Texting While Driving Ban Begins Today

Drivers can no longer send e-mails or text messages under a state law that takes effect today.

Wisconsin joins 29 other states that have enacted a ban on texting while driving. The new Wisconsin law bans composing and sending electronic messages, but it does not ban reading text messages, dialing cell phones, using GPS devices or operating voice-operated texting devices. Drivers of emergency vehicles are exempt from the texting ban.

A representative from the Wisconsin State Patrol was quick to point out that although it is not illegal to read text messages under the new law the state does have a law against inattentive driving, and that drivers could be ticketed under that law if they are distracted by reading text messages or talking on their cell phones.

For the first month the law is in effect, most drivers pulled over by the State Patrol will receive warnings instead of tickets for texting while driving.

Tickets from law enforcement will be for $187.90 and four demerit points, according to State Patrol representatives. The law allows for a fine of $20 to $400 the same range as for inattentive driving.

According to Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, 5,870 people were killed and 515,000 injured in the United States in 2008 in crashes in which driver distraction was reported to police.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a car accident that was caused by a negligent motorist, contact a car accident attorney at PKSD today. Our Milwaukee personal injury lawyers have many years of experience handling lawsuits against car insurance companies and we have a proven track record of success. For your free consultation, call us today at 414-333-3333 .

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