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

The post Texting Law in Texas appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.

Where I live in North Texas, there are only 16 cities that I am aware of that have passed a city ordinance banning cell phone use while driving (Arlington, Grand Prairie, Denton, Watauga, Little Elm, Hickory Creek, Bedford, Euless, Hurst, Highland Park, University Park, Farmers Branch, Addison, Highland Park, University Park, Rowlett and Sunnyvale). There are likely other cities beyond North Texas that have passed ordinances that I am not aware of, but I do know that Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, Houston and Amarillo definitely have bans. Only two of these five cities are completely hands free city ordinances (Austin and San Antonio), while the others only ban texting or viewing your phone while driving.
Again, while there may be more cities that have joined in, now, this is the most current list that I am aware of. How many cities are you aware of in your great state that ban cell phone use while driving?

While I prefer my tax dollars not be used to fund the policing (or babysitting) of drivers who cannot put their phones down. And I would like to see their resources being used to control crime. I would hope that all states eventually come together and create a federal law banning any major distractions while driving (anything that takes your eyes off of the road long enough to cause a crash).

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Cell Phone Laws – Comedy Defensive Driving

The post Cell Phone Laws appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.

I have been asked by several students about the difference between a solid white and a double white line, and whether or not it is legal to cross over them. Drivers are discouraged, but not prohibited, from crossing the solid white line. While it is illegal to cross a double solid white line. In addition, white lines separate traffic traveling in the same direction and mark the edge of freeways and ramps. While yellow lines generally separate traffic traveling in opposite directions and they mark the left edge of divided highways and ramps. So, if you see that there is a yellow line on the right edge of the freeway, you are drunk and driving on the wrong side of the road.

There is also confusion in regards to road markings for passing zones. Double solid yellow center lines mean no passing allowed in either direction. While a single dashed yellow center line tells you that you are allowed to pass other vehicles if the road ahead is clear; but vehicles coming the opposite direction are allowed to pass too. Of course, there will also be signage indicating if it is a passing zone or not.

One other question I have been asked is about rumble strips damaging your tires. No, they will not. Rumble strips are those small indentations or narrow raised strips on the highway or shoulder, put there to vibrate the steering wheel and to make a noise to get the attention of the driver. These may have been put there for several reasons. Such as to alert you that there is going to be a stop coming up on a high speed roadway. To wake a driver that may be drifting off the road. To alert you that it is a potentially dangerous passing zone. Or, to alert you that there is an upcoming dangerous curve, a toll booth, railroad crossing or the end of a freeway.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Confirming Traffic Laws In Question – Comedy Defensive Driving

The post Confirming Traffic Laws In Question appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.

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

The post New Texas Traffic Laws appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.