Presentation_-_Wireless_communications.pdf
- 2. Restrict use of wireless communications while operating a vehicle Restrictions range from: sending/receiving texts or emails via a wireless device; to prohibiting the use of any wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle on a public roadway
- 3. Per Texas Transportation Code: “Wireless communication device” means a handheld or hands-free device that uses commercial mobile service, as defined by 47 U.S.C. Section 332.
- 4. Currently, two state statutes prohibit or limit use of a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle Texas Transportation Code 545.424 Operation of Vehicle by Person Under 18 Years of Age - Prohibits person under age 18 from operating a motor vehicle, “while using a wireless communication device except in case of emergency.”
- 5. Texas Transportation Code 545.425 Use of Wireless Communication Device; Offense Generally prohibits use of a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle within a school crossing zone Also prohibits use of a wireless device by an operator of a passenger bus with a minor passenger on the bus unless the bus is stopped Exceptions for hands-free device, in cases of emergency, or use by an operator of an authorized emergency vehicle
- 6. San Antonio’s ordinance prohibits: Use of a hand-held mobile communication device to send, read, or write a text message, To view pictures or written text, or To engage in gaming or any other use of the device besides dialing telephone numbers or talking to another person while operating a moving motor vehicle Austin’s ordinance is similar to San Antonio’s Proposed State Law was less restrictive than San Antonio/Austin ordinances Only restricted text messages; did not restrict e-mails, pictures, gaming, etc. Vetoed by Governor Perry
- 7. El Paso’s ordinance prohibits Any use of the device while operating a motor vehicle All ordinances contain defenses to prosecution, including Use of the device for emergency purposes, and Use of the device in a voice-activated or hands-free mode
- 8. Modeled after El Paso Ordinance Restricts any use of a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle Defenses to prosecution include: Use of the device for emergency purposes, Use of the device by operators of authorized emergency vehicles, and Use of the device in a voice-activated or hands-free manner
- 9. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has an aggressive campaign devoted to educating the public, schools, parents, etc. about distractions while driving Three main types of driving distractions: Visual – taking eyes off the road Manual – taking hands off the wheel Cognitive – taking mind off what you’re doing
- 10. Nationally, over 5,400 people were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers in 2009 Represents 16% of total fatalities Most common distraction device cited is a cell phone In Arlington, from 5/1/10 to 5/1/11 824 (approx. 14%) of the 6,094 crashes reported to the State were coded with one or more of the following contributing factors: Driver inattention (733 or 89%) Distraction in vehicle (87 or 11%) Cell/mobile phone use (33 or 4%)
- 11. 30 states including Washington, D.C., ban text messaging for all drivers APD began enforcing statute restricting use of wireless communication devices on June 1, 2010 in school zones bearing proper signage APD issued 518 citations between June 2010 and June 2011