Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
| Subscribe to Newser's RSS feeds RSS | Follow Newser on Twitter Twitter


2

Traffic Tweets Send Mixed Messages

States send updates, but prohibit drivers from reading them

Share

(Newser) – Safety experts complain that states are undermining their own no-texting-while-driving laws by offering motorists constant Twitter updates on traffic conditions, the AP reports. At least 22 states with laws that essentially ban drivers from using smartphones and similar devices behind the wheel provide such information, and, in some cases, readily pass on information texted in by drivers.

"You shouldn't be fiddling around with any kind of electronic gadget in your car while driving," warned Minnesota state Rep. Frank Hornstein, author of his state's no-texting-while-driving law. State transportation officials say the tweets provide a useful service to drivers, and stress that drivers are supposed to get the information before they hit the road.

Cars drive by a sign notifying of a new texting while driving law in San Francisco, California.
Cars drive by a sign notifying of a new texting while driving law in San Francisco, California.   (Getty Images)
A bill board that encourages people not to text while they drive is shown in the north side of Indianapolis.
A bill board that encourages people not to text while they drive is shown in the north side of Indianapolis.   (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
People walk past a sign at the Joyce Kilmer Service Area of the New Jersey Turnpike reminding motorists not to use their hand-held cell phone while driving in the state.
People walk past a sign at the Joyce Kilmer Service Area of the New Jersey Turnpike reminding motorists not to use their hand-held cell phone while driving in the state.   (AP Photo/Mike Derer)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

If you're sitting there and trying to update the world on the congestion you're in, you could be part of a collision.
- Fairley Mahlum, spokeswoman for the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
OFF THE GRID
11.24.09
Murdoch and Microsoft: The Mice Are Trying to Roar
11.23.09
Books Are Bad for You
2 comments
VIEWING:
 
Mad
Sep 19, 09 11:11 AM CDT
Did a 12 year old write this? How ridiculous! The entire tone sounds like a spoiled child: "How come the state gets to twitter while driving but we can't?" - Waaaaa Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+1
IN RESPONSE:
Snarfeh
Sep 19, 09 9:23 PM CDT
Thaaaat's my Walter....
Vote up! Vote down!
0
LEAVE A
COMMENT Comment Policy
Facebook ConnectPost this comment to Facebook?

After connecting you will have the option to post your comment on your Facebook profile.

 

Related Newser Stories

79 Stories

Teens Cop to Texting and Driving—But Say Dad's Worse

No age limit for bad behavior behind wheel

Nov 16, 09 5:57 PM CST
(Newser) - One-third of 16- and 17-year-olds say they have written text messages while behind the wheel. Despite that, young drivers are actually more responsible than many adults: 48% of respondents aged 12 to 17 say they’ve been in the car with a driver who was texting. One boy said his... More »

MORE ABOUT:
driving • GPS • texting • teenage drivers • driver distraction • reckless driving • bad example

 Nokia Sues Apple 
 Over iPhone 
 Technology 

Finnish cell phone maker alleges copyright infringement

Oct 23, 09 8:07 AM CDT
(Newser) - Nokia, the world's biggest cell phone maker, is suing Apple in US federal court for alleged copyright infringement, saying it has 10 claims on the technology used in the iPhone. The Finnish company said Apple used "fundamental" patented technologies concerning wireless data, speech recognition, security, and encryption. It has... More »

MORE ABOUT:
cell phones • iPhone • Apple • Nokia • copyright • smartphones • cell phone industry • copyright infringement

 How to Slash Your Phone Bill 

Cell phone bill out of control? Here's how to save

Oct 14, 09 9:30 AM CDT
(Newser) - Your cell phone plan sounded pretty good when you got that nifty handset, but if you aren't vigilant, carriers can hit you with fees and charges that will bleed you dry. PC World lists five ways wireless companies gouge you, and how to avoid them.
  1. Texting fees: Go
... More »

MORE ABOUT:
cell phones • smartphones • cell phone industry • wireless carriers

79 Stories


Technology  •  US 
TwitterFollow @NewserTech on Twitter

 
cell phones • driving • smartphones • car safety • texting • Twitter

from our news partners