Texting-While-Driving-Ban in North Dakota
New State Law starting Monday, August 1, 2011: North Dakota will now have a statewide texting-while-driving ban. Drivers may not compose, read or send electronic messages. This includes checking e-mail, texting, instant messaging and using the Internet. Violators face a $100 fine.
A note from Jodi:
Hi everyone…not everyone might know about the new law that went into effect last Monday for North Dakota. I didn’t know about it until I read it online….and to be honest….I am struggling with it a bit….but in a good way!
Most of you who know me well, know that I am pretty much addicted to my Blackberry and being able to Facebook, text, email, etc on it. Yup, a 41-year-old “Crackberry” addict! I cannot even complain about “those darn teenagers and their phones” because I am just as bad as some, if not worse. And yes, I must humbly admit, I am “one of those” who had the tendency to do all of the above while driving. Yes, I felt guilty about it, yes I would just tell myself “but, it only takes a second” and yes, most often this thought would creep into my head, “What if I were in an accident, even just a fender bender, or even worse, what if I hit someone and killed someone? How embarrassed/awful would I feel when I had to tell my husband and daughter or someone’s family that it was due to the fact that I was texting/Facebooking/emailing on my phone?” Most often that thought would make me put my phone down…not always.
I have to admit, I am honestly THRILLED about the new law. For some reason since it passed, I have done amazingly well, aside from the occasional phone call….still working on that one! I have a short approximately 5 minute drive out to work everyday and at first that was a tad hard getting used to not grabbing that phone, but each time I went to grab it out of habit every time I heard that little “ding” when a message had been received, I was easily able to leave it alone because I knew that it was law…and that thought of hurting someone crept into my head.
However, my first true test came yesterday. I had to run an errand for work yesterday and head out of town about 16 miles or so….and immediately my gut reaction was to reach for that darn phone and start checking things out. Very quickly I remembered that IT WAS LAW and I was NOT supposed to be doing it and once again I was able to fight the urge. I admit though, it was not easy….I had to keep reminding myself about the possible consequences and ignore those wonderful sounding “dings” of new messages. {I’m thinking I may have to turn off all my sounds on that darn phone when I get in the vehicle…then I won’t be tempted as much!!} But, I did it…I am proud of myself…and I am still working on it!
Thank you North Dakota for passing this law….so far it is helping this “Crackberry Addict” and I hope it is helping some of you out there!! Please consider joining me in following this new law and PUTTING DOWN THAT PHONE!! Maybe together we can all spread the word and convince more people to join us…we may even be able to save a life!!
I am curious to hear how this new law is affecting you! Let me know your thoughts!
Posting for Diane A. from Pennsylvania: Wow – did you know that in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, you are not even allowed to talk on your phone and if you are spotted with anything other than hands free – even at a red light – you will be pulled over and ticketed? They said that driving with a phone in your hand is cause for a stop and ticket – LOL
My thoughts – make it point worthy – it has to stop because there are still accidents in which kids get killed because they are too worried about reading their texts or responding. And not just kids, my husband is the same way!
Last year, right at the beginning of the school year, a whole group of kids in a car, on their way home from school, talking, texting, driving fast – bam large accident and one was dead – so worth whatever is necessary to stop this from happening. And they know about the texting by the driver because they checked phone records – just so unnecessary!
Jodi!! I did not know this law was passed!! Thank you sooo much for posing this
I too am guilty of being addicted to my phone, especially while driving. My husband is even worse. I will have to show him this. Funny how we are so able to follow the law and put our phones away, but have a hard time putting the phone down when it’s legal.. even though it’s not safe!!
jodi, so proud of you and this storie, i have been worried cause i ride with the girls and they are on the phone and i feel unsafe, and worry how they use it even more when they are all alone and driving and bored, i know when i drive anhydrus slow and all day i do alot of phone calling , so i too am wrong, but maybe if someone does not answer the beep its a sign they are driving and busy, also they girls will tell you i am always asking them to send a text to someone about something when ever i am with them so its not like i dont use text, i just dont HAVE IT . thanks again jodi for coming forward with your thoughts , you may have saved a life or a lot of lives.