That's the thing of it really isn't it. People seem to expect that laws like this coming into effect are going to remedy the problem completely... they won't. What they WILL do though is at least apply some consequences and penalize many of those doing it who flout the law.

It will also bring in added revenue to offset the cost of all the accidents and damage to property these morons cause.

And yes, hopefully a few of them will stop doing it. Maybe a life or two gets saved, I don't know.

I love the people who are crying "discrimination" over the smoking law. I don't think they know what that word means.

I'm not going to comment on the smoking law, but the no texting/cell phone law while driving has been in effect in California for a while.

I don't see the problem with it. If you're driving you should be paying attention to the rode not texting. And of course police should be exempt.

Less than a week til this goes into effect. People are sure bitching on local sites and news blogs etc, but many more are speaking up in support of the new laws.

anyone texting on a phone while driving should be dragged from the car and beaten senseless

and then the phone should be stuffed down their throat while they are unconscious

Harsh, but fair.

I like your line of thinking. :thumbsup

I texted while driving once. Was a car club convoy on the highway and my engine dropped a cylinder but no one noticed. I texted guy at the front "stop". Everyone pulled over, wiggled the connector on my coilpack harness that looked lose, engine came back up and we all continued on our merry way.

How people can text full messages while driving is beyond me. Irresponsible to the max.

We've had a no cell phone use while driving (except hands free) law here locally for about 6 months..the fine is $300+ for each offense..technically you can't even touch your cell phone while driving..that alone is enough for the cop to issue the citation.

Based on my observations..it hasn't discouraged drivers from using their cells while in motion...maybe once more peeps get tickets it will.

Texting And Driving Worse Than Drinking and Driving
Rigging a car with a red light to alert drivers when to brake, (Car & Driver) magazine tested how long it takes to hit the brake when sober, when legally drunk at .08, when reading and e-mail, and when sending a text. The results are scary. Driving 70 miles per hour on a deserted air strip Car and Driver editor Eddie Alterman was slower and slower reacting and braking when e-mailing and texting.

The results:

• Unimpaired: .54 seconds to brake
• Legally drunk: add 4 feet
• Reading e-mail: add 36 feet
• Sending a text: add 70 feet

http://www.cnbc.com/id/31545004

You will see this passed in more and more places obviously. If it makes a difference or not who knows. It's been illegal in NY to use a cell phone if not hands free and still see people all the time driving with phone to their ear.