texting Archives - Comedy Defensive Driving®

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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Texting Law in Texas

Daun Thompson — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 14:29:42 +0000

“Whoopee ti yi yo, get along little texting ban…It’s your misfortune ain’t none of your own…Whoopee ti yi yo, get along little texting ban…You know that TEXAS will be your new home.”
Finally!! There will be a texting law in Texas. It’s been a long time coming and thank goodness we are finally evolving. Now there are only three states to go (Montana, Arizona and Missouri). Texas’ law will go into effect on September 1st, so we’ll still have to be on guard for the next 2-1/2 months, and then those of us mothers who fret about our children driving among distracted drivers can finally kick back and quit the anxiety meds. I have an only child (because…ouch! I haven’t even “dated” since). And I’m too old to make another so I do really worry about her. Currently, Texas has state laws prohibiting the use of cell phones and electronic devices in active school zones (hands-free). Bus drivers and drivers under the age of 18 also have hands-free restrictions. There are also some cities in Texas with city ordinances restricting texting, while talking on the phone when driving is still okay. For 2-1/2 years now Austin and San Antonio have been enforcing hands-free city ordinances. Denton County became hands-free in January.

So, at the risk of sounding ungrateful (because, believe me, I am genuinely thrilled about our new state law), those cities and counties that are already hands-free will actually “regress” to only texting bans (and now talking on a cell phone will be legal again in those areas). But, again, it’s better than nothing at all. I am not certain what this new law will mean. No texting while driving could mean that you can still talk on the phone but, in order to text, read, scroll or update your GPS, you actually have to be off of the roadway, with your car in “park.” This is actually how our current city ordinances are set up (those which are not entirely hands-free). Or, this no texting ban could simply mean that a driver cannot text while the car is moving (which some people will still do, illegally), but a driver may be able to text while the car is not in motion (like at a red light). If the new law is the second scenario here, even law-abiding citizens will be texting, reading and updating their GPS while waiting at a red light. Because, if you can legally do it, why wouldn’t you? Drivers are impatient as it is. Especially when a red light turns green, it’s like their horn is coordinated with the light. They don’t even give you a chance to take your foot off of the brake and hit the gas before they honk at you “What are you waiting for…another shade of green?” Hopefully, the new state law will enlist the first scenario.

Either way, thank goodness for evolution!
Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Texting Law in Texas – Comedy Defensive Driving

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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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Back To School

Daun Thompson — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 04:06:37 +0000

School’s back in session. If you have little ones, you already know this and your mornings are more harried lately. You’re trying to get the kids to school on time, while trying not to get a speeding ticket, especially in a school zone. You don’t want to be calling your boss to tell him you’re going to be late. And, you especially don’t want to be on your phone while you’re in a school zone. Be extra careful for those stopped buses, too. There’s so much more to be looking out for now when it comes to back to school driving. You’re better off to just be paying extra attention while school is in session. All of these moving violations carry a hefty fine. Too many of these violations on your driving record could result in having your driver license revoked. Now, how will you get those kiddos to school if that happens? Perhaps Uber or Lyft to get back to school?

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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Texting Lane

Daun Thompson — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 04:09:30 +0000

When you’re walking down the street these days, people don’t even say hello when passing. They’re too busy texting or reading something on their phone. I read a study that said this could be the cause of double chins and bad posture. What about all of the beautiful trees and colorful landscapes they miss? I remember when we had land lines and answering machines. You actually had to wait until you got home from work to see who was trying to reach you. Now we have instant gratification and no place to hide from bill collectors. We had rotary dial phones, tethered to a short cord leading to a wall jack. If you were being stabbed to death and needed help, the last number you’d want to dial is “9.” And the “1-1”… forget about it. By then you’ve already bled out. Your only other option was to dial zero, which was even worse. Perhaps that was called natural selection in those days.
Now, everyone is talking or texting. They’re wearing a Bluetooth earpiece, hidden under their hair so you can’t see it. They’re looking directly at you, walking towards you. Wow! You think they’re talking to YOU. So you ask them “What?” And they snarl “I’m not talking to YOU!” How rude is that? Perhaps someone should invent a bubble to wear so you can have a personal conversation in public. And, what about women talking on the phone in a public restroom? They do that! That’s not only awkward for those of us in the restroom with her, but awkward for the person on the other end of the line. They can hear the toilets flush, you know. It sounds like a Chinese Gong. “Where are you calling me from?” “Benihana?” But men take selfies in a public restroom mirror, so everyone loses in the manners department, both men and women.
No one is paying attention to you, to life, to the road, or to others on the sidewalk. Utah Valley University has created a texting lane for students who are walking while texting. Not a bad idea. Perhaps city streets should have texting lanes as well. After all, there are bicycle lanes in some cities. The Chinese city of Chongqing has done just that. They’ve created a Smartphone sidewalk lane. And the Belgian city of Antwerp introduced text walking lanes for pedestrians using mobile phones. Sounds like a smart idea. It’s probably a crowded lane.
As for texting lanes on roadways, now that would be the lane with the smoke and the fire…
Until next week…
Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist
Texting Lane – Comedy Defensive Driving

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Texas Fails to Pass a Texting Ban

Daun Thompson — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 04:34:26 +0000

How very disheartening it is that there will not be a texting and driving ban this legislative session in Texas. A bill that would have outlawed texting and driving statewide never even made it for a vote in the Texas Senate. The bill actually passed in the House but did not have enough votes (it was only short one vote) in the Senate. This bill would have banned texting and driving statewide. Now we have another two years to wait before another bill can be introduced. So, here we are, still texting in Texas.
Very sad, indeed, for those Texans who have lost loved ones due to distracted drivers. I have been following the progress of this bill like a hawk. And with so many testimonies and pleadings in Austin to push this law through, I had very high hopes that this would be the year.
On a positive note, many cities in Texas have created their own city ordinances regarding cell phone use while driving. While some cities only ban texting while driving, Austin and San Antonio are cities with a hands free city ordinance. Most of our larger cities do have an ordinance banning texting while driving, with exception of Dallas and Fort Worth.
Perhaps now that we will definitely have no state law regarding this issue, at least for the next two years, cities in Texas that do not already have a city ordinance banning cell phone use, will see how important it is and will implement one.
And, in the words of Forest Gump, “That’s about all I have to say about that.”
Until next week…
Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist
Texting in Texas – Comedy Defensive Driving

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Texting in Texas

Daun Thompson — Mon, 04 May 2015 17:27:38 +0000

It’s been a long time coming, prohibiting texting in Texas while driving a vehicle. Texas is one of the only states in the nation that has no state law regarding cell phone use when driving. Most states ban cell phone use, altogether, while driving. Of course, Texas does have a state law prohibiting cell phone use in active school zones where children are present. That, too, in the past, was only city ordinances. And now, for several years, has been a state law.

There is just one month left in the 84th Texas legislative session. For the third time, the texting and driving ban is in front of the Texas legislature. The house has already passed its bill and now it has been sent over to the senate state affairs committee. This new bill differs from the first one introduced. Initially, the bill said you cannot write, read or send a text message, even if you were stopped. The new version says that you can text wherever as long as you are stopped.

Well, at least it’s a start. At least we’re going to begin to evolve. Just looking at the number of senseless accidents and deaths due to cell phone use in Texas alone is staggering. So, still being able to text while sitting at a red light will only likely cause more road rage. As it is, the person behind you is already so impatient that they don’t even give you time to take your foot off the brake and put it on the gas pedal when the light turns green. They’re already honking at you, “What are you waiting for, lady, another shade of GREEN?” I hear in New York City, they honk at you when the cross-traffic light turns yellow. At least we’re not that impatient.

But, no one wants to miss their opportunity to get through the green light in an intersection when they are already running late for work. Now, with construction zones and lane closures, ramp closures, etc. So this will surely cause even more road rage than ever before. Austin and San Antonio, Texas, have both passed city ordinances banning cell phone use while driving, altogether. These cities are entirely hands free. And Austin’s city ordinance also includes bicyclists. So now the question is, “Who the heck is texting while riding a bike?” Now, that’s coordination! Maybe Lance Armstrong can do that. He’s about the only bicyclist that could keep up with the flow of traffic, anyway.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Texting in Texas – Comedy Defensive Driving

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Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Daun Thompson — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 17:21:15 +0000

April is distracted driving awareness month. By now, even your great grandmother knows that distracted driving ranks as one of the highest mortality issues for drivers in America. Drivers spend more than half their time focused on things other than driving. And there are more distractions in the car than ever before, other than the obvious cell phone use. Driving with your knees while eating a Big Mac, drinking a beverage (hopefully non-alcoholic), smoking (hopefully just cigarettes), listening to and/or looking at your GPS, reading something, applying makeup, shaving, disciplining your kids, changing a radio station, looking for a cd, plugging in your iphone, ipod, ipad or “i-yi-yi!” There are unlimited distractions!
Over 3,200 people were killed and an additional 424,000 (yes…thousand) people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2013 alone! Distractions are estimated to be associated with 15-25% of crashes at all levels. And, although cell phone use is a major distraction, texting (taking your eyes off the road to text) increases the risk more than just cell phone use.
I hear new drivers constantly commenting on how intense and difficult it was to learn how to drive. The responsibility alone of barreling down the road in a giant chunk of steel is a huge responsibility. That’s when you feel truly grown up. Now you’re independent and can drive yourself where you need to go. No longer relying on anyone to take you places. But, with that responsibility comes consequences. Which is also a factor in becoming an adult. If you’ve ever driven a clutch, you’ll recall your first time, how it took all of the coordination you could muster to push in the clutch with your left foot, while giving it a little gas with your right foot and shifting gears without it stalling out or rolling back into the car behind you. Now, that’s multi-tasking! It took a bit of practice, but you finally mastered it. Perhaps you will also remember how virtually impossible it was to do anything other than drive when you were driving a straight shift? There’s no way you could hold or drink a beverage, smoke, or do anything while you were shifting gears? I’m not saying that everyone should sell their automatics and buy a 5-speed, but some parents have told me that they have done just that with their teen drivers for just that reason. So they “can’t” multi-task.
With April being distracted driver awareness month, law enforcement in all states will be cracking down on distracted drivers, especially those texting or talking on the phone. Maybe pledging, if even to yourself, to not be a distracted driver for the rest of the month will start you on the path to better driving habits. And may save a few lives, to boot!
Until next week…
Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist
Distracted Driving Awareness Month – Comedy Defensive Driving

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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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