By: Lexi G.
Beginning today, November 1st, in the state of
Wisconsin, due to the growing amount of distraction being obtained, there is a
new law in act. This law states that any teens with their probationary license
are not allowed of any cell phone use, hand held or hands free, while driving
(as seen in the article above); therefore, people that are 18 and younger, that
drive, are no longer allowed to even talk on their cellular device while
driving in their car. There are fines that have put into play, also, for these
new cell phone bans. For a first offense, the fine will be $20-$40. For
subsequent convictions, the fine will be anywhere from $50-$100. Text messaging
has already been outlawed, for a while, for all drivers with a beefy fine that
follows that law. The fine for texting while driving can be anywhere from
$20-$400 with a positive 4 points taken off of your license. Is it really worth
it?
It is a fact that these cell phone uses, while driving, have
taken a great amount of lives. “Traffic crashes kill more teenagers in Wisconsin and the rest
of the nation than any other cause of death,” said Sandra Huxtable, director of
the Wisconsin Bureau of Transportation Safety. People these days get so
distracted by their electronics, that they forget to focus on what they’re
doing, that can be life threatening.
This
new law is also in act for those over the age of eighteen that also have their
probationary license, have a license from within a different country, people
that have suspended probationary licenses, new residents with fewer than three
years of driving experience and/or are under the age of 21, and also new
residents that surrender a license that is expired for longer than six months.
Not
only are people killing themselves over not paying attention while driving, but
innocent lives of people are also being taken by those who refuse to put down
their phone. A lady from Sun Prairie will be found guilty for a vehicular
homicide in the texting related death of an innocent college student. In my
opinion, it is just a disgusting thought that someone’s life was taken because
of an irresponsible driver.
In
conclusion, our state is taking a step by step process to help our citizens and
to make sure that everyone is safe while behind the wheel. This law isn’t to
make anyone angry, it isn’t just for police officers to find a reason to issue
a citation; but, it is to ensure the safety of each citizen, and to reduce the
death rate of innocent teens and people all over the United States.
After ready about this new cell phone law that pertains to a
great amount of us students, what is your honest opinion on it? Do you think it
is a reasonable step to take, in order to ensure our safety? Do you think it is
out of line to cut off our source of communication, while behind the wheel?
Lastly, do you think this law will be beneficial to our people? It’s up to you
to decide whether or not you want to get fined for something that can be easily
resisted!
This is very reasonable, and should have been enacted a long time ago. We know the dangers of being distracted in an automobile, yet many refuse to listen. If people can't have the common sense to put down their phone for fifteen minutes while they drive to the gas station, a very easy task, they deserve to get into an accident. Almost anywhere you go you are told of the dangers of distracted driving, and everyday on the news we see multiple accidents all stemming from distracted drivers. We don't need to respond to those stupid little texts right away, so don't answer your phone!
ReplyDeleteThough we all know texting and driving is dangerous, EVERYONE still does it. I'll be at a red light and look over to see the person next to me completely focused on their phone instead of the road. The law against texting hasn't really done much to stop texting, probably because it's so hard for police to actually catch someone doing it without an accident involved. I think that putting a law in place is a good idea but it hasn't changed anything. If people want to text and drive, they're going to do it. These laws aren't beneficial and are a waste of time. Nobody listens to them and choose to put their lives and the lives of others in danger anyways.
ReplyDeleteIf I were to give my honest opinion, I completely agree with the fact that people who are dumb enough to text and drive or even to talk on the phone and drive, are putting themselves at risk of injuring and killing other, but I do not think that a law can stop this. The day to day busy life that Americans live, especially with the wide spread of newer technology, has opened the door to the possibility of driving and talking/texting on the phone. In consideration to the new law, it is an absolutely necessary step towards safety, but when cell phones were made, they had to know that they would come along with consequences. The cell phones are a vital part of communication in the 21st century and for the states to truly believe that they can stop drivers from being stupid, is obviously not going to happen. There are so many ways for people to stay on their phones without being caught and they will never change that until either they are lucky enough not to hurt anyone or they finally experience a life changing moment. Either way, the law may be necessary, but in the case of effectiveness I would beg to differ.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that people who text and drive or even talk on the phone while driving are too focused on their phone. Even if they don’t realize it, part of their brain isn’t paying attention to what it’s supposed to, the road. I really wish that this law would stop people from being irresponsible with their phones while on the road, but in reality I don’t think people will care. I don’t believe at all that it will stop people from being on their phones while driving. I agree with Abby, in that the law is not reasonable, because if it hasn’t worked yet to stop people from texting and driving, it won’t ever. Don’t get me wrong, I know that this law has stopped some people from texting and driving, but I feel like the majority of people haven’t stopped. I am still hearing stories about people getting killed because of a person who was on their phone while driving.
ReplyDeleteI think texting and driving has become a big issue and im glad they have the law now, even if it hasnt stopped people as much as they hope, it makes people think twice bout what they are doing and hopefully they will get caught and learn that it is not okay to do. It is very sad when poeple get into accidents becuase someone was paying too much attention to their phone instead of the road. I think calling is a good idea too just becasue it will ensure that teenagers are focused on the road. I know I like to call people when Im driving, and it is going to be hard to adjust to, but now that its against the law, I will have to get used to it.
ReplyDeleteAlthough some may disagree, I think it’s a great idea to ban cell phone usage while driving. I think something had to be done and in order to actually go through with it, and to actually let teens know there was no messing around; the new law had to be severe to get the point across. I don’t think the new law is cutting off communication completely-if a call or text really has to be sent, you could pull over to the side of the road and do it. I think it will be beneficial to people. It will get them out of the habit of texting and driving, and texting and calling people on the phone. Plus, the chance of getting caught is definitely not worth it-especially with the fine!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Tom when he said this law should have been enacted a long time ago. I am actually surprised it took the state of Wisconsin this long to enact this law, especially for Wisconsin being the state with one of the highest rates of cell phone usage while driving accidents. I think this law will help because for people to text, it is a lot easier to hide while driving, but when people are on the phone, police will be able to see them easier. Though it's not all about "getting caught in the act", this law is there to help us. No, it will not completely reduce peoples usage of their cell phones while driving, but for the people who actually get caught, it will be a big wake up call to them, and that will be one less person on the road using a cell phone. One step at a time is key.
ReplyDeleteThis law should have been enabled a long time ago. Too often we hear about deadly accidents caused by the simple action of texting or doing something else on their phone. However this law isn’t going to stop many people from texting while they are driving. For instance today on my way to work I noticed the person next to me at a stop light was texting and all I could think is how stupid that person is for not realizing the amount of danger they are causing. To ensure people that people won’t use their phone while driving there should be a more severe punishment such as license suspension or a required driving safety class. It may seem ridiculous but it’s worth it if it saves one innocent life.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone else. Where was this law before and why did it take so long for it to become a law? It's honestly really sad and disappointing to see young drivers text and drive not knowing the consequences or harm it will bring. But, like everybody else has said that one law isn't going to stop anyone from doing it. I believe adults have a similar law that they can't text, but half of them still do it anyway. I'm totally all for this law. It's not that hard to put your phone down for a couple minutes and then text the person back once you're done driving. Although, I believe the fine for this law is ridiculous. I think this law is a great law. I just wish it was enforced earlier than now. I really do hope people that are against this law or don't even care about it open their eyes just a little and see how many lives we're saving my abiding to these laws.
ReplyDeleteLexi, it's funny that you picked this topic because we just talked about it at our dinner table tonight. I think this law is a very positive step in the right direction, because we all know how dangerous being distracted while driving is. I agree with previous comments that it's hard to enforce texting while driving, but it's easier to enforce not talking on the phone. I question why this law is only restricted inexperienced drivers. In my opinion no matter how long you've been driving, talking on the phone can still distract you. I'm sure quite a few automobile accidents that involve phones happen because of experienced drivers too. Plus it makes the law easier to enforce, because it's hard to tell if someone is an inexperienced driver based on looking at them. I hope to see a law like this extended to the whole population within a few years.
ReplyDeleteI think by creating this law, that it will help teens not use their cell phones so they aren’t distracted while they drive. It’s a good law to have and I think that with experience driving, when you get off your probationary license, you should be able to talk while driving. The thing I don’t understand is how is a cop supposed to know if you have a probationary license? Are they going to pull every one over just because they look young? I personally think that when the car isn’t moving, teens should be allowed to use their cell phones because if the car is already stopped, there is no way they could get distracted. I know a lot of people, including myself that like to sing along to songs while driving, so are there cops really going to pull people over because they’re “talking” because it looks like they are using their cell phones when in reality there are either singing or talking to themselves?
ReplyDeleteI think by creating this law, that it will help teens not use their cell phones so they aren’t distracted while they drive. It’s a good law to have and I think that with experience driving, when you get off your probationary license, you should be able to talk while driving. The thing I don’t understand is how is a cop supposed to know if you have a probationary license? Are they going to pull every one over just because they look young? I personally think that when the car isn’t moving, teens should be allowed to use their cell phones because if the car is already stopped, there is no way they could get distracted. I know a lot of people, including myself that like to sing along to songs while driving, so are there cops really going to pull people over because they’re “talking” because it looks like they are using their cell phones when in reality there are either singing or talking to themselves?
ReplyDeleteThough I think that texting and driving is very distracting and a good thing to get rid of, talking on the phone while driving is another story. I think that when you get your probationary license you should still be able to talk on the phone because it is your first time driving, you could need directions or help if you get lost. Although it may be distracting it is no worse than having a friend in the car there to talk to. Also when I needed to call people when I first had my license it was only to get directions. Another problem is enforcing this law. You can't tell who has a new license or who has an old one by just seeing them drive.
ReplyDeleteI will admit that I have a bad habit of using my phone while I drive so I definitely oppose this new law. I think that it is a problem that so many teens die every year and I agree that it should be illegal to text and drive. Although I think that there is a problem with texting and driving I believe that talking on the phone is not a problem. If you can talk to a passenger in your car while you drive then you can talk on the phone. Making it illegal to talk on the phone even if it is a hands off phone would mean that you'd have to make a passenger talking to the driver illegal also. And that is absolutely rediculous.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with this law that it should help keep down the amount of people using cell phones and it will keep them from causing so many accidents. Students also have the highest car insurance rates because of having so many accidents due to their carelessness. I do believe many people will continue to text/call and drive because they think that they will not get caught just like how people who drink and drive. I do believe that people should not get into trouble for talking into a hands-free device because they have both hands on the wheel.
ReplyDeleteThe recent law instated seems to be getting people quite upset. It’s obvious that texting and driving has caused problems dealing with numerous accidents, stupid mistakes, and sometimes even death. The best way to keep people safe is to prohibit all use of cell phones. They are distracting- it’s inevitable! Typing AND talking on the phone prevent you from fully concentrating on the road. People like to argue the case that when you text, you are looking down, but when you call, you are still focusing. Well you have to look down at some point while you call. How else would you dial a number, or press “end call”. No matter how you argue it, using a cell phone in any way while driving can be a distraction. I will fully admit, I have called and texted while driving, and know it is hard not to do, but these days, it is at the stake of life or death. I know people disagree with this new law, but I think it can only lead us toward the right direction hopefully preventing fewer deaths in our state.
ReplyDeleteI believe this law is in the best interest of the people because it would save so many peoples' lives. Any sort of activity that obstructs the driver from concentration on driving should be ban. The only possible option is obtaining a bluetooth headset that way the driver can still see the road. Death because of some inconsiderate action is the least of our concern. However, because of our people trying to "multi-task," when it has been proved that humans cannot comprehend two things at once. Ultimately, I believe that anything that makes the driver look away from the road cannot be tolerated. In order to lower the automobile deaths in America, these rules and laws must be withstood.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone else. Why did it take so long for this to become a law? It's sad to see people text and drive not knowing the consequences it will bring. But the law isn't going to stop anyone from doing it. I've had multiple people that I know get in accidents from using their phone while driving, I don't know why people can't just put their phone down and not use it while driving. I hope more people open their eyes and actually realize that they need to start following this law.
ReplyDeleteThis is very reasonable. There are so many lives that are being taken from drivers who are addicted to their phone. I know where we have a house up north they are putting treads (the little bumpy things on each side of the road) in the middle of the road (the center line). The new touch screen phones that we all have today make it 10X as more unsafe when texting and driving. I have to admit that when I had my old blackberry I was able to text and pay attention driving because i could feel where the buttons were on my phone and i'd drive with my other hand. As well as for calling people you could feel for the call button and answer easily. Now with the phones we have now we have to actually look at them because you cant feel for anything. I think this is a very reasonable law. THe only thing I wonder is what if you are cahnging the music on your ipod in your car or even if you have a touch sceen radio in your car, it's kind of like the same thing. Would you get fined for that?
ReplyDeleteSo I’m a bit torn on this topic…
ReplyDeleteI am 100% behind the no texting and driving. I will admit I’ve sent a few texts or two while driving and I can notice the differences in my driving while I do that. However, what I’m torn on is the no phone use, at all. As a nanny, I am constantly on the phone with the kids parents while driving them to their various activities, or using my maps feature to locate a destination they need to be at. I understand that this is a rare case and that most teenagers don’t nanny every day, but personally for me, I would feel that it is unfair for me to be penalized for doing my job. I do think that this is for the greater good though, and it needs to me done. I suppose I’ll just have to be more careful.
There are things I am against with cell phone use and things that I feel should be permitted. You shouldn't be able to text while you drive because of the inability to not focus while driving which risks your health and others. I will admit I have done this before, but we still shouldn't allow it. But, to make it so when you get your license you can't use your phone at all is a bit extreme. Phones are also used for many good things too like directions, contacting someone and more. If they do this, it should only be for a short amount of time, not for two years.
ReplyDeleteI think that no matter what your age if you text and drive it should be illegal no matter what. Calling and driving is a little safer because you still have your eyes on the road. Just because you have been driving with someone that have a probationary license that doesn’t make it ok to do whatever you want behind the wheel of a car. No matter what everyone still is easily distracted behind the wheel.
ReplyDeleteDaniel Wettstein
I am glad that texting and driving is illegal now because when you are driving you should be focused on only that. There are so many accidents and deaths that have been caused by people being distracted at the wheel, by having your phone not be a distraction, hopefully there will be less deaths and injuries to go along with it.
ReplyDeleteTexting and driving should have been illegal right when texting got big, as well as talking on the phone while driving. It has been proven that drivers cannot see certain things, such as pedestrians or animals, on the road when they are texting and even when they are just talking on the phone. According to distraction.gov, ext messaging creates a crash risk 23 times worse than driving while not distracted and the average text takes a driver's eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds, which is equivalent to driving the length of a football field at 55 miles per hour. No life is worth a text message or a call, so it is about time these laws have been enacted. I also feel like the fine for breaking this law is not enough, because 20 dollars will not make someone stop texting, but 500 dollars might...
ReplyDeleteI think this law is a wonderful idea. However, I can't wrap my head around the fact that it is only aimed toward people with probationary licenses. Just because someone isn't on probation, that doesn't mean that they are a safer driver when they are using a phone. Bottom line is, any cellular device in any car is going to be distracting. It also won't do much good if the law is not enforced. How would they do that? Pull over anybody they see that has a cellphone in their hands? That would take a lot of resources. It is a good idea, but it seems a bit unrealistic, which is sad to say.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the no texting and driving, however there are some cases where a cell phone usage should be a loud. I use my phone for maps and figuring out how to get somewhere when I get lost but I don’t text and drive. Also if there was an emergency with your family, how would you find out? You wouldn’t want to wait till you got to your destination to find out the emergency. It’s sad that it has to come to potentially banning cell phone use while driving all together but there are some cases where cell phones are necessary. They also shouldn't just single the people with probationary licenses out, it should be made for everyone. I also noticed that we can’t have our cell phones out or anything distracting yet, almost every time you see a cop driving around they’re always on their computer or on the phone or doing something that can be a distraction. How exactly is this fair?
ReplyDelete