Thursday, 25 September 2014

SA police sting nets motorists texting and driving

SAN ANTONIO -- San Antonio police used an undercover sting operation to catch those drivers who couldn't put their phones down.

"Bobby" said he wasn't texting, just looking at his phone as his Facebook Messenger was going-off. He complained that police officers pulling him over created more of a hazard than his Samsung Galaxy.

"He came and harassed me, banged on my windows, saying I was on the phone," said Bobby. "I almost hit two cars trying to pull over. Like, they're not even worried about your safety. They're just worried about pulling you over and giving you tickets and warnings."

Research shows one in five traffic crashes is caused by a distracted driver.

The official charge is illegal use of a handheld device, with a fine of up to $202.

Talking on the phone or calling someone is legitimate, but get behind the wheel and surf the web, Facebook, text, email, and the host of other things your smartphone is capable of doing-- and you've broken San Antonio law.

State law says no drivers can use a cell phone in school zones, and drivers younger than 18 can't use a cell phone at all.

"Your eyes and your focus need to be on the road," said San Antonio police officer Douglas Greene.

In the last three years, San Antonio police have issued more than 5,000 citations for texting and driving.

Police said it is a city citation, but illegal use of a handheld device does not affect your driving record. Still, you can take driving school courses to avoid penalties.

And even if you're parked at a traffic light, officers tell drivers the law is still enforced.

textcop
San Antonio traffic officer gives a citation to a motorist for "illegal use of a handheld device."(Photo: Jason Eggleston / KENS 5)
"People seem to think, 'ok here's a good chance for me to get on my phone and text'-- you are still in violation of the city ordinance," said Greene.

Texas is only one of seven states without a statewide ban on texting and driving.

Governor Rick Perry has vetoed bills to fix that, and it may become an issue for the upcoming governor's race.

Greg Abbott has indicated he's against a statewide ban, while Wendy Davis has co-authored some of the bills in support of one.

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