No txtN yl drivN?
While most of us were ringing in the new year, California police officers were preparing for the text-messaging law, SB 28, that went into effect on January 1. It bans writing, sending, or reading a text-based communication while driving on the highways of the golden state as posted on the Department of Motor Vehicles’ web site.
Frankly, I’m amazed that such a law was needed. I mean, common sense should have made it unnecessary. But apparently a wake-up call to the swerving clueless among us was needed. Texting has become a big deal, especially among teens, but I hadn’t noticed until recently just how many of them do it while driving. Maybe I wasn’t paying enough attention to fellow drivers with whom I share the highways before the law went into effect, but I am now and what I’m seeing scares me.
Bear in mind, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger just signed the hands-free cell phone law in September although the fines, if you’re caught in violation, aren’t very steep. Yet, now that I’m paying closer attention, I’m noticing that a lot of people — and not just teens — are talking on hand helds or texting in the lanes next to me.
It’s as though they’re thumbing their collective noses at law enforcement. Or maybe they’re rich and aren’t swayed by the prospect of shelling out the bucks for fines if they’re caught. Or maybe they’re just too stupid to realize they’re putting other people’s lives — yours and mine — at risk. Maybe they just don’t give a damn.
In any event, I wonder what can be done about it. There aren’t enough police officers available these days to nab red light runners or drunk drivers, so I imagine texters are way down the priority lists of the few officers we do have. Would it help if we called 911 and reported abusers? Or would that be considered a non-emergency call?
I don’t have the answers. If anyone does, I’m all ears.
Doug
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Reader Comments (21)
omfglmaobbqroflcopteriss!
icam
I have noticed that too. They act like there is no law and it is safe to text. Some do it at lites but many hold the phone and the wheel with both hands when they drive with thumbs going like crazy. Calling 911 sounds good to me. Maybe it will prevent someone getting killed. Remember you need to give them the license plate when you call.
I haven't noticed this on the freeway (thank God!) but I see it all over town and at traffic lights. I hope local law enforcement cracks down. If they don't it will get even worse and trust me, someone will get killed.
YYSSW LIC
I see you have txtrs that basically are saying they don't care what the law is or what you think about it. How mature.
UCMU
^urs
OK guys, no more texting your comments since most of us can't decipher them. If you want to comment, say it in the King's English.
Thank you! How rude! The worst part is I haven't any idea what they said!
I am in complete agreement with you. Police should pay greater attention to this and the fines should be much higher. However, I think 911 would say that it isn't an emergency. Better to wait until they crash into someone and hurt someone. THEN it will be an emergency.
Can anyone translate? (Unless its obscene lol)
It's gibberish to me :)
omfglmaobbqroflcopteriss! = "oh my *freaking* god, laughing my *a* off, owned, rolling on floor spinning around I’m so sad"
icam = "i couldn't agree more"
YYSSW LIC = "Yeah, yeah, sure, sure, whatever" "like i care"
ucmu = "you crack me up"
^urs = "up yours"
hope that helps. (hth)
Well I hope something is done about it, it is a big hazard on the road. They are crazy, can't wait until they park to send silly messages to each other! How dumb is that?
I really don't get the point. They memorize a silly language of cryptic sayings and then exchange them? Nothing of substance gets said because it might be too hard to read? What is the point? Why not call and talk?
Makes no sense to me. My niece uses it. It reminds me of pig Latin only at least there you could understand any word. This requires learning a long list of abbreviations like another language and can only 'converse' with others who know the language. Doesn't seem worth the effort to me. I'll just phone if I have something to say or ask :)
So the graphic says "Oh my god, California (something) a law to forbid texting while driving? Laughing out loud?" That seems to be the prevailing sentiment if what we see on the road is an indication. The Legislature makes the laws (lots of them) and it's up to law enforcement to enforce. So I guess nothing much will happen until we have more police.
I think nEdz means needs :) They save 1 letter lol.
omg omg omg lol lol lol omg omg omg!
That's all I know :)
I used to think texting was dumb, but now I use it to keep track of where my daughter is. That way she doesn't have to get a phone call from "mother" when she is with her friends and I know she is ok. But I agree it shouldn't be done while ur driving lol.
Here is a breakdown of how sms works (for those that want to dip their toe into an understanding of what their kids are saying to one another) :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMS_language