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

Give To Lincoln Day - May 29, 2014

Today is “Give to Lincoln Day 2014” a day dedicated to people living in the city of Lincoln and Lancaster County, Nebraska, to donate money to local nonprofit organizations. The Lincoln Community Foundation, along with other sponsors, will be giving away an additional $300,000 to these nonprofits.

Last year, the second Give to Lincoln Day was held on May 16, 2013.  It was considered an enormous success as $2,119,318.00 was raised in just 24 hours to 253 nonprofit organizations by 6,624 individuals.

I would strongly urge everyone that lives or has lived in Lincoln or Lancaster County to donate what they can today as these nonprofits directly impact Lincoln, Lancaster County and the people that live here.

You can donate online at: www.givetolincoln.com

Read the full post by Jeffrey Lapin on Lapin Law Offices' website blog: Help Keep Lincoln Great - Give to Lincoln Day 2014

Presidents' Day - 2014

Today, February 17, 2014, is “Washington’s Birthday, ”which is more commonly known as “Presidents’ Day.” Although it originally was on Washington’s actual birthday, February 22, it was changed in 1971 to the third Monday in February. In addition, it is generally viewed as a day to celebrate all United States presidents.

We have listed some inspirational quotes from George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, two of our most famous presidents and both who had February birthdays.

Read the full post by Jeffrey Lapin on Lapin Law Offices' website blog: Presidents' Day 2014

Possible Kansas Deadlines For Court Decisions

A Kansas lawmaker has offered a bill that would limit the time period in which most Kansas courts have to issue decisions in cases. This bill seemingly has problems with both enforcement and the separation of powers between the legislative and judicial branches of government.

A hearing on the bill is set for hearing before the Kansas Senate Judiciary Committee today.

Read more by Jeffrey Lapin on Lapin Law Offices website blog: Kansas Lawmaker Wants Deadlines On Courts Issuing Decisions

FDA Wants 325mg Acetaminophen Limit

On January 14, 2014, the FDA asked health care professionals to stop prescribing dosages of medication that exceed 325 milligrams (mg) of acetaminophen and to help prevent, in most situations, a patient from receiving more.

Read more by Jeffrey Lapin on Lapin Law Offices’ website blog: FDA Asks Doctors and Pharmacists To Limit Acetaminophen