Starting January 1, 2008, at least three states are cracking down on teen drivers and distractions while behind the wheel.
In Oregon, drivers under 18 are prohibited from using a cellphone, blue tooth or texting when driving. A ticket brings a $97.00 fine.
In Washington, using a cellphone or texting while driving results in a $124.00 fine.
In Nebraska, cellphone use and texting is also outlawed with fines to be set by the court.
Similar laws go into effect in New Jersey on March 1, 2008 and in California on July 1, 2008.
If you think these fines are high, make sure you don’t break any traffic laws in England.The penalty for texting behind the wheel includes fines exceeding $5,000.00 and 2 years in jail. Great Britain also punishes “inconsiderate drivers” for such activities as improper use of headlights and driving through a puddle and splashing someone with fines over $2,500.00.
In January, 2008 in England, Kiera [age 25] was found guilty by a jury and sentenced to four years in jail for hitting a bicyclist. She was going 45 mph in a 30 mph zone and didn’t see 19-year-old Jordan because she was texting at the time. Jordan died later that day. Kiera was also banned from driving for five years. Hampshire police sargeant Alyson West said outside court: “Nothing is so important that you cannot wait until you reach your destination or pull over and stop.”
