If You Can Text “Hasta La Vista, Baby”–Don’t!
Posted by eydie on Sep 25, 2008 in In The News, Legal, SMS / Text
California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger yesterday signed a new state law that bans texting while driving. It closes a loophole in the law, which went into effect in July, that required those engaged in voice calls while behind the wheel to use hands-free technology.
Despite the connection to the calling-while-driving law, I suspect the Governator was prompted more by the recent Los Angeles commuter train accident that killed 25–which might have been caused by the train driver texting-while-operating. (Hey, maybe Mr. Schwarzenegger could be the celebrity spokesperson in my proposed texting PSA!)
Regardless, the law is something most mobile communications experts will welcome. Just because you can reach consumers “wherever, whenever” via SMS doesn’t mean you should expect to while they are operating a vehicle. The new law doesn’t go into effect until January, but hopefully people don’t wait until then to follow it.
LeilR | Sep 26, 2008 | Reply
There is nothing wrong with using mobile phones to call or text your friends and love ones. However, callers and texters should always take safety and precaution into consideration once they are on the wheels. It is not just their personal safety we are talking about, but the safety of the people around them as well. So it means be responsible enough when on the road.
Karolyn | Nov 18, 2009 | Reply
I think the new software applications to ensure safe usage of your mobile device are very important and necessary. Distracted driving accidents create 5,870 deaths and about 515,000 injuries a year. This staggering statistic helped prompt Zoomsafer software. The software automatically detects when you’re driving — locks your key-pad so you can’t send outbound texts and emails – you can however dial out using hands-free services. The service also suppresses non-priority inbound communication alerts (calls, texts, emails) – and sends auto replies notifying people that you’re driving and that you’ll get back to them when you reach your destination. It’s customizable, so you can allow calls from priority contacts to come through. Plus a future version – due in December – will enable you to send and receive voice powered text messages – while you keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel, zooming safely. This is the only software I use!
http://www.zoomsafer.com
vista error | Jan 24, 2010 | Reply
It is not just their personal safety we are talking about, but the safety of the people around them as well. So it means be responsible enough when on the road.