The Insurance News

Earlier this month, the New York Senate took a tougher stance against texting while driving, approving a bill that fortifies exisitng laws against the act.

New York is one of 32 states (plus the District of Columbia) in which texting while driving is banned for all drivers. But state legislators are looking to strengthen current law to make it easier for police officers to ticket texting while driving and also by increasing penalties for the act.

On May 2, the Senate passed a bill that changed texting while driving from a secondary offense to a primary offense. Because texting while driving is currently a secondary offense, drivers can only be ticketed for texting while driving if they are pulled over by police officers for a primary offense, such as a stop sign violation or speeding.

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A new bill that would ban the act of texting while driving in Maine is working its way through the State Legislature.

Senator Bill Diamond is sponsoring LD 736, legislation that specifically aims to prohibit texting while driving. The bill would ban sending electronic communications, including text messages, instant messages and e-mails, using a portable electronic device while operating a motor vehicle.

Using global positioning or navigation systems would not be included on the list of prohibited activities.

Violators would be fined a minimum of $100.

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Not sure if texting while driving is legal in your state?

This infographic from NPR offers a detailed look at each state’s current or proposed law for texting while driving.

Check it out at States Accelerate Effort To Ban Texting While Driving.

Pay particular attention to Utah, where offenders could face up to 90 days in jail and a $750 fine. That’s a hefty price tag that could get even higher if a point is added to your driving record and your auto insurance premium rises.

Along with making the roads more dangerous, texting while driving can lead to higher auto insurance rates for consumers.

However, some states are taking measures against the practice in the form of new laws. Georgia recently passed a measure that prohibits vehicle operators in the state from texting while driving.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood complimented the state on its new regulations, which also included banning young people with a provisional license from using a cell phone while driving. He said the rules would make the state’s roads safer for motorists.

“It’s time for Americans to follow Georgia’s lead and just put their devices down,” LaHood said. “Text Read more…