Nationwide Mobile Texting Ban May Be On The Horizon
by Robert on 03/08/09 at 9:05 am
Car accidents brought about by distracted or reckless drivers cause serious injuries and death every day across the state of Virginia. Lives have been ruined and families devastated by reckless or inattentive motorists.
In the immediate wake of the Virginia Tech University study showing that a texting driver is 23 times more likely to get into an accident than a non-distracted driver, the U.S. Senate may take action to implement a nationwide ban on mobile texting.
On July 29, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and three other colleagues introduced a bill that would ban any driver from texting on a cell phone or other personal electronic device.
If enacted into law, the legislation known as the ALERT Act (for Avoiding Life-Endangering and Reckless Texting by Drivers Act) would require states to prohibit texting or emailing while operating a car or truck–or risk being stripped of 25% of their annual federal highway funds. The states would, however, have two years to comply.
Should the bill pass, the U.S. Department of Transportation would then set minimum standards for state-level compliance.
The ALERT Act would apply to anyone operating a personal car, truck, bus, and most other mass transit systems, including light rail. It would not apply to individuals using mobile devices while their vehicle is stopped, nor would it apply to passengers.
Given the crowded legislative docket on Capitol Hill, it remains to be seen whether lawmakers will have time to take action on this measure in the immediate future.
If you–or someone you love–have been injured in an automobile accident, do not hesitate to get in touch with the Personal Injury lawyers at the Law Office of Richard J Serpe, PC. Toll Free 877-544-5323
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