Wis. Senate passes texting ban for all drivers
By SCOTT BAUER
Associated Press Writer
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — All Wisconsin drivers, not just teenagers, would be banned from sending text messages while driving under a bill that passed the state Senate on Tuesday.
Lawmakers approved a bill 27-5 that would prohibit drivers from using a text message device such as a cell phone, I-Phone, or Blackberry. The penalties would be between $20 and $400, the same as disorderly driving.
The ban passed after lawmakers balked at the initial proposal affecting only drivers under age 18. Some senators said if texting were dangerous for young drivers, it was dangerous for all motorists.
"Why are we resistant to protect all of the population regardless of their age?“ asked Sen. Mike Ellis, R-Neenah. A similar proposal in the Assembly has been introduced but not yet heard in committee.
Opponents argued that texting, just like putting on makeup or searching for loose change, is already covered under the state’s disorderly driving law. It will also be nearly impossible for a police officer to determine if someone is texting, said Sen. Neal Kedzie, R-Elkhorn.
'There’s a limit as to how many laws you need before we have laws on the books that are unenforceable," he said.
Supporters said a law would get the public’s attention.
"We all know that texting while driving is dangerous behavior," said Sen. Mark Miller, D-Monona. "But if it’s illegal, most of us will change our behavior."
The Senate’s vote comes as momentum increases nationwide to address the problem of distracted driving.
The first laws banning text messaging while driving passed in New Jersey and Washington in 2007. Since then, nine states have passed laws banning texting for young drivers and 19 states have banned it for everyone, regardless of age, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
States might be feeling pressure from Congress to act as well. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and other Democrats are pushing legislation that would require states to ban texting or e-mailing while operating a moving vehicle — or lose 25 percent of their annual federal highway funding.
Those who are pushing the laws say it’s all about safety.
Nearly 6,000 people were killed and a half-million were injured last year in vehicle crashes connected to driver distraction, including texting, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
In July, the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that when drivers of heavy trucks texted, their collision risk was 23 times greater. Dialing a cell phone and using or reaching for an electronic device increased risk of collision about six times in cars and trucks, according to the university research.
The sponsor of the Wisconsin bill, Sen. Alan Lasee, R-DePere, said he was motivated to introduce his proposal after a 2006 car crash in New York that killed five recent high school graduates. Police didn’t blame cell phone use for the wreck, but records showed a succession of calls and text messages on the driver’s phone minutes before the crash.
"I think this will certainly go a long way to saving innocent lives," Lasee said.
Emergency responders, as well as licensed amateur radio operators and those texting to report an emergency, would be exempt.
This is the second time in as many years that the state Senate has passed a texting ban. Last year, the Senate passed a ban for all drivers but it died in the Assembly.
This year’s bill has broad support including the Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association, which represents some wireless networks in the state, AAA Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Insurance Alliance and the Wisconsin Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Association.
No one was registered in opposition.
All senators voted for it except Kedzie; Glenn Grothman, R-West Bend; Mary Lazich, R-New Berlin; Joe Leibham, R-Sheboygan; and Jeff Plale, D-Milwaukee.
Oct 22, 2009 at 8:29 a.m.
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freeradical- Maybe there are some officers who are on a power trip and will stop you for no reason, but there are corrupt individuals in every walk of life. That doesnt mean that ALL are the same way. The good outnumber the bad in most cases. I never said I would be okay with being stopped for no reason, HOWEVER random checks OFTEN result in picking up someone who I, for one do not wish to be sharing the road with. There are enough crazy drivers around, road rage, texting, reading, all of this exists. We, as citizens need to do our part by doing the right thing.
Oct 21, 2009 at 1:07 p.m.
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Just saying- thanks for the spellcheck.
I'm not saying you have to have anything in your car to have it be searched. I think it's ridiculous that you wouldn't care if a cop searched your car on a whim or just because s/he's on a power trip. Just because I have nothing to hide, doesn't mean I think it's ok for someone to have the power to search me or my possessions. I'm aware they are here to protect and serve, but with great power comes great responsibility, and not everyone with a badge is responsible.
The point I'm trying to make is that just because you're following the rules doesn't mean an officer's authority can't supercede a law abiding citizen.Frankly it's offenseive you take a back seat view to personal rights! But we're getting sidetracked...I just segwayed for another view on this.Let's keep on topic, my fault.
I like the bill, but the thought of being pulled over and harassed for texting(even if you weren't) scares me. See where I'm coming from?
Oct 21, 2009 at 1:05 p.m.
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Lawmakers get elected to make laws, they will never run out of stupid ideas. I think we should have roll cages and wear helmets while driving cars and trucks, and lets lower the speed limit to 10mph on all roads! Hey lets just ban motor vehicals, if we can save just one life it will be worth it!!! lol Keep On Voting...
Oct 21, 2009 at 11:59 a.m.
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OMG. FML.
Oct 21, 2009 at 11:28 a.m.
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reilly_202: You may not need the government to tell you how to use commons sense but there are plenty of others out there that need that help. Sad but true.
Oct 21, 2009 at 11:25 a.m.
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Well I do not text, as I still have not gotten the hang of it. I do not talk on my cell when driving. Well I did once when reporting this guy all over the interstate.
I am glad this went through I hope it also will be done for talking on the phone while driving. If you want GPS, get a garmon where it is on the dash or your passenger can read it. I do not want to get hurt because someone has to call and let that person know they are in their car.
Just like when I go grocery shopping you do not need to be talking on your phone while getting milk. I was at the DMV and there is a big sign turn off cell phones, I was there 45 mins and about 10 phones rang and people answered them rude.
Oct 21, 2009 at 9:29 a.m.
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There's way too many people out there who are incapable of using common sense. They are the ones responsible for most accidents. Somebody needs to tell them.
Oct 21, 2009 at 9:24 a.m.
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I also think you shouldn't be able to chew gum while driving. Digging in your purse or whereever it is is distracting and could cause an accident. (sarcasm) I don't need the government telling me when to use common sense.JMO
Oct 21, 2009 at 9:13 a.m.
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Like I said no one is innocent. But why try to throw people that use JUST cell phones under the bus? I think Wisconsin has bigger fish to fry.. Rock County alone was high in the standings with crashes and deaths on County Roads..
Oct 21, 2009 at 9:11 a.m.
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If you're going to talk on the cell phone, text, use a GPS, put on your makeup, etc., etc., then pull over to the side of the road. If you choose not to then you should get a ticket. No room for argument.
Oct 21, 2009 at 8:42 a.m.
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justsaying - Absolutely!
Oct 21, 2009 at 8:41 a.m.
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Not to be offended by the makeup remarks, but I do see males shaving in the rear view mirror (with both hands off the wheel). I've also seen them with a newspaper opened on the steering wheel getting the latest news going down the interstate at 75+. Again, with both hands off the wheel. Hm.
Oct 21, 2009 at 8:13 a.m.
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freeradical- your comments are "rediculous"- (actually spelled ridiculous) The "badges" are not only there to pull people over and search their cars. These men and women also put their lives on the line EVERY DAY to keep you and I safe, even from ourselves when we do something dumb. Agree that texting while driving is a common sense thing not to do, but hey, people don't get it so there has to be a law to stop them. Bottom line is that if someone doesn't want their car searched, first don't have anything in it that shouldn't be in it, second, follow the rules and don't get pulled over.
Oct 21, 2009 at 6:48 a.m.
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Okay, smart idea don't get me wrong, but everyone out there is just going to find different ways to text while driving, companies will invent devices so you can still get around it and be hands-free with texting, but, no one can sit here and say it's an accident waiting to happen because what about eating when driving? Talking on the cell phone when driving? Or, the classic one..putting make-up on when driving? I'm sure no one is innocent, I know I am not. Everyone can say that they don't text while driving but a majority of people do, if they don't like to admit or not. So don't put people under the bus. No one is innocent this day in age.
Oct 20, 2009 at 11:55 p.m.
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MacDaddy- it's enforced like any other law...Make a law, pay badges to enforce, badges get bored and happen to see you texting or without your seatbelt and pull you over. Step out of the car. Do you have any illegal drugs or weapons on you? Do you mind if I search your car? What's that smell? Where are you going? What for?
Cops can do that, just because. On top of that much power...get this....we give them GUNS
hahahah
Rediculous, I know.
But seriously, nothing is hard to enforce when someone is paying someone. The irony is YOUR tax dollars pull YOU over. hahaha
Oct 20, 2009 at 11:51 p.m.
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I agree, texting while driving is an accident waiting to happen.
Now, after this little bill passes, how about a crazy idea like putting breathalizers(wrong sp, whatever-don't care today.) at bar's entrance and exits. Then have the bars required to pay a bouncer to watch you take a test and pass before you leave to drive home. Some bars have them just for "fun" although i think the intent is what I'm throwing out here.It's a crazy idea, but it just MIGHT work. Rocket science is hard stuff.
In the meantime, let's get those crazy texters off the road.(Hard to convey sarcasm through this.) Definately would rather have my tax dollars going to a cop pulling a guy over for innatentive driving while a drunk driver drives by unnoticed and proceeds to kill someone.
I'm not saying the texting bill is a bad idea, but why my tax dollars are paying the senate to figure this out instead of tackling drunk driving or the heroin problem is beyond me.
Oct 20, 2009 at 9:45 p.m.
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this is stupid and has me ROFL. Again how do you enforce it, and my phone has navigation on it, so it is like a GPS, are you going to fine me for that? LOL.
Also, many states also allow drivers to sign up for twitter feeds to update them on road construction and delays. Seems like a good idea, but then you can get a fine? If people get in an accident fine them. But pulling them over for this and others are driving 85+ on the interstate. That is ridiculous!
Oct 20, 2009 at 9:38 p.m.
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Ok so I can't txt while driving. Can I read them or read news updates on my BlackBerry?
Oct 20, 2009 at 8:16 p.m.
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One of the best laws passed so far ... now let's get some stronger laws against drunk driving, I'm tierd of reading about all the slaps on the wrists they get.
Oct 20, 2009 at 7:57 p.m.
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Yes I agree. Cell phonnes should be banned also. People need to pull into a parking lot to make a call if there driving.
Oct 20, 2009 at 7:18 p.m.
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I was behind a guy on the interstate, and was afraid to pass him. He kept going back and forth into the left hand lane, as well as changing his speed. Not knowing if he was falling asleep, I honked my horn a few times. When I finally felt it safe enough to make a run for it (a fellow behind me had the same idea), I glanced over at him as I passed. He was looking straight down into his lap. He was either asleep (but I doubt it), playing with his cell phone...or something else.
Oct 20, 2009 at 6:05 p.m.
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They sure dropped the ball on this one. USING CELLPHONES IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM WHILE DRIVING should be banned.
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