NHTSA & other regulators suggested a nationwide ban on texting while driving

In the last couple of years, many states have adopted a ban on talking on a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle – attempting to thwart drivers from continuing the unsafe practice. Despite all of that, there are still some people that perform other tasks, like text messaging, that exemplifies yet another growing problem facing drivers everywhere. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other regulators suggested that there should be a nationwide ban against the process of texting while driving. Although some states already have a similar ban in effect, the NHTSA is doing what they can by providing a basic framework that can ultimately lay the foundations of a specific law for those states that don't have a ban in place. Getting caught in the act can prove to be a costly thing – garnering at least a $75 fine and possible actions to hinder their driving privileges; which was suggested by the NHTSA. If a serious accident was found to be the cause of texting, the NHTSA believes that charges should automatically be heightened to a felony. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement, "Texting while driving, like talking on cell phones while driving, is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening practice." The seriousness of the current situation across the country really needs to be reevaluated by law officials and advocates so that proper measures are taken into the account for drivers that break the law surrounding texting while operating a motor vehicle.

source: CNN via Phonescoop