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Cuomo Doesn't "Like" Updating Your Facebook Status While Driving
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Jun 12, 2011
Modified Jun 12, 2011
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published Jun 12, 2011
Modified Jun 12, 2011
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On Friday, Governor Cuomo proposed more rigorous legislation that would make texting while driving a primary offense, and add 3 points to a drivers' license. "Current warning, educational programs and driving laws aren't working," Cuomo said. While the maximum fine for the offense would remain $150, making the crime a primary offense would allow police to pull drivers over if they see them using "smartphones, tablet computers, laptops, gaming devices, or other portable electronics while driving," the Times reports.
Earlier this year, the state Senate passed a bill which made texting at the wheel a primary offense—the Assembly is expected to approve it next week. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood praised Cuomo for "introducing strong legislation that will help save lives and put a stop to dangerous distracted driving behavior on New York roads."
A spokesman for the National Safety Council told the Post that "we believe that when a driver is driving a car they ought to be driving a car, not talking on the phone, trying to close a business deal or arguing with a spouse or texting a neighbor or updating Facebook." But what about getting in some quality time with your pet? Is that still ok?
The NSC estimates that "1.4 million crashes—or 23% of the total—result each year form drivers who improperly use phones to call or text." And according to a study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, a driver is 23 percent more likely to be involved in an accident while text messaging.
However the Highway Data Loss Institute has shown that penalties for distracted driving may lead to increases in distracted driving. And the bill's Republican Senate co-sponsor says the new law may be too broad, citing iPods as something it covers that maybe it shouldn't. As long as it doesn't ban driving while belting out Elton John's "I'm Still Standing," we're A-OK with the new bill.
Tagged
accidents
andrew cuomo
distracted driving
governor cuomo
texting while driving
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Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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