United States Laws Regarding Texting While Driving

It seems that all the teens these days are doing a dangerous act- and for some states, it isn’t illegal! Texting and driving is a new act to address as mobile phones become more popular. Studies show that with proper legislation, driver safety will surge.

Since there is no federal law that says texting while driving is a punishable crime, each state has to individually create and pass legislation to regulate it. Some states such as Washington have banned the act of texting completely. Other states have made it a rule that you have to be a certain age, often 21, before you can legally text and drive.

Some states have shown sympathy for those who text while driving. Missouri is an example of a state that has done so, as it only bans those under the age of 21 from texting and driving. Those over this age can do as they wish at their own discretion. This hasn’t gone over well with some that have been directly affected by texting and driving, but it is a step in the right direction to keep the Missouri roads safe.

There are studies that are coming out all the time in regards to texting and driving. Some scientists have even shown that it is quite related to the acted of driving under the influence, which as we know carries a large fine and jail sentence for those convicted. Because it is so serious, parents in the United States should observe good parenting practices by teaching their kids not to use their mobile phone while operating a car.

Seeing what they have created, mobile phone companies have started developing solutions to the act of texting and driving. Being able to transcribe voice into text is one method that is currently being worked on. Such technology already exists, but making it 100% accurate remains to be what is holding it back. Until a real solution like this can be found, legislation is needed to help keep those who text and drive in check.

If you text and drive, it would be smart to find smarter solutions. Sometimes just having a conversation with the individual you need to contact via phone is better. In that case, you save time and also don’t endanger yourself by having to constantly look at your mobile phone. Sometimes even this isn’t a solution, as some states frown upon even talking on the phone while driving. Unless its an emergency, you are better off just not using the phone.

In Conclusion

Auto accidents are fatal, and end up hurting thousands each year. It’s important that every person observes safe driving habits, or else they could put their lives in danger. Consult your state’s laws for more information on the legality of texting while driving your vehicle.

Learn more about St. Louis legal help and Missouri automobile and truck accidents and disabling injuries.

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 25th, 2010 at 7:11 pm and is filed under Communications, Home And Family, Reference And Education, Technology, vehicles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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