• 13
  • May
    2010
In 2008, Wisconsin roads saw more than 125,000 car accidents - more than 33,000 of which resulted in injury or death for those involved. In recent years, authorities in Wisconsin - and across the country, have begun to notice a disturbing trend among these tragic car accidents.

An increasingly large number of crashes have been the result of distracted drivers, many of whom were preoccupied with their cell phones or other mobile devices. According to data released by the Pew Research Center last year, distracted drivers are more than six times as likely to be involved in a car crash.

Studies showed that those texting on a cell phone, or using a similar mobile device, displayed significantly decreased brain activity and had a harder time reacting to sudden events. Distracted driving has been described by many as worse than driving drunk.

Still, less than half the states in the country have passed anti-texting laws.

At least, that was the case until May 5, when Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle signed a bill that will make it illegal for Wisconsin drivers to text behind the wheel - simultaneously making Wisconsin the 25th state to enact such legislature.

The new law applies to all drivers, young and old, and goes into effect on December 1 of this year. It also makes texting while driving a primary offense, meaning police officers will be able to pull drivers over for texting alone.

First-time offenders will be charged a fine between $20 and $400, while second-time offenders will face anywhere from $200 to $800 in penalties.

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