New York State legislature passes ban on texting while driving

In a big step forward for New York auto accident lawyers, the New York State legislature passed a bill banning drivers' use of electronic devices while their vehicles are in motion, the New York Post reports.

The ban covers all classes of electronic device - including music players - and will carry a $150 fine if a driver is caught using such devices while engaging in a moving violation. Under the provisions of the bill, police will apply this fine on top of the fine for the moving violation when they suspect a driver was using a device.

The ban will likely be instituted in November after Governor Paterson signs it into law.

A major win for New York auto accident lawyers concerned with the safety of the state's roads, the bill should serve as a potent deterrent to many of the distracting activities so many drivers engage in. Texting while driving is one of the surest ways to increase a motorist's chance of getting into a car accident. It not only exposes the texter to unnecessary risk, but everybody who must share the road with them.

While New York auto accident lawyers may have hoped for even stronger legislation (why limit enforcement to those engaged in moving violations?) this bill is still a welcome step in the right direction. Driving a vehicle is a serious responsibility, one that no driver can afford to give a fraction of his or her attention. It is good that the law now at least partially reflects this reality.

[New York Post via City Room]