The Urgency of Enforcing Harsher Penalties for Texting and Driving: A Call for Safety

Should we as a society accept the current penalties for texting and driving, or do we need to consider harsher measures to combat this dangerous behavior? The answer, it seems, is a resounding no.

Current Penalties and Their Ineffectiveness

Across the United States, each state has its own set of laws regarding texting and driving, a system that makes sense due to the varied regulations and practices each state enforces. However, the effectiveness of these laws is questionable when one considers the consequences of such actions.

Let's delve into the dark side of texting and driving. It has been reported that in some cases, getting killed is simply not enough of a punishment for those who choose to text while driving. The current fining structure, which ranges from a mere fine to potential jail time, is insufficient in deterring the countless individuals who continue to engage in this hazardous behavior.

Proposed Harsher Penalties

One proposal is to implement a tiered system of penalties. For the first offense, a 500 dollar fine could be imposed. For the second offense, the driver's license would be revoked for six months. For the third offense, two years would see the driver's license revoked permanently.

While texting might not seem like an urgent matter to some, the risks associated with it are alarming. If a motorist is caught texting on the Jackie Robinson Highway, also known as the Interborough Parkway, the consequences would be severe. A felony charge, punishable by a year or more in jail, would not be excessive under these circumstances. Imagine spending the night in a facility, undergoing a strip search, wearing jailhouse scrubs, and sharing a shower with both guards and inmates, all of which are part of the reality of a jail stay.

The Human Cost

It's essential to understand the human cost of texting and driving. Every life is invaluable, and the cost of causing a traffic accident due to texting cannot be quantified. If someone loses a loved one or faces months of painful recovery from multiple reconstructive surgeries, the price is immeasurable.

Consider the case of a woman recently arrested for killing a pedestrian and seriously injuring another. The cost of her actions was far higher than any fine or penalty could capture. It serves as a harsh reminder that the consequences of texting and driving extend far beyond monetary damages.

The Need for Enforced Penalties

While there are already laws and hefty penalties in place, their effectiveness hinges on strict enforcement. Law enforcement must play a critical role in deterring this dangerous behavior. Unfortunately, many individuals who continue to text and drive do so because they underestimate the risks or simply disregard the laws.

Combine this disregard with the human tendency to justify one's own actions. When someone is caught and fined, they tend to complain about the unfairness of the situation. This perspective highlights the importance of not just lawmaking but also strict enforcement and public awareness campaigns.

By implementing and enforcing harsher penalties, we can make significant strides in reducing the number of accidents caused by distracted driving. It's a call to action for all of us to recognize the severity of the problem and demand stronger measures to protect lives on the road.

Conclusion

The time has come to prioritize traffic safety and enforce stricter penalties for texting and driving. The examples cited and the human cost involved underscore the urgency of this issue. By taking decisive action, we can save lives and create a safer driving environment for everyone.