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

[Joe Campbell]

What about the use of cell phones? Does anyone know if there is a law
against that? Joe

On Fri, Jun 29, 2012 at 2:42 PM, Stephanie Kalasz
<skalasz at ci.moscow.id.us> wrote:
> 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
>
> w    |  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.
>
>
>
> Turn it off. Turn your phone off or switch it to silent mode before you get
> in the car.
>
>
>
> 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.
>
>
>
> Pull over. If you need to make a call or text, pull over to a safe area
> first.
>
>
>
> Use your passengers. Ask a passenger to make the call for you.
>
>
>
> “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.
>
>
>
> 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.
>
>
>
> 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.
>
>
>
> Secure your pets. Pets can be a big distraction in the car. Always secure
> your pets properly before you start to drive.
>
>
>
> Keep the kids safe. Pull over to a safe location to address situations with
> your children in the car.
>
>
>
> 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.
>
>
>
> ###
>
>
>
> Story Contact: David Duke, Chief of Police
>
> Phone: 208.883.7054
>
> Email: 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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