May 23, 2008 6:13 pm US/Central
Pawlenty Signs Texting-While-Driving Ban Into Law
ST. PAUL (WCCO) ―
-
-
Texting while driving will become a petty misdemeanor as of August 1. The new law will deal with just texting, meaning talking on your cell phone and using your GPS while driving will still be legal. (File)
CBS
A new transportation bill signed by Governor Pawlenty will put an end to driving and texting. As part of the new law, Minnesota drivers will not be able to text, read, or send any messages from their cell phone while driving.
"I text in my car when it's something short that needs to be said and you don't feel like talking on the phone," said Alyssa Lauritsen.
She is a safe driver, but like many of us she can't help but sneak in the occasional text message while behind the wheel.
"I like to keep the texting to when it's just me in my car. I don't like to have other people in there, I always feel like I am putting them at a little more risk than they need to be," said Lauritsen.
While texting and driving might be productive, she admits it is a distraction. So to hear that it will soon be illegal isn't a bad thing.
"I have no problem, it would make me stop and I'd feel safer about myself. I really would," said Lauritsen.
Texting while driving will become a petty misdemeanor as of August 1. The new law will deal with just texting, meaning talking on your cell phone and using your GPS while driving will still be legal.
"I can't even text standing up. I don't know if it is a generation thing; I don't text message myself," said DFL Representative Frank Hornstein.
Despite being out of touch with texting, Hornstein is a backer of this bill. He played a big role in getting it passed this session.
"This isn't really meant as 'big brother,' it's really meant to say 'This is unsafe, don't do it, it's against the law,'" said Hornstein.
Reports show that about one in three teen drivers admit to texting while driving. Hornstein said that statistic played a big role in getting this law passed. Of course, not all teens agree.
"Yeah, I'd say it is kind of taking away some rights, you know? Personal choice kind of stuff," said teen driver Gibson Berglund.
Texting while driving is considered a secondary offense. That means you have to be pulled over for something else first, like speeding or running a stoplight. If it is proven that you were texting while driving you could receive a fine of up to $300.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
