmao!!! not so funny about creaming somebody but the delivery of it was hilarious..true tho, put the hoes on hold ppl no joke...Im not tryna get hit by a crash dummy texter.

Dont wanna get the tinkie winky paint job messed up huh??

LIke I said 5%tint=no care.. Plus im way quick and able to either lock my phone which the cop CANT demand the code from me. Ill tell him kiss my grits or just delete it...

Im personally more concerned woth drunk/high drivers myslef..

*SuperChris* · 10-07-2009, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YoNsTar

i dont wanna prove anything but just stating that ppl can get around this ban very easily..even if the police go through your sent msgs, if you have a brain you would have deleted it before the officer gets to the car..SIMPLE AS THAT..this ban scares away ppl that wasnt going to do it anyway, but it wont stop the mindless dummies thats going to do it no matter what.

...Just like this bull**** with guns..they try to keep it out of the streets but end up just keeping it away from you, while the bad guy is creepin in your bushes...FAIL

good luck nothin

just giving u the flipside; i understand your argument, but how important is it for one to have the ability to text while driving? there are a gazillion things u shouldn't be doing while driving; sh!t, just following the BASIC rules of the road (stay to the right, pass on the left, signal every time even if u think no one's looking, etc.) is beyond the vast majority of drivers, and yet somehow these people managed to pass the f*cking driver's tests.

*SuperChris* · 10-07-2009, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sho off

Dont wanna get the tinkie winky paint job messed up huh??

LIke I said 5%tint=no care.. Plus im way quick and able to either lock my phone which the cop CANT demand the code from me. Ill tell him kiss my grits or just delete it...

Im personally more concerned woth drunk/high drivers myslef..

just tell the cop/trooper you were about to unzip your pants to get in a quick jerk b4 arriving at your destination, but you were interrupted by the siren & flashing lights.

YoNsTar · 10-07-2009, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperChris

just tell the cop/trooper you were about to unzip your pants to get in a quick jerk b4 arriving at your destination, but you were interrupted by the siren & flashing lights.

LMAO!!!!!!!!!

queenambeach · 10-08-2009, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YoNsTar

i dont wanna prove anything but just stating that ppl can get around this ban very easily..even if the police go through your sent msgs, if you have a brain you would have deleted it before the officer gets to the car..SIMPLE AS THAT..this ban scares away ppl that wasnt going to do it anyway, but it wont stop the mindless dummies thats going to do it no matter what.

...Just like this bull**** with guns..they try to keep it out of the streets but end up just keeping it away from you, while the bad guy is creepin in your bushes...FAIL

good luck nothin

+1

madmax140 · 10-18-2009, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sho off

Dont wanna get the tinkie winky paint job messed up huh??

LIke I said 5%tint=no care.. Plus im way quick and able to either lock my phone which the cop CANT demand the code from me. Ill tell him kiss my grits or just delete it...

Im personally more concerned woth drunk/high drivers myslef..

I dont know I think that they are all just the same. It is still your vision and judgment being impaired whether it is by one drug or another

... Steve put the Hoes on hold. Until it hits home most people don't think they will get caught.

Grand_hustle17 · 10-19-2009, 12:59 PM

not to be a stubborn person but i do it anyways... IIRC they had a debate on the radio sayin that its fine to read an incoming text, you just cant be caught texting, ultimately retarded because it is the same distraction by reading a text.. not to be stubborn but i do it anyways, just dont hold your phone high enough to the window... simple... i live literally 2 mins away from the police station, and i do it even when there is a poilce in front of me and behind (no homo for you fags)... BS

*chernmax* · 10-19-2009, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grand_hustle17

not to be a stubborn person but i do it anyways... IIRC they had a debate on the radio sayin that its fine to read an incoming text, you just cant be caught texting, ultimately retarded because it is the same distraction by reading a text.. not to be stubborn but i do it anyways, just dont hold your phone high enough to the window... simple... i live literally 2 mins away from the police station, and i do it even when there is a poilce in front of me and behind (no homo for you fags)... BS

The law wasn't designed to penalize the 5% of the drivers who can successfully multi-task while driving, it's meant to limit the other 95% of the other texting idiots who can't!!!