Ban on Texting & Driving could reach Tampa too! (not soon enough) (Orlando: car insurance, how much)

[Flight23]

I think there is a fine line between the people who check their phone here and there and the people who actually drive with their knees while both hands are on their mobile device, thumbs flying a hundred miles an hour. While driving, I pick up my phone and look at it from time to time to make sure that I haven't missed any calls. If I get a text or email while driving, I don't even try to answer it or even read it; I just wait until I get where I'm going. So to me, picking up the phone and glancing at it every now and then is no worse than the millions of people who apply mascara while driving, eat while driving, fool with their radio or GPS while driving, etc.... It's awful that people who think they have to text while driving kill people, and they should be punished. But where will the line be drawn?

[aninaction]

finally. i say impose a heavy heavy fee for this bad behavior.

we should all also be very vocal to those we know that we find texting/talking while driving to be irresponsible, if not unethical. make it socially unacceptable.

[Nomadicus]

Bring it on. First offense same as running a stop sign. Get it stopped. Now. And always add points. No driving school cop out. Add points regardless. Let the insurance rates go up for those who endanger lives. Kill some one texting then it's manslaughter and a min of 20 years to think about it.

[Flight23]

Honestly, the punishment should be the same as DUI - it's equally dangerous and if someone is injured or killed because of it, there is the exact same lack of responsibility/intent. But then again, I'm one of those who think that the punishments for DUI are too lax!

[LoganFL]

What about people who drink coffee or put on make up while driving? Should that be made illegal too?

[algia]

Actually if you think about it, this is worst than DUI........and that is because people who are purposely texting while driving are SOBER! so there is no alcohol excuse that can be used ........"ohh I was drunk and therefore I thought texting was Ok"

They are purposely doing something ELSE instead of driving which is why the penalties should be even higher for all these people who must eat, shave, put make up on, text, read books, email etc. while driving!

I am not sure when driving actually became THAT BORING that people can't just pay attention and resume other activities while stopped or at home, work, stores etc......

Also the exam to actually get a license here is a JOKE! literally! any retard can pass it.....that should be the FIRST STEP in educating people about driving.....back in Europe and even Canada, you go to class, pass the class, then take at least 30 mandatory hours of driving with an instructor and THEN take the road test.......in Germany and Japan they actually have driving simulators like video games to teach people about the UNEXPECTED road situations that may occur. Which builds up reflexes that could save a life possibly!

The CAR is NOT your second home! these people either are stupid by nature or just have no idea how to prioritize and manage their time, that is what this boils down too! If you start work at 8, wake up at 6 and you'll have plenty of time to get ready!!!!!!!!!!!! email everyone, have your coffee, eat something... (as we all hopefully know breakfast is the most important meal............)........plenty of time.......

[TampaKaren]

It's really pathetic there has to be a law or enforcement at all. IMO, anyone with half a brain wouldn't text while driving anyway.

[LoganFL]

Originally Posted by TampaKaren

It's really pathetic there has to be a law or enforcement at all. IMO, anyone with half a brain wouldn't text while driving anyway.

Couldn't agree with you more.

[Kathleen1971]

We actually have a Sheriff's dept officer in the area we call " The Texter" because everytime you see her she is texting in her car. Most of the time she is on the side of the road and is always cracking up at whatever she is reading but I have heard that a few have seen her at stop lights texting away as well. I think she may be an addict and need texting rehab.

[seain dublin]

Then they need to ban handheld cell phone use as well. Not just texting.

FL is such a reactive state. Both NY and CA have banned any handheld devices in the car including talking on the cell phone.

Why just ban texting?