Statewide texting-while-driving law goes into effect July 1

Texting while driving is a dangerous distraction, and after July 1, it also will be an illegal and costly decision.

Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter signed legislation this month making texting while driving an infraction and Idaho the 37th state to enact such ban.

The new law bans the use of smartphones and other hand-held devices to review, prepare or send written communications while operating a motor vehicle. Violators can expect to pay $85 if caught.

The state already has misdemeanor penalties for inattentive driving, but until now had no specific law banning texting while driving.

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and ITD encourages Idaho motorists to eliminate all distractions that take attention away from the important task of safe driving. (See related story.)

Inattention or distraction is a leading cause of motor vehicle crashes in Idaho, accounting for about one out of every five of the state’s motor vehicle crashes.

The Governors Highway Safety Administration (GHSA) offers 10 tips for managing some of the most common driver distractions.

  1. Turn it off. Turn your phone off or switch to silent mode before you get in the car.
  2. Spread the word. Set up a special message to tell callers that you are driving and
    you’ll get back to them as soon as possible, or sign up for a service that offers this.
  3. Pull over. If you need to make a call, pull over to a safe area first.
  4. Use your passengers. Ask a passenger to make the call for you.
  5. “X” the Text. Don’t ever text and drive, surf the web or read your e-mail while driving. It is dangerous and against the law in most states.
  6. Know the law. Familiarize yourself with state and local laws before you get in the car. Some states and localities prohibit the use of hand held cell phones.
  7. Prepare. Review maps and directions before you start to drive. If you need help when you are on the road, ask a passenger to help or pull over to a safe location to review the map/directions again.
  8. Secure your pets. Pets can be a big distraction in the car. Always secure your pets properly before you start to drive.
  9. Keep the kids safe. Pull over to a safe location to address situations with your children in the car.
  10. Focus on the task at hand. Refrain from smoking, eating, drinking, reading and any other activity that takes your mind and eyes off the road.

Published 4-13-2012