In a little over a year, Hilary Davidson has seen what her efforts have led to.
After her father was killed by a driver who was text messaging on his cell phone in July 2008, the Arkansas State student went to her state representative and asked that something be done.
The result?
The state took action by introducing a bill in the state senate that would ban text messaging from all drivers.
That action was “Paul’s Law,” which was drawn up by state Rep. Ray Kidd, D-Jonesboro, with its objective to get texting outlawed completely.
It is known as “Paul’s Law” at the request of Davidson, whose father’s name was Paul.
“We hope and pray it’s going to save lives in Arkansas,” Kidd said.
In 2008 alone, Arkansas police reported 787 auto crashes that occurred involving cellular devices, but Arkansas has only been tracking cell phone roles in accidents since 2007, according to http://www.handsfreeinfo.com.
Anything other than concentrating on the road is dangerous while driving, but texting involves having the eyes on the phone the entire time, whereas talking on the phone can involve the use of a headset or a hands-free device.
It didn’t go through exactly how Kidd wanted, but it did manage to get teenage drivers disallowed from texting.
“Some law is better than no law,” Kidd said.
Kidd had wanted cell phones to be banned completely while driving, but revised the bill so that it had a better chance to pass in the state Legislature.
Conditions of the law say that 18 to 20-year-old drivers must have a hands-free device if they are to talk on the phone and are not to engage in “interactive communication,” which is defined as text messaging and typing.
Violators of the law can receive a fine of up to $100, and it is considered a primary offense.
With that being said, police officers will now have to employ new tactics to enforce these new laws.
It used to be easy to see if drivers on the phone usually because they will not drive as fast or will be swerving in and out of their lanes, but sometimes they can disguise whether or not they are on the phone by placing it in their lap or memorizing the keyboard and not looking at it.
“I’m going to have trouble enforcing it,” Springdale police officer Blake Reed said. “I’m not used to looking to see if people are on their phones.”
With a world increasingly relying on digital media and technology, some may argue that it’s hard to not constantly be on a phone or a data provider.
They may go so far as to say even while driving, because sometimes information doesn’t care if someone is in a car or asleep.
There are also those, however, that say there are worse distractions that can contain their attention in the car other than texting.
“I don’t think it should be illegal, because there are so many distractions possible while driving that aren’t illegal,” Gina Smith, a Fayetteville citizen, said.
Smith said she notices plenty of other things diverting drivers’ attention from the road other than sending text messages.
“There’s the radio, changing CD’s, reaching for purses, dealing with children,” Smith said. “I think people should be responsible with their actions, but I don’t think that texting should be illegal.”
Whatever the case, the fact remains that text messaging has caused accidents, and just like drinking while driving, if a person is caught texting while driving, they now have to pay the consequences.
Because when people’s lives are threatened, texting can take a backseat to keeping eyes on the road.
Just ask Hilary Davidson.
2 comments:
I was able to read your first draft, but I didn't comment on it at the time. But what a dramatic change your new lead had on the story. It gives it new life, and it makes it a much, much better story.
I think you have your bases covered with opinion, but I'd like a little more attribution toward the end maybe. I like the message that is made, but perhaps a little Davidson said would do the trick. That's just a personal opinion.
Overall, this is a very, very good story. Good job with the reporting and finding the information.
Nice job with the lede. A hundredfold better than before. All that's missing is a quote from Hilary. Because the law is "Paul's Law" you need to give the father's name up top -- not later in a separate graf.
This feels awkward and tacked on.
--It is known as “Paul’s Law” at the request of Davidson, whose father’s name was Paul.
did you need interview Hilary? You should. This story needs more of a human touch.
You need to tell us what organization is behind this web site
--http://www.handsfreeinfo.com.
Use specific language here. what is "it?"
--It didn’t go through exactly how Kidd wanted, but it did manage to get teenage drivers disallowed from texting.
these grafs should be flip flopped.
strange sentence:
--They may go so far as to say even while driving, because sometimes information doesn’t care if someone is in a car or asleep
Derek, this is much improved. Congrats. I like the lede and the story structure makes more sense. It's also better written. However, this is essentially a news story and your anecdotal lede doesn't seem to come from any original reporting. That shouldn't happen, if it all possible. This story also lacks a strong angle. It mostly dwells on the law itself and then gets to some reaction at the end. We need more about the human impact.
Post a Comment