Triple Tri Blog

Starting today, N.C. drivers will need to keep their fingers wrapped around their steering wheels instead of planted on their cell phone buttons.

Today is the first day of a statewide ban on text messaging and e-mailing while driving. Violators will be issued $100 fines.

Legislators passed the bill instituting the ban this summer in order to help cut down on accidents caused by distracted driving.

Enforcement will be tricky, since not everyone texts in plain sight and many will just keep it out of sight, as pointed out in the article. I don't think this is the best solution to the issue, but if it stops even a percentage of drivers from texting, it's better for all the rest of us on the road.

The most interesting part of the article and the bill -- are the exceptions:

• If the vehicle is parked or stopped
• While performing official duties as a law enforcement officer, member of a fire department or operator of a public or private ambulance
• Voice-operated technology
• Global positioning systems and similar technology

So I can still fiddle around with the GPS trying to change the settings to locate the nearest Arbys along my route while driving ? In my experience, that takes far more concentration and attention than texting. I'll support the ban (and obey it while in North Carolina) but I think it's too specific and narrow to do much good. Step in the right direction ? Absolutely.