State police debut simulation to stop texting behind wheel

One week and one day into the statewide ban on texting while driving, Idaho State Police say they haven’t seen a lot of violations and they’d like to keep it that way.

Tanner Marley didn’t even have his permit, but was already checking out a text message while driving.

“Oh, you’re not gonna do that,” said his grandmother Nancy Marley.

The Idaho Falls woman wants her 14-year-old grandson to be aware behind the wheel, even if it’s just a fictional wheel for now.

“The troopers told him they’ve picked up people before that never went home (because of) that last text they sent,” said Nancy Marley.

ISP debuted one of two “virtual driving simulators” in eastern Idaho on Monday afternoon.

“We would rather see the public comply with the law than troopers and local law enforcement write citations for it,” said State Police Lt. Chris Weadick.

But that doesn’t mean police won’t issue citations. Lieutenant.

Weadick said people have had plenty of warning, and now, it’s a zero tolerance policy that could land offenders an infraction and $81.50 fine.

“The law does allow phone calls to be made and someone to be able to talk on a cellphone, so there is going to be a fine line,” said Weadick.

Reporter Marissa Bodnar took her turn in the simulator seat. It was smooth sailing, until that split second she looked down to text and crashed instead.

It’s exactly the kind of accident Nancy Marley hopes Tanner will learn from.

“I’d like to protect the grandkids,” said Nancy Marley. “Well, everyone for that matter. And if they know how serious it is, maybe they won’t do it.”

Rexburg police Capt. Randy Lewis said it’s been more than a year since the city passed a no texting ordinance, but not one violation has been issued. He said it’s too hard to enforce.