Ohio's New Texting Ban - How to Comply When You're a Social Media Junkie

Ohio's new driving while texting ban recently went into effect.  

Well, kind of.  

It's in effect, but you won't feel the effect for 6 months.  As in, they're only going to give warnings between now and then.

So, between now and March, I need to figure out the following:

Does the law apply only to texting?  Because I really like Twitter, Facebook and email too.  And in the age of smart phones, all of those social media outlets can create a driving emergency.  

Let's define a driving emergency as this:  I hear the ping and need to check the source.  Depending on the source, I can either 1) wait because it's a non-vital communication or 2) must check now.  Like this instant.  

photo credit - pictureYouth

How much can I let my 10 year old help me with when a driving emergency occurs?  She texts for me already.  Sometimes (shhhhhhh, this is just between us) I'll have her pretend she's me and send it in 100% my voice.  Sometimes I'll let her say it's her on my behalf so she can insert 15 emoticons, which is apparently all the rage for 10 year olds.  And maybe 41 year olds too.  

But what about the Facebook disagreement I was copied on awhile ago?  When my phone was pinging, sometimes 3x a MINUTE, and we're just trying to drive to piano lessons, can I have her check that and read it back to me?  She would have gotten a good lesson in language, that's for sure.  (And maybe she gets a smattering of that kind of lesson from her old Mama on occasion anyway).  

How can I keep my husband from finding out?  He has laid down the law - NO TEXTING IN THE CAR.  So if I get a warning in the next 6 months, do I tell him?  Is this one of the the instances it's OK to lie to your husband?  

Legal Implications.  What if I have an actual ticket 6 months from now and I want to fight it because I wasn't texting, I was facebooking?  Can I hire a lawyer and take that case to court?  Will I be a case of first impression?

These are the questions plaguing me as I adjust to Ohio's texting ban.  

And if you don't think this was written in jest, we need to talk.  Texting while driving is incredibly dangerous.  I actually applaud Ohio for taking this step to curb it.  

I just wish I knew the full extent of the law.  You know, for educational purposes.  

 

 

Comments

[Rebecca Rider]

California has a texting ban too. I never knew how addicted I was to my smart phone until I had to put it down. :)

[Sandra]

My saving grace is setting a good example for my kids, since I certainly don't want them using a smartphone while driving even though it would be years from now. But my will power is definitely tested when I'm driving alone. Today, I was running late to a coffee date, and I desperately wanted to text to say I'm on my way, but I fought the urge very hard, and just got there safely and apologized in person. One just has to realize how severe the repercussions can be. Great post and great reminder for us all!

[Rach (DonutsMama)]

I think more states need to adopt something similar. It's too bad we even need to have a law for it since people don't use common sense.

[hilljean]

I can't wait til I can have my kids text for me! Sounds great :) But the tickets? Not so much...

[Deb]

Oh this is funny. You know - I think there will definitely be some loop holes people can fall into. Better go ahead and brush up on them cause it sounds like you're going to need them. lol

[Jester Queen]

Thank GOD -- I thought you were kidding, but the disclaimer totally made me relieved and made it OK to laugh. The terror of how easily someone could die keeps me from any desire to text while the car is my habitat.

[Jackie]

We have the same law here in Michigan and I'm a bit lost too... does it mean that Twitter, Facebook, email, & Instagram are off limits too? They need to be clear about these things!
LOL... my kids text for me too!

[Mothering From Scratch]

{Melinda} You know what has cured me of even thinking of texting in the car (because yes, I'm ashamed I have done it occasionally? Riding around in the car with my almost 16-year-old daughter (who will driving in mere weeks!) watching me. :) Yep, that'll do it.

[LDiggitty]

Ahhh! You totally scared me - I thought you were serious until the very end.

*relief*

So yeah, Facebooking totally doesn't count. And what about Google Maps when you're lost??? :P

[Jess]

Great law! It has been illegal here for awhile, still happens though. So dangerous!!!

[Tinne from Tantrums and Tomatoes]

Texting and making calls in the car are FORBIDDEN in Belgium. Penalty: no more chocolate for the rest of your life! (no a fine, but actually I think a lifelong chocolate ban would be more efficient)

[ColdBlooded]

It's definitely a good law. I just don't get how they would enforce it.

[Ilene, The Fierce Diva Guide to Life]

Sadly, it's my 8 year old daughter who is constantly telling me not to text and drive. Not even at red lights?? Really????

[Ilene, The Fierce Diva Guide to Life]

But she's right! I really shouldn't be doing it!

[Sue]

My children may or may not have texted for me in an emergency. Just sayin.

[Alexa]

I wish more states would take this law on. It's so incredibly dangerous. I can always spot the "texter/FB'er,tweeter" whatever in front of me. Speed up, slow down, swerve to the left, slam on brakes. I saw a study that shows texting while driving is even more dangerous than drinking and driving... but I can't quote the stats. Anyway... I always just try to check at stoplights. I have 3 small children and I could never forgive myself if I ran myself off the road trying to read a forward about Hubby 2.0 or something equally stupid.

[Jamie@SouthMainMuse]

A teenager from our county high school was killed in a head on collision because he was texting. The women in the car he hit are in constant pain. The school rallied and petitioned the state capital and got Caleb's Law no texting law passed. Part of the process was printing up Caleb's Law no texting bumper stickers. Even though this was two years ago, I keep mine on my car as a reminder to me. How can I text when I have that on the back of my car?