Textually.org reports that Washington is the first State in the US to ban texting whilst driving, although it is only becomes an offence if the driver has already committed another offence. How on earth they will work this out I have no idea.
Is it illegal to use a mobile whilst driving in the States? It is in the UK, although you will still see many drivers talking on their phones as they drive, and I’ve never come across anyone who has been fined. I think the fine is £1000, and it’s justified as most people can’t drive and talk at the same time.
If I’m driving these days I always use a bluetooth headset or the speakerphone. I learnt my lesson the hard way a few years ago when I was using my handset whilst talking to one of my colleagues back at the office, when I went into the back of another car. There wasn’t a lot of damage, but by the time I got back to the office everyone knew and I never lived it down, particularly as I’d just gotten a brand new shiny expensive car.
