Issue date: 10/7/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Laura Amato

New York drivers will have to keep their hands on the wheel starting Nov. 1, when a statewide law against texting while driving goes into effect.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, a non-profit organization located in Washington D.C., 18 states have already banned text messaging while driving. The association represents state highway safety offices and implements programs to improve road safety.

"The best method is to not use a cell phone at all," said Jonathan Adkins, the association's communications director. "What text message is so urgent that it's worth risking your life or a ticket?"

The current New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, which went into effect in 2001, states that drivers must use hand-free cell phone devices, such as a Bluetooth, or other headsets when in a car. This is a primary law, meaning that police officers can pull over and ticket drivers who use their cell phones in the car.

Under the new legislation, approved over the summer by the New York State Senate and Assembly and signed by Governor David Paterson, drivers could be fined up to $150 for using handheld devices to send text messages in a moving vehicle. This new bill is a secondary law, meaning that a police officer can only fine drivers for text messaging if they are pulled over for another violation, such as speeding or not wearing a seatbelt.

Queens Assemblymembers said they support this bill because of the dangerous nature of texting while driving.
"With the fast advancement of technology and convenience, this bill is necessary for saving lives," said Grace Meng, a co-sponsor of the bill. "Texting while driving is in many ways more dangerous than talking on the phone while driving."

Assemblyman Mark Weprin echoed Meng's sentiments.
"Distracted driving creates serious safety risks," he said.

"The ban on text messaging while driving will save lives."

In a study done by Virgina Tech University's Transportation Institute in July about the use of cell phones while behind the wheel, drivers who text are 23 times as likely to get into an accident, or almost get into an accident, while drivers who talked on their cell phones were only slighty more likely to get into an accident or near-accident.

Some St. John's students said they have text-messaged while driving.

"I've driven and texted. I'll hold my phone in one hand and I still look at the road," said Michelle Wiltz, a junior.

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