Texting While Driving Bans Present Enforcement Problems

01/04/2010

The passing of New Year's Day 2010 meant that more states than ever have now banned texting while driving, but this doesn't mean that the nationwide problem will be resolved any time soon.

On January 1, New Hampshire and Illinois became the latest states to implement legislation setting fines for people who text behind the wheel. At least 18 states have now enacted such policies, while a number of others are currently weighing similar proposals. Legislation has also been introduced at the federal level that would establish a national ban on using electronic communications devices while driving.

Approximately seven other states have banned another dangerous form of distracted driving, talking on the cell phone behind the wheel.

One of the biggest problems facing state and federal officials is the enforcement aspect. For example, people using texting devices are far more difficult to spot in the car than those who are using cell phones. Another problem is that many drivers, especially younger ones, have become accustomed to texting behind the wheel and will not easily give the practice up, especially in the face of relatively modest fines and a low chance of being caught.

For example, a report by KWQC-TV in Iowa featured several residents of nearby Illinois, who do not plan to comply with the new law. In the long run, some of these drivers may learn a tough lesson in the form of legal sanctions and higher auto insurance rates if they end up causing an accident because of their texting.

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