distactions while driving Archives - Comedy Defensive Driving®

States Void of a Texting Ban

Daun Thompson — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 15:56:02 +0000

When I was a kid, the biggest distraction in our car was the radio (and us kids). My mom (a.k.a. Old Yeller) would drive with one hand, while the other arm was just swinging-away at us in the back seat. Her swinging arm was like Popeye’s, and her driving arm was atrophied (like a bone with skin on it). It’s true…we were terrible kids, so she’d leave us in the hot car for hours while she went into the grocery store. Currently, a parent goes to jail for leaving a kid in a hot car (I like to think it’s because kids are much more important now than they were when I was a kid). We didn’t have cell phones, GPS or DVD’s in the car then. These seem to be the biggest distractions now. So why is there no texting ban in Texas? There is no doubt whatsoever that texting while driving is very dangerous. But Texas still remains one of the only four states void of a texting ban (Texas, Montana, Arizona and Missouri).

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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Hands-Free State Law In Texas

Daun Thompson — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 16:47:39 +0000

I was elated to hear that Austin is soon to be a hands free city. Texas cities may finally be added to the hands-free list. Although some cities in Texas already ban texting while driving, there is no hands-free state law in Texas (except in active school zones and those listed below). Austin city council members voted unanimously to approve an ordinance prohibiting the use of portable electronic devices while driving or biking (same road, same rules). This will go into effect January 1, 2015. The current city ordinance in Austin only bans texting while driving.

The new ordinance applies to cell phones, MP3 players, electronic games, messaging devices and any other hand-held electronic device. Using those gadgets while driving would be illegal. Unfortunately, the council added an exception that allows drivers to use the devices when stopped at a light or stop sign or if you are sitting in standstill traffic. So it appears that we will still be ‘exercising’ our horns on a regular basis. Of course, this excludes calling 911 to report an emergency or get emergency help, two-way radios, and GPS devices that are part of the car.

In the past, bills have been passed through the house in Texas regarding texting, as well as hands free issues. Only to be vetoed by the governor. As we are in the process of electing a new governor, the positions of our two candidates differ greatly. While Greg Abbott is opposed to putting a statewide ban on texting and cell phone use while driving, Wendy Davis actually co-wrote one of the bills in 2011 that would have banned texting while driving in Texas.

Currently, the only state laws in Texas regarding cell phone use while driving are as follows:
• If you have had a learner’s permit for 6 months or less.
• If you are under 18 years old.
• If you operate a school bus when children are present.
• If you are in a school crossing zone.

Depending on your city or county, there may be further rules on cell phone use while driving. Contact your local law enforcement for more information on laws on cell phone usage while driving and related fines.

Thank God we’re evolving!

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Hands-Free State Law In Texas – Comedy Defensive Driving

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Texting in America

Daun Thompson — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 17:02:28 +0000

Reading a Facebook post by comedienne, Jasmine Ellis made me realize how cell phone use is affecting all of us. She posted the she is “Aggravated by these Dallas drivers! How have I been rear ended twice in the last 30 days? And they actually say “I was looking down at my phone” and didn’t realize you stopped….. AT A STOP SIGN! You better thank God my bumper was there to keep your dumb (expletive) from rolling into the street!” Texting in America has to stop. We really need to evolve!

I realize I’m just bragging here, but I don’t text and drive. Honestly, I’ve tried it a few times and I could totally take out families, so I don’t do it. I’m not that coordinated. But, my teenage daughter has the ability to text while she’s not even looking at her phone. Now, that’s coordination! We were sitting at the kitchen table, having a serious conversation. She was looking me right in the eyes, and texting under the table at the same time! She calls it “multi-tasking.” I call it “grounded.” I think it’s just rude.

Since Texas is one of the few states that have no state laws on cell phone and texting use while driving, we are seeing that some cities have passed city ordinances banning their use. Denton, Texas has just recently passed one. Every two years bills regarding this issue are passed through the House, but are always vetoed. The latest bill, though, regarding a Texas statewide hands-free law was not vetoed. It has been said that the government shut down (bad timing) and other issues resulted in this important bill not being passed. Large cities like Dallas and even Fort Worth have no city ordinances.

37 states and DC ban all cell phone use by teen drivers. 18 states and DC ban any cell phone use for school bus drivers. To view a map of states against texting and driving, you can go to the link below. This site says that cell phones are responsible for one in four car accidents – and texting while driving is banned in most states. Twelve states and the District of Columbia don’t allow any handheld cell phone use while driving.
http://lifehacker.com/this-map-shows-state-laws-against-cell-phone-use-while-1469665547
The GHSA website (Governors Highway Safety Association) shows an actual chart, by state, of texting and hand held phone use. To view this chart, go to the link below. http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html

Hopefully, while we’re waiting patiently for Texas to pass a state law regarding this important issue, all cities will create a city ordinance of their own.

So, don’t text or talk on the cell phone while driving. It may save your life and the lives of those around you. Including Jasmine Ellis’ life, who is a gifted comedienne. You can check her out at https://facebook.com/jasmimeEmedia or or twitter @jasminneEmedia.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Texting in America – ComedyDefensiveDriving.com

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Texting Yourself To Death

Daun Thompson — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 16:08:38 +0000

Ever ride in the car with someone and they’re all over the road trying to send or read a text message? Speak up! If a texting driver is making you nervous but you’re not quite sure how to bring the topic up, try these suggestions:
If you really don’t feel comfortable telling a driver to quit texting, perhaps he’s your boss or even a parent, offer to type the message for them or read the message for them “…I mean, since you’re driving?” Or, since some states have laws banning texting and some have city ordinances regarding texting or scrolling for a phone number while driving, you could always say that you’ve seen a lot of police lately, and it’s probably not a good idea to be texting right now. And, that you really don’t have the money to loan them for the citation. Or, you may want to point out things that they missed seeing because they weren’t paying attention to the road. Like a dead squirrel or Big Foot.

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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