I think we live in a culture where business people need to ‘hit the ball over the net’. Teens consider it rude not to reply immediately to texts. Home schedules would grind to a halt without immediate communication. We are conditioned to pursue this level of efficiency but we are all supposed cease this behavior once we sit in our respective 5,000 pound pieces of steel and glass. Anyone can win an argument in a forum like this by saying “Just put the phone away” – but we can see its just not happening.

I just read that 72% of teens text daily – many text more 4000 times a month. New college students no longer have email addresses! They use texting and Facebook – even with their professors. This text and drive issue is in its infancy and I think we need to do more than legislate.

I decided to do something about distracted driving after my three year old daughter was nearly run down right in front of me by a texting driver. Instead of a shackle that locks down phones and alienates the user (especially teens) I built a tool called OTTER that is a simple GPS based texting auto reply app for smartphones. It also silences call ringtones while driving unless you have a bluetooth enabled. I think if we can empower the individual then change will come to our highways now and not just our laws.

Erik Wood, owner
OTTER LLC
OTTER app

Another thing is that the ban should also apply to hands free devices. The issue isn’t that your hands are occupied, it’s that your mind is distracted.

We’ve had this law in NJ for a couple of years. It doesn’t work and we have $250 fines. The penalties should be way higher and the law needs to be ENFORCED.

I also see a lot of drivers fiddling with their GPS monitors.

i agree that cell phone use is dangerous while driving, however, i also see smokers that are reckless trying to light their cigarette or dropping the light off of the cigarette and trying to put it out.

I wish Virginia would do the same