Texas lawmakers are planning once again to introduce a bill banning texting and driving statewide. But will it become a law? Every two years, the Texas Legislature returns in January to re-visit this issue. So, if a bill does pass, we may have a law that will go into effect in September. But, apparently, there is already some republican opposition. They argue that a law would infringe on the individual freedoms of adult drivers. So, what about the freedoms of innocent drivers that are injured and killed by those distracted adult drivers? They also argue that a statewide law would not make a difference regarding the safety of drivers, which is in direct contradiction to data provided by the TXDOT, which reported more than 100,000 car accidents caused by distracted drivers in 2015 alone. That’s a staggering number. Yet, folks are skeptical that it will pass during the upcoming 85th legislative session.

So this Texan will follow closely to keep you informed. In the meantime, if you are a Texan, perhaps it is comforting to know that we do have over 90 cities that currently ban texting while driving. Also, drivers under the age of 18, commercial vehicle drivers (including bus drivers) and all drivers in activated school zones are banned from texting.

Statistics show that one out of 4 car accidents are a result of texting while driving. And, texting while driving is six times more likely to crash than drunk drivers. So if you’re drinking “and” texting … yikes!

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist
States Void of a Texting Ban – Comedy Defensive Driving School

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Children will be distracted too. Some are walking to school, while texting friends and not paying attention. You can expect to see them crossing the street, and not always at crosswalks. Some will exit the bus and run across the road. So, just be aware and don’t add your own distractions to the mix. Most school zones, anymore, become a one-way road situation for parents dropping off and picking up their children. You can bet that there will be police present, making sure that everyone is driving safely and obeying school zone laws. Even when you are not directly near the school, the school zone may extend beyond the point where you would expect it to end, since some kids are walking to school. And, where the school zone ends and the speed limit increases, make darned sure that your car passes the speed limit sign before you begin to accelerate, and not before you approach that sign. Passing a school bus with its red lights flashing, using a cell phone, speeding, not stopping for crossing guards all lead up to a really bad beginning of the school year.

And, if you really think about it, parents have already tricked their kids into being excited about going back to school by purchasing them new school clothes, backpacks, books, cool notebooks and accessories. They’re already going to find out on the first day of school that they were once again tricked into being excited about school. Just pay attention, and don’t make it worse for them. And, once you drop them off, you can go back home and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Back To School – Comedy Defensive Driving

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And don’t forget those school buses, hauling those screaming kids to their final destination. That’s one job I wouldn’t want, being a school bus driver. And don’t forget the rules there! Never pass a school bus if the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is out. Now, I’m sure those bus drivers tell those kids (at least the ones that they like, anyway) to go to the crosswalk and cross. But kids never listen. That’s why school zones are 20mph! If you were going any slower, you’d be in reverse! And, if you’re on the opposite side of the median, going the opposite direction, you must stop if your side is separated from the bus’ side of the road by a painted line or a divided median. A hefty fine that will surely bankrupt any ideas of affording to send your own kids to that private school you have been dreaming of.

Now, it’s the end of your busy day. You’ve put in your time at work and now it’s time to get home and relax. But wait! You’re going to be passing through some of those school zones yet again. So, ease back, do your 20mph, dinner can wait. You’ll get home just in time to eat, watch the news, go to bed, and get up tomorrow morning and go through the same routine.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

School Zones – Comedy Defensive Driving School

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September 1st was a big day for Texas drivers and law enforcement. A few new texas traffic laws went into effect. And, I hate to be a Debby Downer, but, to my chagrin, we still have no hands free state law in Texas. So, another two years of texting, chatting away and swerving into other lanes. When will we evolve?! Thank you Governor Perry!

Over 600 new Texas laws went into effect. Here are a few of those laws pertaining to drivers…

SB510 Requires drivers to move over or slow down (as required depending on the roadway) when approaching a stationary Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) vehicle with its lights activated and not separated from the roadway by a traffic-control device. This provision expands the state’s Move Over/Slow Down law, which already requires drivers to yield to tow trucks, police, fire and emergency vehicles. Violators would commit a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine of up to $200; punishable of $500 if property damage occurs; or a Class B misdemeanor if the violation results in bodily injury.

HB 1174 Amends current statute to increase the minimum fines for the misdemeanor offense of passing a stopped school bus loading or unloading children. The minimum fine increases from $200 to $500, and the maximum fine for such an offense increases from $1,000 to $1,250. The bill also enhances the penalty for a second or subsequent conviction of that offense committed within five years to a misdemeanor punishable by a minimum fine of $1,000 and a maximum fine of $2,000.
They take child safety pretty seriously these days. Kids weren’t as important when I was a kid. Private schools now have seat belts in their buses. Those kids are super important.

SB 181 Allows a motor vehicle operator the option of using a wireless communication device (such as a cell phone) to display motor vehicle financial responsibility (proof of insurance) information as evidence of financial responsibility. The display does not constitute effective consent for a law enforcement officer, or any other person, to access the contents of the wireless communication device except to view the financial responsibility information.
And don’t pull out your phone and start pulling up the insurance until the officer actually comes to your car window and asks you for it…not in an active school zone, anyway…you don’t need that ticket!

HB 3676 New drivers: Texans who get a hardship driver’s license will have to follow the same restrictions as other new drivers: They can’t use a cell phone, drive between midnight and 5 a.m. or transport more than one passenger under 21 who isn’t a relative.
So, you can only kill one friend at a time…not all of them at once.

HB 625 Clarifies that the penalty for operating a vehicle on a public highway without displaying the two license plates assigned to the vehicle is a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine not to exceed $200.
So, about that new Lamborghini you just bought that has no holes in the front for a license plate to attach to it? Start drilling…

SB 275 Increases the penalty for leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in the death of a person and failing to render aid from a third degree felony to a second degree felony. A second degree felony carries a punishment of two to 20 years in prison and an optional fine not to exceed $10,000, whereas a third degree felony carries a penalty of two to 10 years in prison and an optional fine not to exceed $10,000.
In prison, that’s a lot of cigarettes.

Until next week…

Daun T
Writer / Comedienne / Semi Sought-After Artist

New Texas Traffic Laws – Comedy Defensive Driving

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If it’s a friend or someone close who you can use a direct approach with, just tell them outright that you get really uncomfortable when people text and drive. Perhaps they will respect your friendship enough to stop. At least while you’re in the car. If you know the person the driver is texting, ask the driver to hand over the phone so you can say hello. Then send a message that says “We’re driving now and we’ll call you later when we stop.”

Point out other bad drivers out there. You’re sure to see at least one. Like someone sitting at a green light…”What is he waiting for another shade of green? He’s probably texting.” And, the sad thing is, he probably really is texting.

Funny, they compare texting while driving to drinking and driving and studies show that one is as dangerous as the other. Friends don’t let friends drive drunk and usually take the keys away from a drunk friend. Maybe you should take the keys away from your texting friend too then. If you start a discussion with other friends, in a group setting, maybe everyone will reconsider doing it themselves. Especially if they know how their close friends feel about it. After a dinner party, tell everyone how much you care about your friendship and what a bummer it would be if any of them died in a fiery crash because they just couldn’t wait to send a text message. What a hassle…it sure is hard to make all new friends.

Now imagine if you are caught texting while driving a bus!

Until next week…remember, friends don’t let friends drive drunk, so why should friends let friends text and drive? Tell them how you feel. Be the voice of logic and reason.

Daun Thompson

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It is a sad world we live in when people act like “stupid idiots” (is that over-kill?) by getting out of their cars and getting into fights because someone cut them off, or someone is driving too slow, I sometimes wonder if we really have evolved.  Even on Dr. Phil today, there was a doctor who was taped “shoving” a lady to the ground, a bit out of control for any of us but an educated man, kinda hard to believe.  Of course this happened in New York City or somewhere up north.  My boyfriend said that a southern boy would never put his hands on a woman, unless you’re married to her.

Have we really lost our humanity when we get behind the wheel of our vehicles?  It seems like people have a “me first” attitude on our roads especially in the cities.  Out in the rural areas of the country people seem to be a lot more laid back, not as selfish as the city folk.  I guess no one wants to get into a collision when you have a rolling meth lab in your car.

Avoid road rage by using your signal before you turn or change lanes, use the left lane for passing only and don’t tailgate anyone (that means driving too close to the car in front of you, not hanging out in a stadium parking lot, with your face painted, drinking a keg.)  If someone is honking at you, just avoid eye contact, act like you don’t even see them…in other words, act like you live in New York City.  If all else fails, pull out your cell phone and your gun and ask them “which one do you want me to use?!”  By the way, just kidding about the gun!  And the cell phone,  I threw mine at a pedestrian last week and it broke.

Until next week…be nice.  And don’t call anyone a stupid idiot.  It’s so immature!

Daun Thompson

(Daun Thompson is a comedienne, writer and artist living in Dallas, Texas)

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