Driving While Intexticated

According to recent statistics 39 out of 50 states prohibit all drivers from sending text messages while driving. In some Texas cities, like Austin, cell phones have already been banned.

The Austin American Statesman published the article “House Approves Statewide Ban on Texting WhileDriving” on April 17^th, 2013. I have to say that I am utterly shocked that this has not been a statewide law thus far and I cannot believe that Rick Perry turned this very bill down two years ago. It is more than obvious that texting while driving is just plain dangerous. It only takes one quick second to look at your text message, but in this quick second you can cause a quick accident that could even be fatal. By texting while driving you are not only putting yourself at risk but other drivers as well. It is simply irresponsible to “play” with your phone in whatever shape or form while you are operating a vehicle. Your hands should be on the steering wheel and your eyes should be on the road. Text messages can wait until you reach your destination or if it’s really that important have the decency to pull over and not put your own life and that of others at risk. I completely agree with state Rep. Tom Craddick that this bill is all about “public safety and saving lives.” Furthermore, I agree that hands free devices should be allowed so long the driver’s eyes stay on the road. Texting is by far on of the biggest distractions since you actually have to look at your phone in order to write a text message.

According to Rick Perry “the key to dissuading drivers from texting while driving is information and education, not government micromanagement.” I would have to disagree with this. On the one hand, it is important to educate people and provide information on this issue, but on the other hand I strongly believe that without a law banning texting while driving people would keep doing it thinking they could get away with it. I am confident that this bill would be the only way to prevent this. Critics say that “a ban on texting while driving would make it too easy for police officers to pull over Texans.” I say it’s a good thing – maybe people will start being more careful. And let’s face it, it is already too easy for the police to pull someone over.

All in all, I think it would be a really smart move for the Senate to approve this bill and hopefully Rick Perry will start grasping the importance of this bill as well. After all, like Craddick says it is about “public safety and saving lives” which to me that is reason enough to pass this bill.

No Plastic Is Fantastic

Great blog, Lisa! I completely agree with your opinion on banning plastic bags in Austin. Can you imagine how much trash these plastic bags produce? I really think it will help protect the environment. Growing up in Europe I know how advanced they are over there when it comes to recycling and protecting the environment. Countries such as Germany and Italy have banned plastic bags for many years. Just like in Austin today, you have to bring your own bags or pay to purchase a bag which is how it should be. I am very excited that Austin is taking a step in the right direction by taking this initiative. However, in order to make a difference and really help to protect the environment this entire country needs to make an effort to do so. One city alone is not going to have as much of an impact. The Blog “No Bag for You: The Stupidity of BanningPlastic Bags” shows that there are still several ignorant people out there who simply don’t care about saving our planet for our future generations. Hopefully this mindset will change soon and that the entire United States will follow the city of Austin. Banning plastic bags will give people a sense of awareness for the environment, help reduce trash and like you said it will prevent ducks from getting strangled in them.