New bill signed to restore common sense

By: Caitlin Hale

Posted: 7/1/09

On Friday, June 19th, North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue signed a bill into law which bans drivers from text messaging and emailing on their cell phones while behind the wheel of a vehicle. Perdue, who is best known for her fight to advance education and improve healthcare, hopes that this new law will further help to reduce the amount of unsafe driving practices taking place on North Carolina roads.

Perdue had her spokeswoman, Chrissy Pearson, send out the news of her decision through a text message, which read: "This msg 2 u was composed while I was behind my desk, not behind the wheel. Hope u r not driving now."

The law, which goes into effect Dec. 1st, 2009, is going to be difficult to enforce. However, North Carolina Republican Senator Jim Forrestor hopes that the law will promote highway safety. As reported by the Gaston Gazette, Forrestor claims, "If this bill can save one life or prevent one accident, it's well worth it."

While this violation does not increase insurance rates or add points to drivers' licenses, those who are caught texting while driving will face a $100 fine, plus the cost of court. Regardless, some students feel that this new law will not make a huge impact in their lives. Chandler Hatcher, a rising sophomore, admits to frequently texting while driving and claims she doubts her habits will change a lot after Dec. 1st.

"Since it will be very difficult for police to catch drivers texting, I don't think I will stop doing it," she said.

Daniel Walton, also a rising sophomore, feels much the same way. "I think it is a really great idea, but I don't think it will have too much of an effect, simply because it will be too hard to be caught [violating the law]."

However, Walton hopes that the law will reduce the amount of wrecks around the area. "Hopefully, many drivers will follow the law and will wait to send text messages until they are stopped," he said.

With any luck, Walton's wishes will come true. Nationwide Insurance Company recently released a study that an overwhelming 37 percent of people age 18 to 27 text message while driving.

While Perdue's assessment that texting and driving should not mix is entirely correct, many continue to wonder if the law will have any impact. Barbara Harsha, executive director of the Governor's Highway Safety, shared her opinion of texting behind the wheel with the Gaston Gazette by saying, "We need to restore some common sense to driving."

This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com.