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Harsher Punishments For Using Cell Phone While Driving
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Feb 14, 2011
Modified Feb 14, 2011
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By
Jaya Saxena
Published Feb 14, 2011
Modified Feb 14, 2011
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You already know you shouldn't be talking on your cell phone while driving, but the DMV wants to make those bi-annual ticketing blitzes a little more scary. Starting Wednesday, drivers found guilty of driving while talking on a cell phone or texting will get two points on their driving records, as well as the $100 fine. DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner J. David Sampson said, "By strengthening the current law, our hope is that motorists will become even more aware of the potential consequences of their actions if they use a cell phone while driving."
The DMV says that driver distraction contributes to one in five crashes in the state, and in 2009 440,000 were injured in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver. Of course there is speculation that the texting bans might be making matters worse, but what else can you do, kindly ask people to pay attention to what they're doing when they're operating a multiple-ton piece of machinery?
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Jaya Saxena
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