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Governor Expected to Sign Texting Ban
Imagine driving down U.S. 29 on an ordinary day.
Unlike the other motorists, you are actually obeying the speed limit. But you take your eyes off the road for just a second.
As you look up, you find you’re in danger of hitting a person, an animal, or another vehicle that seemingly came out of nowhere. You try to slow down or stop, but it is too late. There is the sickening sound of screeching brakes and an horrific thud. You’ve wrecked.
According to police, distracted driving is the most common cause of motor vehicle accidents.
With that in mind, Virginia lawmakers recently adopted a bill designed to eliminate one common distraction. Once signed into law by Gov. Timothy Kaine, Virginia will prohibit motorists from using “any handheld personal communications device” to send or read text messages or e-mails while driving.
Police will be able to ticket violators only if they are stopped for another offense. Violators will be fined $20 for the first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses.
The law, which will be effective July 1, will not apply to operators of emergency vehicles, drivers who are parked or reporting an emergency, or for the use of GPS systems.
See the Fauquier Times-Democrat for the complete story...
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