Driving While Texting

Ming · DOOM! Gender: Joined: 13 Jan 2003

Should Driving While Texting Be A Crime?

Basically, they're trying to start passing legislation to ban texting while driving. Seriously...it's sad that so many accidents have occurred as a result of this to merit trying to pass legislation for something that should be well within the realm of common sense. And it's frustrating to know that even if legislation is passed (further) it won't completely solve the problem.

What really frustrates me is the behavior by Sprint Nextel as noted in the article. How irresponsible are you to argue against banning something that has clearly caused a number of problems? Unfortunately, people will always try to get away with things that they shouldn't be doing, and education is not the solution in a situation like this. Here is Connecticut, it is illegal to talk on your cell phone (without a hands free device) while driving. And yet everyday, I see soccer moms driving huge SUVs with a cell phone up to their ear. And often times, I'm forced to take evasive action to avoid getting run off the road. If you can't get adults to follow the rules, how can you possibly hope to get teenagers to do it?

FawkesFyre · Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2007 4:26 pm Post subject:

I am sadly one of those who will text while driving BUT, I wait until a redlight to do it. How would they enforce this sort of thing?

Talking on your cell while driving is a little easier to spot, since you've got it right up to you face...texting is kind of harder to see.

I could see a lot of cases getting contested over this...especially when there's so little proof that you were even doing it in the first place....unless you just blatantly say you were guilty of it at the time.

Ming · DOOM! Gender: Joined: 13 Jan 2003

Sciler · Mistress Age: 46 Gender: Joined: 15 Sep 2002

Here's my thing:

What is so important it has to be texted while driving? What can't wait 20 mins - 1 hr or whatever to be texted?

Ive never been much of a fan of texting, so I guess maybe I just gont get the craze

RivaOni · Full English! Age: 41 Gender: Joined: 24 Sep 2002

I'm with Sciler, I hate texting, even when I had a mobile I hated it, the whole shortening of words and stuff to get your stupid little message to fit, meh, its ruined the english language completely. British examination boards were considering allowing kids to use text "language" or "speak" as they call it in English exams.

You can't use a mobile phone in your car unless its via a handsfree kit in Britain now, not sure if thats the case in the US or not though. Thats for talking though, and as has been stated its harder to spot someone texting, unless you watch them like a hawk as their eyes wont be on the road, but then they can say they were changing the radio station or something, which as far as I'm aware you're allowed to do while the vehicle is in motion.

At the end of the day, its all down to common sense, but the problem is, many of the people who would do this know that they shouldn't really be doing it, but they just don't give a crap. Theres alot of selfish drivers on the roads, as there are everywhere, theres no courtesy for other people in the majority of peoples lives anymore and that is the number 1 thing that is wrong with the world.

FawkesFyre · Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2007 6:22 pm Post subject:

My texting comes out of work where they expect you to respond as if you're sitting there doing nothing but waiting for their message.

Even if they did subpoena your phone records, it might not stand up in court...text messages don't always list the same as a phonecall and might not have the actual time listed, or it could just be listed as though it was a phonecall...or data call. Then there's the whole thing about lag time in the delivery.

In general, it looks like a case of Swiss Cheese lol

But sadly, there really are a bunch of idiots on the road who don't care just like Riva said...I've lost track of the ppl I've had to dodge b/c they're more concerned w/ talking on their mobile than driving---put the phone down ppl! That's why they make headsets and speakerphone!

Doot · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 6:08 am Post subject:

Texting is nearly completely useless.

I'd rather talk directly to someone than get their text if it's someting of an important nature.

I don't mind receiving whacky texts here and there - it's just I have a crappy phone and it takes FOREVER for me to get them and then respond (Sprint sucks). So I'm more likely to just pick up the phone and call.

People driving and texting should be smacked. I'm with Sciler. NOTHING is that important that you'd have to text while driving. Just call the person texting you.

Sciler · Mistress Age: 46 Gender: Joined: 15 Sep 2002

Word homey...plus when you call, you can sing duets together on the phone like we do!

Doot - Mock
Sci - Yeah
Doot - Ing
Sci - Yeah
Doot- Bird
Sci - Yeah
Doot - Yeah
Sci - Yeah

Or: Why do birds, suddenly appear, everytime, you are near? Just like me, they long to be...CLOSE TO YOU!

But wait Johnny, thier's more!

I believe in a thing called love, just listen to the rhythm of my heart.

Or

This is a song, for the ladies...but fellas, listen closely
You dont always have to f...

I'll stop there, that song is too nawty for here Devil

Chibi Knight · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 8:15 am Post subject:

I R txtng this on my way 2 wrk

ttyl

I only text people for goofy messages( ain't that right Sci) or if they might be at work or someplace that a phone call may interupt. (you can ignore a single beep from a text, but a ringing might get someone in trouble)

but on topic, texting while driving...not usually a good idea.

RivaOni · Full English! Age: 41 Gender: Joined: 24 Sep 2002