Opinion Poll: More Enforcement of Texting Laws

Public opinion about texting and driving and enforcement of laws against it have changed. A new public opinion poll by the National Safety Council finds that almost 75% of respondents believe there should be more enforcement of laws against texting and driving. Most states have laws against texting and driving but no state has completely banned cell phone use.

According to a new National Safety Council public opinion poll about texting and driving:

• 73% of respondents think there should be more enforcement of texting laws; and
• 22% said current level of enforcement is fine.

As it relates to the types of penalties for texting and driving, respondents chose:

• Penalties including a point system that could lead to the loss of a driver's license or increased insurance costs: 52%
• Different levels of penalties for first vs. repeat offenses: 51%
• Large monetary fines: 50%

NSC president and CEO Deborah Hersman stated, 

Today, the polls show the public is behind stronger penalties because most people recognize that it will take more than awareness campaigns to stop this dangerous behavior [texting and driving].

No state has laws banning all cell phone use while driving. Forty-four states plus the District of Columbia ban texting for all drivers, and 13 states and the District of Columbia have laws banning handheld driver cell phone use.

Distracted driving is dangerous. Do not do it.

Source: National Safety Council: Public ready for stiffer penalties for texting while driving

No Constitutional Right To Sell Cold Beer in Indiana

A federal judge in Indiana dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association that had challenge a state law that prohibits the sale of cold beer by convenience and grocery stores. The law only permits the sale of “ chilled” beer by package liquor stores. 

The Association alleged, at least in part, that the law violates the equal protection of the U.S. Constitution by favoring one class of retailer over another. 

The judge rejected the equal protection and other arguments. 

Source: Katie Heinz /TheIndyChannel: Judge rules no cold beer sales in grocery, convenience stores

Sexting and Surgery: Not the Right Prescription

According to a News Release from the Washington State Department of Health, Seattle doctor Arthur Zilberstein was suspended by the state Medical Quality Assurance Commission for alleged acts of disregarding patient safety. More specifically, from between at least April and August 2013, the Commission charges he: 

Frequently exchanged sexually explicit texts during surgeries when he was the responsible anesthesiologist; improperly accessed medical-record imaging for sexual gratification; and had sexual encounters at his workplace.

In addition, there were other allegations made against Zilberstein. The doctor has 20 days to respond to the charges and request a hearing. 

You can read the full News Release on the Washington State Department of Health's website: Sexting during surgery among allegations in suspension of physician’s license