Two new distracted driving laws go into effect July 1, 2010. One is the House Bill 23 and the second is the Senate Bill 360. The House bill prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using wireless devices, whether they are using a hands free set or not. The bill:
“prohibits use of wireless telecommunications devices by persons under 18 years of age with an instruction permit or Class D license while operating a motor vehicle”
The Senate bill prohibits all drivers from texting, emailing or instant messaging while driving. This includes when you are sitting at a red light. You are allowed to pull over and put your car in park in a parking lot and type your message then. This bill reads:
“No person shall operate a motor vehicle on any public road or highway of this state while using a wireless telecommunications device to write, send, or read any text based communication, including but not limited to a text message, instant message, electronic mail, or Internet data.”
Of course, this begs the question, “how are they going to enforce this law anyway?” Police officers will be looking for suspicious activity such as slamming on breaks and swerving. Also, if a person causes an accident, the police can use the records from the various cell phone companies to prove whether a person was sending a text message or email.
So be careful out there and just remember that the email can wait until you get home or back to your office. If it is urgent, pull over, put your car in park and check your messages.