Feature: Texting While Driving?
In a school zone? Put away that phone! By MICHAEL WEST Associate Editor of The Lion's Tale House Bill 55 states that only hands-free devices may be used by drivers in a school crossing zone while their vehicle is in motion. Violators, if caught, could face a ticket of up to $200. PreAP Chemistry teacher Roma Jain commented on the law, saying, "I think it's great. If you're going 20 mph [in a school zone], but then you start texting, that takes away the point of going slow." The U.S. Transportation Department reported that over 5,870 people were killed and 515,000 injured last year in crashes involving driver distractions, such as cell phones. The intent of the law is to reduce this number. Sophomore Silvia Villanueva said, "I think it's OK,because it'll cause less accidents." 2008 Turner graduate Andrew Perez also said, "I think it is wise to prohibit drivers from distracting themselves and killing young children." Sophomore DeAnne Lee also said, "It reassures me that laws like this one are being set up in order to prevent accidents due to driver stupidity." Sophomore Christian Rodriguez said, "I'm fine with it because it'll cut down on kids getting run over by people texting." The bill requires that cities enforcing the law post signs at school zones indicating that they are. Without this sign, a clause in the bill would only allow officers to give warnings and not tickets. This clause also excludes drivers from being punished for using their phones for emergencies. Teen texts 5,000 times per month -- while drivingMore driver awareness needed By ERIC MORENO Assistant Editor of The Lion's Tale |