Rhode Island Bans Texting
Rhode Island Bans Texting
Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri signed a new law banning all drivers from text messaging while driving on November 9, 2009. This makes Rhode Island the 19th state, along with the District of Columbia, to pass such a law. In their press release the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and its Office on Highway Safety state they are sending a message to drivers that it is now illegal to text while driving.
Violators caught and convicted of texting while driving will get an $85 fine for the first offense, a $100 fine for the second offense, and a $125 fine for the third offense. This new law took effect immediately upon its passage.
“Driver inattention is a leading cause of motor vehicle crashes and texting has been one of the most egregious forms of it,” said RIDOT’s Director Michael P. Lewis. “This law will help put a driver’s eyes back on the road where they should be.”
Regardless of state laws, Street Smart 101 cannot emphasize strongly enough, the dangers of distracted driving. That’s why we urge drivers of all ages to reframe from not only texting, but from talking on your cell phones while driving.
Drive Smart – Turn it off!