Bones Z28

iTrader: (8)

I attend Illinois State Univ and received this message today through email. Not sure how you guys take it, but I'm actually ok with it. Then again I'm going to school for law enforcement, so one way or another it really won't effect me.

Honestly tho, sick of seeing dumb asses swerving on the road because of all the text messaging.

-------------------------------------------

A new Illinois text messaging law goes into effect on January 1st, 2010.
According to the new law:

"A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an
electronic communication device to compose, send, or read an electronic
message" unless:

. The device is being used by a law enforcement officer or
operator of an emergency vehicle while performing his/her official
duties; or

. The device is being used for the sole purpose of
reporting an emergency situation and continued communication with
emergency personnel during the emergency situation; or

. The device is hands-free or voice-activated; or

. Your vehicle is parked on the shoulder of a roadway; or

. Your vehicle is stopped due to normal traffic being
obstructed and you have the motor vehicle in neutral or park.

"Electronic message" includes, but is not limited to electronic mail, a
text message, an instant message, or a command or request to access an
Internet site."

Chris C.

I wish indiana would do this also. I drove behind a moron tonight to dinner he was texting with his thumbs with the phone on top of the steering wheel going 30mph in a 45mph zone.

WeathermanShawn

iTrader: (1)

Yea, we have a similar law in Colorado that came into effect this year,

I agree, people can not realistically text and drive at the same time. It is dangerous.

The issues surround on how you realistically enforce it, and there are so other distractions facing drivers that the law does not address.

Personally, when I drive I do not even like it if my cell phone rings when I am in heavy traffic or driving at highway speed. If the weather gets rough, or if I am in heavy traffic, I even politely let any passengers know that we are in a a 'no talking zone'.

Hey, but that is just me. I recently lost a family member in an accident. Distraction may have been an issue..as a stop sign was missed, and a tragic accident occurred.

Sorry, did not mean to add any negativity to this thread. Remember guys and gals, this is all just an opinion.

I was just interested in what other people thought.

..WeathermanShawn..

Sharpe

iTrader: (7)

How are cops supposed to know if you're dialing your phone or looking through your contact list? I guess the latter might be illegal too...

TransAm12sec

Either way, they already have laws against inattentive driving.

69 350 HO

Same law here in Minnesota. You still see people do it, just not as much as before.

WeathermanShawn

iTrader: (1)

I get the intent of the law. And as many laws created, the principle is admirable. It addresses 'inattentive' driving. I just think enforcement will have many holes in it.

In Colorado, you can not text while driving, but you can make and take phone calls while driving. There are so many holes in that law that enforcement will be very difficult.

Hey we have all seen the people that eat breakfast while driving, putting on makeup, reading newspapers..it goes on an on. I have never seen those drivers ticketed.

Most likely it will only be an issue if one is involved in a fatal car crash and it can be proved that one driver was illegally texting. Then the liability issues and resulting lawsuits will occur.

My hunch is that in the next ten years, any use of cell phones or other distracting behavior while driving will be 'out-lawed'. I just think it it is slowly going that way.

Will it really work? Will there really be less fatal car crashes with this law? Only time will tell.

..WeathermanShawn..

hugger1975

iTrader: (3)

so how will they know if i was "texting" or just checking the time, or hitting dial for my bluetooth, or locking it or etc etc.....

going to be just as effective as the ol wipers without headlights.....gona fade out very quick.

tspence45

iTrader: (30)

I can understand not being able to compose a message. But, you can't even read one? It takes like 2 seconds to read one, because they're usually only about a sentence or two. I never text while I'm driving anyways. If someone texts me, I just read it, and call them to talk to them, if it's important.

Bones Z28

iTrader: (8)

Yeah I agree that's a little harsh on not being able to read one, but honestly reading you could probably get away with, meaning they won't see you. It's probably in cases of accidents (pulling your phone records) or possibly seeing texting while doing seat belt checks they'll truly bust you for it. I don't know how affective it will be either. I guess we'll see lol.

Wiktorek25

So, since i have an M6. I'm good to text at stop lights and in traffic jams ?

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

I get nervous when I see folks texting going 50-60mph.

paulc87

iTrader: (1)

I agree with the law, but I cannot believe the stupidity of someone who would get a ticket for this. "YES OFFICER I WAS TEXTING LOLZ"

Simple rule: NEVER ADMIT GUILT!

Paint_It_Black

iTrader: (1)

just keep it in your lap.. and hit delete if you get pulled over for suspicion.

CF_TRANSAM

they prolly won't pull you over for it but they will ticket you if they can prove it caused an accident.

69 350 HO

Stab in the dark here, I am no lawyer but I am guessing there is a larger intent to this law. Say you hit someone while composing a text? Before the law it may had been seen as inattentive or careless driving, but now you would be showing your willful disregard to the law. Then if the person you had hit is seriously injured or killed and a good attorney is hired on their behalf I could see them pushing for negligence.