Text Messaging Ban
Text Messaging Ban
Posted: 01/22/2010
Delivered by Bob Sliva, V.P. & General Manager
Six thousand deaths, five hundred thousand injuries! Distracted driving is dangerous. Sending a text or instant message while driving has unfortunately become a popular practice; but in Michigan this behavior is one step closer to becoming illegal.
A two-bill package introduced by State Senators Buzz Thomas and Roger Kahn is being deliberated in the Michigan Senate. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have already taken this action. A vote is expected soon and we strongly urge the full Senate to support it!
If passed, the pending legislation would make texting while driving a secondary offense. That means a motorist could be ticketed for sending a text message on their mobile device if they were pulled over for another offense. The first offense could result in a fine of up to $200 with additional violations up to $500.
Although the current bills are a giant step in the right direction, we would prefer that texting while driving be considered a primary offense.
A national poll found that 98 percent of people who use cell phones while driving admit that it's a dangerous practice. Insurance Institute officials say drivers who use mobile devices are 4 times more likely to be involved in an accident.
Last year, the State House voted overwhelmingly to ban texting while driving. Now it's the Senate's turn to pass this common sense legislation. Getting it to the Governor's desk for her approval will help enforce the most important safety rule of driving: Keep your eyes on the road at all times!
Broadcast: January 22 - 25, 2010
Six thousand deaths, five hundred thousand injuries! Distracted driving is dangerous. Sending a text or instant message while driving has unfortunately become a popular practice; but in Michigan this behavior is one step closer to becoming illegal.
A two-bill package introduced by State Senators Buzz Thomas and Roger Kahn is being deliberated in the Michigan Senate. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have already taken this action. A vote is expected soon and we strongly urge the full Senate to support it!
If passed, the pending legislation would make texting while driving a secondary offense. That means a motorist could be ticketed for sending a text message on their mobile device if they were pulled over for another offense. The first offense could result in a fine of up to $200 with additional violations up to $500.
Although the current bills are a giant step in the right direction, we would prefer that texting while driving be considered a primary offense.
A national poll found that 98 percent of people who use cell phones while driving admit that it's a dangerous practice. Insurance Institute officials say drivers who use mobile devices are 4 times more likely to be involved in an accident.
Last year, the State House voted overwhelmingly to ban texting while driving. Now it's the Senate's turn to pass this common sense legislation. Getting it to the Governor's desk for her approval will help enforce the most important safety rule of driving: Keep your eyes on the road at all times!
Broadcast: January 22 - 25, 2010
Copyright 2010 The E.W. Scripps Co. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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