Texting and driving
Posted on Jun 12, 2012 9:43am PDT
Effective 7-1-2011, the Indiana Legislature wisely passed the following law:
IC 9-21-8-59 (Texting while driving; confiscation)
(a) A person may not use a telecommunications device to:
(1) type a text message or an electronic mail message;
(2) transmit a text message or an electronic mail message; or
(3) read a text message or an electronic mail message;
while operating a moving motor vehicle unless the device is used in conjunction with hands free or voice operated technology, or unless the device is used to call 911 to report a bona fide emergency.
(b) A police officer may not confiscate a telecommunications device for the purpose of determining compliance with this section or confiscate a telecommunications device and retain it as evidence pending trial for a violation of this section.
By the clear language of the law, it is illegal to not only send a text message or email while operating a moving motor vehicle, but it is also illegal to "read" a text or email while operating a motor vehicle.
This is a good law as far too many collisions happen due to distracted driving.
If someone causes a collision and they viovated this code provision, they should be found negligent per se.