It’s heartbreaking when you hear about any fatal car crash, but it is especially hard to handle when the accident was avoidable by the sheer action of the driver not texting while behind the wheel of a vehicle. In an effort to reduce the amount of “texting while driving” fatalities this year, the state Legislature passed and the governor signed into law a bill that will make it illegal.
On November 1, it became illegal to use handheld devices or laptops to send text messages or read, view or transmit images or data while a vehicle is moving. Drivers caught texting while driving will face a fine up to $150. It is important to note that texting while driving is considered a secondary infraction, meaning that the law does not permit police to issue a ticket for the violation unless the operator is guilty of another moving violation, such as speeding or an unsafe lane change. Thus, as long as the texting driver doesn't commit another infraction such as speeding, going through a red light, or switching lanes suddenly, he or she will not be issued a summons.
A federally-funded study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute shows a crash is 23 times more likely while texting. This is an alarming statistic that needs to be in the back of every driver’s mind when they choose to text message while driving. This action can cause serious injury or death to you, your loved ones, or others who share the road with you. I encourage everyone at all times to drive carefully so that you don’t become a member of this distressing statistic.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns on this or any other state issue, please don’t hesitate to contact me at either my Johnstown office at (518) 762-6486, or my Herkimer office at (315) 866-1632.