Occasionally, lawmakers get it right. Starting today in Indiana, drivers under 21 CANNOT use any telecommunication device while operating a vehicle. That includes hands free and Bluetooth devices. The obvious exception is if they would need to call 911. Statistics show that drivers under 21 are more likely to text on their phone while driving and are distracted even just talking on the phone while behind the wheel. Watch this sobering Anti-Texting & Driving PSA.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwW9anAl33A
(source Rebecca Swanson via YouTube)
Is it “unfair” to restrict teen drivers? Don’t care. Driving is not a right, it is a PRIVILEGE. The majority are immature and don’t see the seriousness of how their driving impacts others. So yes, this law is spot on, RIGHT! But, the problem lies in enforcing it. Our law enforcement community is already spread thin, dealing with serious crime issues, and most likely won’t even issue citations for this offense. And just what is the penalty if someone under 21 breaks this new law? I would imagine it’s pretty minor, perhaps a $200 fine. The punishment MUST be more severe, and there shouldn’t be any warnings for a first offense. The driver should lose their driving privileges for 6 months. Second offense: lose your license for 1 year. Third offense: lose your license PERMANENTLY. Too harsh? Don’t care. Talk with a person who has lost a family member or friend due to vehicular homicide resulting from someone texting while driving. The person that died doesn’t get a second chance.
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Another good law that goes into effect today restricts which passengers can drive with someone under 21. Read more about it here from our news partners at CBS4:
http://cbs4indy.com/2015/06/30/need-to-know-new-indiana-laws-taking-effect-july-1/
