Locals, Law Enforcement React To Texting Ban

Idaho is just a step away from having a statewide texting while driving ban.

Idaho State Police said they see it happen all the time, people drive by, looking at their phone’s screen instead of the road.

But right now, there’s no specific state law against it.

“We see it every day. We see people with phones up by their steering wheel, and they’re trying to focus on driving and texting at the same time, or they’re looking down while texting and driving. It’s obviously causing a problem,? Idaho State Police Lt. Ismael Gonzalez said.

From 2008-2010, the Idaho Transportation Department says 192 people were killed by distracted driving in Idaho.

Supporters of the texting law hope it will save lives.

“I think it’s great. I’ve got grandchildren and one great-grandchild who text while they drive, and it drives me crazy, because I don’t want to pick up their pieces if something happens,? Shirley Ann Carter said.

Specifically, the law bars drivers from using phones or other handheld devices to review, prepare or send written communication.

But that leaves some blind spots. A person could be distracted looking at a website on their smart phone but under the bill, if it’s not texting, it’s not illegal.

Regardless, most locals seem to feel it’s at least a step in the right direction.

Even some who admit pulling out the phone is a temptation when behind the wheel, hope the risk of a fine will get people unglued from their phones.

“It’s very dangerous. I probably do it sometimes, which is bad, but when you think about it, it can cause, has caused, so many accidents,? Ashlynn Habenicht said.

The Senate and House will need to reconcile the two versions of the bill before it can go to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

Under the proposed law, those caught texting while driving would pay an $85 fine.