Well I know it is happening in Tennessee in big cities and hopefully more..

The fmcsa makes it a very serious offence which is why I'm amazed at how many I witness doing it.

quote
The rule imposes sanctions for driver offenses, including civil penalties up to $2,750 and driver disqualification for multiple offenses. Motor carriers are also prohibited from requiring or allowing their drivers to text or use a hand-held mobile phone while driving and may be subject to civil penalties up to $11,000. Violations will impact SMS results. Texting and calling on a hand-held phone carry the maximum violation severity weighting in SMS!
/quote
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/driver-safety/distracted-driving#sthash.CvDxyzT6.dpuf

 

There are usually a trooper driving and one riding, TN has 19 CDL licensed troopers. I think a Pete dealership stepped up and painted the truck for them.

The fine is $2750 for the driver, $11,000 for the company.

 

They also use it at shows and such, it's at a good home.

 

Isn't it rather odd that the stuff they are more likely to catch people on are the things they attach the biggest fines to. There are much more dangerous things to do than talk on a cell phone while driving. And we've all seen people doing those things. Why don't they have big fines associated with them? Because they likely won't catch many people doing them. It is not at all about safety. It is about revenue. Does anyone really think those knuckleheads in govt care if I get to be dead because some fellow was on his phone. Heck no they dont. Because if I'm dead it provides jobs for morticians, hearse drivers, grave diggers and more. It's about the revenue. Makes me sick to hear a politician say "if it saves one life, it's worth it". What they really mean is "if it makes us some more money, it's worth it"!

 

I respectfully disagree MrEd.

Distracted driving has become a huge problem which takes many lives. Whether the laws that have come about to deal with this problem are the best answer I don't know, but revenue isn't the motivation for them IMO.

 

I agree with you that distracted driving is a problem, don't get me wrong. It is. But I still think the powers that be don't give a hoot about us. Everything they do is done to get revenue, votes, or more power. And that's all I wanta say about that here. The moderators sometimes don't like too much political talk. I've been warned before. Course some of that may be because I have such an open dislike of govt. And I'm often not very tactful at expressing it. Lol

 

Fine 1 person $500 and fuel is more than taken care of.

I can see many states doing this, as its an absolute money maker. Between court costs and fines,.. I hope people using their phones illegally while driving all get some sense and learn after getting a little lighter in their wallets.

Its not like they dont have other alternatives. With my blutooth I can text and make calls with out ever touching my phone.

I mean if you think about it,.. how many people passing you do you see with that phone in their hand? I've seen people holding it with both hands elbowing the steering wheel with that thing so close to their face I thought they were trying to kiss it. On average,.. 1 - 2 out of every 10 that pass me is doing something with that phone and driving at the same time. Sometimes they see me,.. I shake my head and they put the phone down,.. only to speed up and then pick it back up like I dont see them. So people do know better. They choose to do it. Thats where I take issue.

Hurst

 

***starting a Free the Tennessee Pete petition***

 

I seen a teenage girl texting and driving the other day. Made me so mad I rolled down my window and threw my beer at her!

But in all seriousness this is a major problem on the roads today. Especially with bluetooth and hands free available standard in pretty much every vehicle these days I see no reason for doing it. Besides that point are the texts these people receive so important that it can't wait for a half hour or so?

 

Anyone remember rotary dial telephones and party lines?
No! Not that kinda party line. I mean a line that several households share, and each party knew which calls are theirs by a different distinctive ring. Eavesdropping temptations given in to, --- Or, y'all wanna make a call, --- but another "party" is on the line and plans to be there for quite a while.
Phones weren't portable and answer machines with a recorded message were years away. The operator's assistance was necessary to dial long-distance numbers.

Contrast then with today. Now-a-daze phones contain a still and Hi-Def video camera, games, the internet, television programs, full length movies, gadgets, can opener, toothpick, scissors, a buffet, music, weather reports, and generators puttin' out 220 volts as well as 110 volts and 12 volts to keep everything charged up.
HoW did we evah survive those primitive years?

Where on the list does driving angry/agitated/furious/mad rate? I've noticed that frame of mind tends to result in a more aggressive demeanor that adversely affects how one operates a vehicle.
Road Rage?

I think I know if it did change, it didn't go down in cost.
In California, what goes up goes higher, and must never come down.

How will you be paying?
Cash, check or credit card?