California Law Outlaws Text Messaging While Driving: Schwarzenegger
Published On: September 24, 2008
Hallelujah! Today Governor Schwarzenegger signed a law making it illegal to text while driving! I continue to rant and rave about this subject because, to me, it’s as plain as the nose on your face that texting while driving is deadly. The latest episode of texting while driving left 25 dead and countless injured in the Metrolink Tragedy of September 12, 2008.
Update: 2009 Law Bans Text Messaging while Driving – See Video
Past Rants
- Metrolink Tragedy: Engineer Rob Sanchez Text Messaging, I’m Outraged!
- Texting While Driving: Graphic Horror Photos
- Hands Off Driving Laws Ok’d For Teens 16 and 17
- Texting While Driving: Articles, Videos, Links
The Associated Press reports:
SACRAMENTO—Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a law making it illegal to read or send text messages while driving in California.
The bill by Sen. Joe Simitian imposes a $20 fine for a first offense and $50 for repeat offenders using any electronic devices to read or send messages, starting next year.
Schwarzenegger says the law he signed Wednesday encourages drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
It follows previous laws restricting the use of cell phones while driving by Simitian, a Democrat from Palo Alto. Since July, motorists have been required to use hands-free devices, and drivers under age 18 can’t use any electronic devices.
The California Highway Patrol doesn’t keep statistics on crashes related to text messaging.
