Question of the Week: Do you support a ban on texting while driving?

Question of the Week

March 1, 2010

By DUANE NOLLEN

OSKALOOSA — By an almost 2-1 ratio, the readers who answered this past week’s Question of the Week: Can Tiger Woods make a comeback after his apology? said YES.

Twenty-eight, 65.12 percent — said YES while 15 — 34.88 percent — answered NO.

The Question of the Week poll is not scientific and only reflects the opinions of those Internet users who have chosen to participate. The Question of the Week is just another way the Herald’s readers can voice their opinions about issues that affect them.

This week’s Question of the Week deals with a possible ban of texting while driving in Iowa.

This past Wednesday, the Iowa Senate approved a bill by a 44-6 vote that prohibits the reading, writing or sending of text messages while driving. Senators returned House File 24566 to the House for further consideration, the Associated Press reported.

While the bill prohibits the reading, writing or sending of electronic messages from cell phones or other hand-held devices, drivers could do those things if they are stopped or parked along the side of a roadway. The bill allows the use of GPS units, voice-activated or hands-free devices, or dialing a number on a cell phone, the AP reported.

A violation would be considered a simple misdemeanor with a $30 fine plus court costs to be a $100 total. Law enforcement officers would issue warnings during a phase-in period from July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011, the AP reports.

Would this be effective? Are you in favor of the measure?

What do you think?

This week’s Question of the Week: Do you support a ban on texting while driving?

People can vote on The Herald’s Web site, oskaloosa.com, from Monday through noon on Friday. Then, votes will be tallied and published the following Monday.