In Bethesda, Maryland, a police officer disguised himself as a homeless man, stood near a busy intersection and radioed ahead to officers down the road about texting drivers. In two hours last October, police gave out 56 tickets.
And in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, south of Boston, an officer regularly tools around town on his bicycle, pedals up to drivers at stoplights and hands them $105 tickets.
Texting while driving in the U.S. is not just a dangerous habit, but also an infuriatingly widespread one, practiced both brazenly and surreptitiously by so many motorists that police are being forced to get creative - and still can't seem to make much headway.
"It's everyone, kids, older people - everyone. When I stop someone, they say, 'You're right. I know it's dangerous, but I heard my phone go off and I had to look at it,'" said West Bridgewater Officer Matthew Monteiro.
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9 comments:
I have testified in court 3 times this year because I was next to someone texting when they rear ended another car.They denied it in court of course,but you should have seen the look on their faces when I came forward.
City could make a fortune if they did this around the college.
Drivers with that "does not apply to me" attitude.
Nobody likes a tattletale. Things you learn in kindergarten. Not every state has no texting law. MD drivers must be as bad as NJ ones.
You mean like all the cops do while they drive?
It is dangerous.
The smart phone is a very tempting device.
Like the apple
Sad thing is that if your distraction results in someone's injury, they probably still won't stop texting or talking on their cell phone. Some people think they are above the law or they think they are invincible. Police need to set an example for others to follow. Not an exception to the law.
You witness 3 accidents so close you could the driver texting? Nah, I doubt it. Your telling tales.
Turn the damn thing off when you get behind the wheel. If you don't resist the urge to answer a text or a call, you deserve what you get.
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