• 17
  • November
    2011

Texting while driving is a major distraction for motorists and a serious danger for others on the road. While the state of Arizona does not ban the practice, the city of Phoenix has since 2007. Tucson may follow suit if two city council members' proposal is accepted.

According to Karen Uhlich of Ward 3 and Steve Kozachik of Ward 6, who submitted the proposal, 34 states and the District of Columbia ban texting while driving. The council members would like Tucson to join the fight to create safer roads for drivers, bicyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians and cut down on Tucson motor vehicle accidents.

Details of the Proposed Tucson Texting-While-Driving Ban

The proposal would prohibit the use of a personal digital assistant by a person who is driving on a street. Banned use includes sending or receiving a message.

Penalties include a fine of at least $100 if the violator did not cause a Tucson car accident and at least $250 if a motor vehicle crash did occur because of texting while driving.

The proposal provides exceptions for commercial driver's license holders on the job, police and emergency workers, public transit drivers, people reporting negligent or reckless behavior and people experiencing an emergency.

Benefits of a Texting-While-Driving Ban

Texting while driving takes the driver's attention from the road, putting everyone in the vicinity at risk. The ban could prevent serious auto accidents, which can cause everything from spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries to amputations and broken bones.

Arizona lawmakers have attempted several times to pass a statewide ban on texting while driving since 2004, but they have not succeeded. In creating its own citywide ban, Tucson could take a significant step toward protecting everyone who shares the road from distracted driving.

Source: News 13, "Tucson moves closer to texting ban," 11 November 2011