2008 Woodie Awards
Text-free is the way to be while driving
D'Aundra Wallace
Issue date: 10/3/07 Section: News
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Either you've witnessed it or you're guilty of it - texting while driving. In recent years, texting has become the latest craze for all technology savvy children and adults. Where someone is and what they're doing has proven to be no match to the importance of any text message.
When asked, 2 out of 5 Glendale Community College students admitted to having texted while driving. Yet, of those five GCC students surveyed, four claimed that it should be made illegal. So, can the 'I'm breaking up with you' text message wait until the gearshift is in park?
The City Council thinks so. On Sept. 19 the council voted 7-1 to ban texting while driving inside Phoenix city limits. From Sept. 20 to Oct. 19 those that are pulled over by Phoenix police for texting while driving will receive a warning.
After the 19th, there will be a price to pay if you are caught texting while driving. Fines for texting while driving can add up to $250 plus $210 in surcharges. Because texting while driving is considered a primary offense, police can pull over anyone for that reason alone. Those that violate the law will be cited with a non-moving civil traffic violation. Mayor Phil Gordon announced that passing a statewide ban on texting while driving is at the top of next year's agenda.
This isn't the first time that Arizona has set out to ban texting while driving. State Representative, Steve Farley, proposed legislation back in January to ban the practice, but the bill never made it to a hearing. Still, the issue has maintained publicity, with its connection to several automobile accidents all across the country, including in Arizona.
Several states have already passed bans on texting while driving and many more are in the process of it.
Everyone has their opinion on whether or not texting while driving should be made illegal. But one thing that is certain is that texting while driving is not only dangerous, but can also be fatal.
Arizona has spoken, it's time to put a break on texting while driving.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Carolina
posted 10/04/07 @ 9:44 AM MST
This is great awareness for drivers; Arizona is doing the right thing by banning texting. Drivers will still be able to use hands-free headsets, and with FreeHeadset. (Continued…)
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