The Whitworthian

Issue date: 10/9/07 Last Updated: 10/12/07

In just a few months, it will be illegal for all Washington drivers to text while on the road.  

Sophomore Garrett Brown was not aware of the new driving law, but said he did not normally use his cell phone while driving anyway.

“It happens once in a blue moon, but usually I just don’t," Brown said. "I can’t keep my eyes on the road."

The high level of concentration needed for texting is one of the main causes of accidents on the road. Starting Jan. 1, if someone is pulled over and the officer can prove they were texting, they may have to pay up to $101 in fines.  Several other states have already passed laws concerning cell phone use on the road.

"I use my cell phone while driving all the time, for business," freshman Brandon Hemming said. "It's already illegal in California, where I'm from."

According to The Seattle Times, calling on the road will also be illegal starting on July 1, unless the party is using a hands-free device or reporting an emergency or illegal activity.

Using a cell phone on the road will be considered a secondary offense, meaning that drivers can only be charged with cell phone use if they have been pulled over for something else, such as speeding. 

Insurance companies will also not be informed about cell phone related offenses.  

“I have a Bluetooth headset, so I really don’t think [the law] will be much of a problem,” Brown said.

 

Contact Gabrielle Vaughn at gabrielle.vaughn@whitworthian.com.

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