Only two more weeks until law enforcement has the power to ticket folks who compose, read or send electronic messages while driving.  Well, all I can say is, OMG-IIAT!  Oh, sorry – translation: OH MY GAWD – IT IS ABOUT TIME!

Texting while driving increases your risk of being in an accident exponentially.  It is one of the most dangerous driving behaviors you can undertake.  North Dakota is now in the majority of states (35) who have enacted laws against this behavior.  I applaud legislators for stepping up and addressing the troublesome trend that has created a nation of distracted drivers.

Happily North Dakota’s law allows for primary enforcement – which means you can be pulled over for that offense alone.  Each offense carries a $100 fine.  And note, the language of the law is electronic messages – so any of you who are reading email on the way to work make sure that what you cannot wait to read is worth $100 (oh yeah, and whatever damages you may incur to your vehicle and self and cause to others).  

I have addressed my concerns over this behavior many times – both in my blog and to anyone who will listen.  I originally posted my favorite illustration of the dangers of texting in a blog published March 25, 2010.  I share it again today as a reminder of just how ridiculous practicing this overly risky behavior is.

For those of you not familiar with the phrases used in this cartoon, please do allow me to translate.

JUST OWNED BY A TREE
ROLLING ON FLOOR BLEEDING
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NEWS REPORT: TEXTING DRIVERS 23 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO CRASH

If you have foolishly been practicing this behavior despite all of the educational campaigns that have been cautioning against it, your time is running out.  The law goes into effect on August 1st and I imagine there will be a fairly strong enforcement effort right out the gate.
I am almost giddy thinking about law enforcement’s new power to dramatically curb this behavior. 

My final thought on this topic for today:

AWTTW DNT TXT & DRV
(A WORD TO THE WISE – DON’T TEXT AND DRIVE)

Day seven hundred and forty-four of the new forty – obla di obla da

Ms. C