Don't drive and text. That's the new law in New Mexico as texting while driving is officially banned under a new law. The ban is stateside which means nobody is allowed to read or send SMS or emails anywhere in New Mexico.
Even if one is at a stoplight or stuck in traffic jam, it is still prohibited to check one's phone, tablet, or any other handheld device. This one is clear and it's not only limited to mobile phones so no one could defend himself that it's not a phone he's holding.
Santa Fe Democrat Sen. Peter Wirth who said, "This law will save lives and make New Mexico roads safer", sponsored the Legislature. The reason is pretty obvious but not all cities and states have an official law regarding use of mobile device while on the road.
Previously, New Mexico only put a ban on teenagers with a learner's permit to be prohibited from texting while driving. This new law now extends to drivers of all ages and with all types of licenses. Violators will have to pay a $25 fine for the first offense and $50 for the next violations.
It's common knowledge that one of the main causes of vehicular accidents is 'drivers on their phones'. Texting while driving is dangerous. It can be as dangerous as drunk driving according to Safeteen New Mexico executive director Chris Schueler. Hopefully, this law in New Mexico will decrease the number of car accidents and make drivers wiser this time.
A survey on Liberty Mutual Insurance/Students Against Destructive Decisions released in 2012, showed that teenagers have witnessed their parents texting or talking on the phone while driving. According to the survey, 91 percent of teens reported seeing their parents talking on the phone and 59 percent witnessed their parents texting while driving. It's not only the teens. The adults are not setting a good example to the young drivers that a law has to be slapped on their faces.
Not all mobile devices are banned from being used though. The new law does not apply on GPS devices inside a vehicle. Searching on the Internet from the tablet or smartphone is also prohibited. This makes sense but it will be difficult to monitor drivers. Most phones are used as GPS devices now. The police might have a hard time discussing with a violator once asked to pull over. The latter will defend himself and might only reason with the officer endlessly.
