TURNING CAMERA LIGHTS AROUND TO CATCH TEXTERS

Daun Thompson — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 18:00:23 +0000

A 12 year study done in Houston proved that camera lights in intersections actually changed the composition of accidents, they did not reduce them. So, like many other states, Texas deactivated their camera lights last year. But I have noticed that they did not remove all of them. Perhaps they can be put to good use by turning camera lights around to catch texters. And, if so, will the fine for a texting while driving citation be a civil offense, as were those camera light tickets?

NO TEXTING WHILE DRIVING STATE LAW

Although Texas does not have a hands-free state law regarding cell phone use as do most other states, they do have a no texting while driving state law. And there are many hands-free city ordinances within the lone star state. Not every city, although, and certainly not in my city of Dallas with a population of over 1.35 million! And, since I teach defensive driving, one would think that I would see those texting moving violations in my classes. But I only see those for texting in a school zone when the light is activated. So, apparently, they’re not actually enforcing our state law. I hear that they are enforcing the city ordinances, although, and they come with high fines.

OTHER USES FOR THOSE CAMERAS

There are many other uses for those cameras and ways to re-purpose them. They can be used to compile data in intersections where there are more accidents. And they can be used to monitor crime by having more cameras present for better angles. I read that Australia, after a successful trial, has added mobile detection cameras that use artificial intelligence to determine if a driver has something in their hand. This footage is reviewed (as were our camera light ones) by a human who determines if a fine should be issued. These photos may also expose other things, such as the presence of guns, drugs, etc.

In closing, there is no doubt that in my state drinking and driving has affected everyone at some level. Everyone knows someone who has had a family member who has been killed by a drunk driver. But, if we don’t get a grip on it, this will be true with a texting driver.

Until next week…
Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

TURNING CAMERA LIGHTS AROUND TO CATCH TEXTERS – Comedy Defensive Driving

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INTEXTICATION AND INTOXICATION

Daun Thompson — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 12:00:07 +0000

I was curious if “intextication” was just a made-up word or if it’s a real thing. So I looked it up on the ever so reliable Wikipedia site (haha) in their “wiktionary” and there it was! It means “distraction by text messaging while driving.” While the definition from Techopedia says that it is “a term coined to refer to an individual who is distracted by texting or composing an email on a handheld device while walking or driving, and is therefore unaware of the surroundings.” It is said to be called the new DWI (awww…isn’t that cute?). And why not, since texting makes a crash up to 24 times more likely. We are all well aware of the disturbing number of crashes due to drinking while driving. Intextication and intoxication, when you think about it, the two have so many parallels.

TEXTING v.s. DRINKING COMPARISONS

• Inability to maintain a single lane, or to stay in your own lane.
• Number of accidents and fatalities incurred as a result.
• Both are illegal.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

If a driver begins to drift out of their own lane, a law enforcement officer may assume that they have been drinking and may pull them over with due cause. And don’t expect mercy as you are explaining that there was no alcohol involved, yet there was a severe distraction. We are all aware that driving while intoxicated carries stiff fines and penalties and could possibly remain on your driving record indefinitely. While distracted driving is considered less severe, legally and financially, both are equally as dangerous.

Nearly everyone knows of someone who has had a family member killed by a drunk driver. If we don’t get a grip on the texting while driving situation, these people will also suffer the loss of loved ones killed by someone who couldn’t wait to finish a message.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

INTEXTICATION AND INTOXICATION – Comedy Defensive Driving