June 18, 2010
By: Bruce Berry
One trend that auto insurance customers may notice in the coming years will be an increasing likelihood among states to toughen penalties for distracted driving.
Distracted driving takes a variety of forms, most commonly texting or using cell phones behind the wheel. However, other activities such as eating, applying makeup or dealing with small children can also create dangerous conditions on the road.
Many states have already taken various steps to crack down on people who text or use cell phones behind the wheel, ranging from age-based restrictions to fines. Another example comes from Utah, where people who cause a fatal accident while texting will be treated in the court system the same as if they had done so while drinking and driving.
Elsewhere, Louisiana recently drew praise from the federal government for strengthening its own law against texting while driving to make it a primary offense. This means that law enforcement officials can pull an offender over and ticket them regardless of whether they were committing any other violation at the time.
"Innocent people should not lose their lives because someone chose to text while driving," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "That's why I'm pleased Louisiana has passed a tough new law banning this irresponsible behavior. This sends a clear message: texting and driving don't mix."
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