Everyone knows that cell phones are ubiquitous. However, we're quickly reaching the point where laws are catching up to life as we know it. Across the country, new laws are going into effect limiting cell phone usage, especially texting, while driving. Here's the breakdown by the numbers:
- 20 states ban texting for all drivers. 22 are currently considering similar legislation.
- $2,750 is the maximum penalty for commercial truck or bus drivers caught texting on the road.
- 276.6 million wireless subscribers sent 135.2 billion text (SMS) messages in June 2009, and 1.36 trillion text messages for the year.
- 3 million federal employees were prohibited from text messaging while driving by an Executive Order in October 2009.
You need to be aware of the laws in your state; no two are alike. On the other hand, you might consider not texting on principle: AAA estimates that between 4,000 and 8,000 crashes related to distracted driving occur every day in the U.S. Plus, you're 23 times more likely to crash while texting. There's no need to put your life and others' lives in danger for the sake of an an "LOL OMG" or a "k cya l8r!"
- Jennie
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