[Vision2020] PR - Texting-While-Driving Ban Begins July 1

[Stephanie Kalasz]

City of Moscow
206 E Third Street
Moscow, ID 83843
Contact: Gary J. Riedner, City Supervisor
p     |  208-883-7006
e     |   griedner at ci.moscow.id.us<mailto:griedner at ci.moscow.id.us>
w    |  www.ci.moscow.id.us<http://www.ci.moscow.id.us>

PRESS RELEASE
Texting-while-driving ban begins July 1

June 29, 2012 (Moscow, Idaho) - On Sunday, July 1, 2012, the State of Idaho will become the 39th state to enact a texting-while-driving ban.  Texting while driving is always a dangerous choice and one of the leading causes for distracted driving.  The State already has in place misdemeanor penalties for inattentive driving, but until now, no specific law banning texting while driving.

The new law prohibits the use of smartphones and other hand-held devices to manually review, prepare or send written communications while operating a motor vehicle, the new law will receive primary enforcement - police can stop and cite offenders for that violation alone - but offenses are not moving violations. Also, there are no points assessed against the driver's license. Violators can expect to pay $81.50 if caught by a law enforcement officer. (Idaho Code 49-1401A)

Recent statistics indicate distracted driving is responsible for about one out of every five of the State's motor-vehicle crashes. The Governors Highway Safety Administration (GHSA) offers 10 tips for managing some of the most common driver distractions.


  1.  Turn it off. Turn your phone off or switch it to silent mode before you get in the car.


  1.  Spread the word. Set up a special message to tell callers that you are driving and you'll get back to them as soon as possible, or sign up for a service that offers this.


  1.  Pull over. If you need to make a call or text, pull over to a safe area first.


  1.  Use your passengers. Ask a passenger to make the call for you.


  1.  "X" the text. Don't ever text and drive, surf the web or read your email while driving. It is dangerous and against the law in most states.


  1.  Know the law. Familiarize yourself with state and local laws before you get in the car. Some states and localities prohibit the use of hand held cell phones.


  1.  Prepare. Review maps and directions before you start to drive. If you need help when you are on the road, ask a passenger to help or pull over to a safe location to review the map/directions again.


  1.  Secure your pets. Pets can be a big distraction in the car. Always secure your pets properly before you start to drive.


  1.  Keep the kids safe. Pull over to a safe location to address situations with your children in the car.


  1.  Focus on the task at hand. Refrain from smoking, eating, drinking, reading and any other activity that takes your mind and eyes off the road.


For more information please contact Chief of Police David Duke by phone at 208.883.7054 or by email at dduke at ci.moscow.id.us<mailto:dduke at ci.moscow.id.us>.

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Story Contact: David Duke, Chief of Police
Phone: 208.883.7054
Email: dduke at ci.moscow.id.us<mailto:dduke at ci.moscow.id.us>


The City of Moscow delivers quality municipal services while ensuring responsible use of resources.
We anticipate and meet the needs of our diverse population in order to build public trust and enhance a sense of community.




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