If State Senator Richard Codey has his way, soon there will be no safe place for drivers to pull out their cellphones in New Jersey. The lawmaker has proposed legislation to extend state law against talking and texting while driving to cover even the case when the vehicle is stopped at a red light.
Some drivers have taken refuge at stoplights to quickly check if they have an important message in order to decide whether to pull over or carry on. But even that may become illegal, as Codey suggests that it falls under the context of distracted driving. He seems to draw a similarity to the state’s current driving law, which includes being drunk even under a red light as driving under the influence (DUI).
Unfortunately, it seems that the real goal isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. National Motorists Association representative for New Jersey Steve Carrellas believes that it’s all about the money and thinks the proposal is counterproductive. And Codey isn’t too shy to admit it. The goal of the legislation if to become eligible for the federal government’s Distracted Driving Grant Program, which will give states with distracted driving laws a certain amount of incentive, totaling to $17.5 million. It’s not as if New Jersey doesn’t have related laws. In fact, a bill will take effect in July next year that increases fines for using a cellphone while driving, starting from $200 to up to $600 for third time offenders, with the possibility of having licenses suspended.
The proposed bill, however, has a long way to travel and Codey admits that time might not be on his side. It has first to be introduced in the assembly before it gets through both houses, all before the two-year legislative session ends. Otherwise, he has no choice but to reintroduce it as soon as possible if he wants to have it approved before July next year.
VIA: Phone Scoop
That’s already illegal here in the UK. You still see it happening everywhere though, and in traffic jams. We’ve probably all done it, too.
There’s a line that we really shouldn’t cross, and that’s probably it… because the same argument could be made for making it illegal to turn on your radio or change stations, to adjust the heat or air conditioning, or even to take a drink from a beverage while driving. Hey, let’s take it even further, and outlaw conversations with passengers, and having any music or audio playing while driving at all.
What about when the officer decides to run my plate from the computer in his car? Is that not distracted driving?
All for it. Why? Too many times I’ve had to give a little honk because the moron in front of me decided to text at the stoplight when the light has turned green. It’s such a waste of productivity for those of us that actually use transportation to get somewhere.