What do the following four text messages have in common?
- LOL
- where r
- yeah
- where you at
If you guessed, these text messages were sent by distracted drivers who became involved in a serious automobile accident, then you are right. Studies show that a driver is 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident if they text and drive.
Unbelievably, texting and driving is not a stand alone New York traffic violation. Unless you are also committing another moving violation, then a police officer cannot charge you with illegal texting. This problem has not been fixed despite my many posts about this loophole.
AT&T is taking the lead in discouraging texting and driving by creating an impactful video about the dangers associated with such activity. It is a must-watch for anyone who refuses to put his or her cell phone down while driving.
5 Comments. Leave new
I prefer the phrase ‘texting WHILE driving’ – just pull over.
Otherwise, I wholeheartedly agree.
[sarcasm]
I just wish there was a camera that could detect and levy a fine against such potentially dangerous behavior. People who text while driving don’t deserve the protection of the Sixth Amendment.
[sarcasm]
Yea, I’ve a problem with camera enforcement.
A Very Quick NYC Cabdriver,
The use of cameras to enforce traffic laws is growing every year. If this continues, I’ll be out of a job [sarcasm].
Texting and driving is a dangerous combination. It’s good to see one of the cellular service providers taking steps to address the problem. Thanks for a good article.
Ticket Quota,
I agree 100%. With all the money that this industry is making, I’d like to see more initiatives to cut down on this problem. AT&T’s effort is a good start but we still have a long way to go.
Obviously it’s against the financial interest of AT&T, but the situation is similar to the alcohol and beer industry taking advertising steps to limit drinking and driving.
It’s simply the right thing to do and corporations, like individuals, need to do the right thing.