Using Facebook or Tweeting While Driving? It Could Soon Cost you $100

RACINE, WI — A new bill authored by local state legislators aims to increase penalties for distracted driving to include common activities such as texting, emailing, using using popular apps such as Facebook or Twitter while behind the wheel.

Three Republican Legislators released legislation which will update Wisconsin’s texting while driving laws to address new technologies and electronic devices. The bill, authored by Senator Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) and Representatives Ron Tusler (R-Harrison) and Shannon Zimmerman (R-River Falls),

Over the last two years, the number of deaths on Wisconsin roads related to distracted driving has increased by more than 68%. Last year alone, there were over 25,000 distracted driving accidents resulting in more than 11,000 injuries in Wisconsin. The legislators hope the bill will become law by the end of the year.

The bill expands the distracted driving statute to include entering, transmitting, or accessing data while driving, increases the minimum penalty for data-distracted driving to $100, and clarifies that a death caused by data-distracted driving constitutes homicide by negligent use of a vehicle.

“Data-distracted driving goes far beyond just mere texting, and it can be just as dangerous as drunk driving,” said Wanggaard in a prepared statement. “You see it on the roads all the time, people texting, tweeting, using Facebook, or reading email. It’s dangerous and has got to stop.”

Under the bill, the specific references under the inattentive driving statutes related to text messages and email are replaced by a broader definition of transmitting or accessing data while using an interactive electronic device. There are exemptions in the bill for verbal communications and navigation. Penalties are increased from a minimum $20 fine, to a minimum $100 fine. In addition, the bill makes clear that data-distracted driving constitutes negligent operation of a vehicle.

---------

patch.com file image