L.A. Can’t Drive

Idiocy Meter

Asshole Meter

Given the lackluster performance of law enforcement in citing drivers who aren’t using hands-free cell phone devices, I’m curious to see what will happen when the “no text messaging” law goes into effect in less than a month on January 1, 2009.  As the day nears, I’m sure Sacramento or the DMV will provide more specifics, such as whether drivers of commercial vehicles will also be exempt from this law, as was the case with the hands-free cell phone law.  My guess is no, especially considering what happened in the commuter rail crash in Chatsworth on September 12.  Here’s a submission I got recently regarding this exact same issue:

“This truck was a commercial vehicle, so I don’t think you have to blur out the license plate.  Anyway, this guy’s boss should know that his employee was driving around texting instead of paying attention to the road.  I was driving east on Melrose, and as he drove by me I saw him staring down at his hands, typing away, while his truck was moving forward.  I mean texting when you’re at a red light is one thing, but texting while your truck is in motion?  Will these people ever learn from other’s mistakes?”

I doubt it.  Nonetheless, the submission brings up an interesting point, since you’re technically still driving while you’re stopped at a red light.  If the law is as vague as it stands right now, then you can probably still get cited for texting even while in a stopped position as long as you’re in a lane on the road.  Interestingly enough, the violation isn’t considered a moving violation; so you will not get any points on your license if you’re pulled over for text messaging.

Filed under: cell phone, clueless, observation