New York’s Dutchess County Bans Texting while Driving

July 14, 2009

New York’s Dutchess County is sending drivers a message: No more text messaging behind the wheel.

County Executive William Steinhaus said Friday he wouldn’t veto a law against sending text messages while driving. His decision means the law will take effect once filed with the state.

Steinhaus says he has reservations about “legislating common sense” but feared a veto might leave motorists thinking it’s acceptable to text while driving.

Backers say the law will prevent accidents. Violators could be fined up to $150.

Some other New York counties and at least 14 states have banned texting while driving.

Police cited cell phone calls and text messages as possible factors in a crash that killed five teenagers in the Finger Lakes region in 2007.

Topics New York Personal Auto

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Latest Comments

  • July 14, 2009 at 1:32 am
    Jack J Maniscalco says:
    Damned nanny-state! Are we going to examine every behavior, stupid or otherwise, and regulate or ban it? Why not amend the DWAI - Drivign While Ability Impaired - statutes to ... read more
  • July 14, 2009 at 1:00 am
    Scott says:
    Got to give credit to Mr. Steinhaus who freely admits this is legislating common sense. Fortunately drivers in Dutchess County may still don a blind fold and play pin the tail... read more
  • July 14, 2009 at 12:54 pm
    Wayne says:
    It should be banned in all States. I imagine it is almost impossible to enforce this law but it still a good idea. We have all been behind the person texting or talking on the... read more

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