Yaris in a fatal accident

[MadMax]

Sorry, the fact that a citation doesn't go on your driving record doesn't negate the offense being a safety issue. For one, the state has laws concerning revenue generated by such ordinances; but most importantly there is clear and documented evidence that using a mobile phone while driving is equivalent to driving under the influence. Given that drivers are pretty bad here in the first place, adding the distraction of a cell phone significantly increases the danger to themselves and others. I only wish it was more rigorously enforced!

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by MadMax

Sorry, the fact that a citation doesn't go on your driving record doesn't negate the offense being a safety issue. For one, the state has laws concerning revenue generated by such ordinances; but most importantly there is clear and documented evidence that using a mobile phone while driving is equivalent to driving under the influence. Given that drivers are pretty bad here in the first place, adding the distraction of a cell phone significantly increases the danger to themselves and others. I only wish it was more rigorously enforced!

By getting one of 'those tickets' I meant one that had a fine but no 'points', not specifically getting a cell phone use ticket (mine = not making it through the shortest yellow light I've ever seen in my life....and there was a car ahead of me and one behind me).

I agree with you that the 'record/points' issue doesn't negate the safety factor , I just think it is inconsistent to only have the monetary form of punishment and not the points.

As time goes on, all drivers can reasonably do is read and know the law. They wouldn't be as clued in as they could be re any debate/whys and wherefores before a vote on any ordinance unless they read the 'record/council minutes'. IMO, many people learning that there is a fine, but no points, would lead many of those people to think that lawmakers were looking at revenue generation first and not safety first. Perhaps I am too cynical, but that is just my opinion.

The 'Galleria camera' in Houston was re turning right on a red (IIRC, changing 'okay to turn right after stopping' to 'no turn at all on red (busy intersection) without any study precluding the change' and was changed back to 'okay to turn right after stopping' after the camera was removed/turned off). The one in The Woodlands = for a signal for a left turn only lane....so neither = re cell phone use.

I also agree with you re stringent enforcement of the ordinance you mention re your area . I just wonder how many people would care.....some people don't care about cost...they'd only care about potentially losing a privilege (driving). I also think that people would feel more (for lack of a better term) 'moral authority' being asserted if the punishment also included points on one's driving record in addition to the fine.