New York legislature passed a watered down bill on texting. Basically one can’t be stopped and ticketed for it unless there is another reason for a stop, such as speeding, reckless lane change, etc. Look at the story/video in the New York Times which discusses the law in England, where texting drivers can be jailed in extreme circumstances, such as causing death of others on the road. Texting by car and truck drivers causes thousands of wrecks and needless deaths annually.
Rash of Recent Texting-Related Crashes Prompts Legislation
August 24, 2009
The Buffalo News reported today that the Town of Amherst last Monday became the first Erie County municipality to pass a law that would prohibit drivers from composing, reading or sending a text message while behind the wheel. Violators face a $150 fine for each offense.