14 DAY TRIAL // The fact that mobile phones and driving don't mix so well is clear from the fact that talking on the handset while on the wheel is forbidden. The same thing will go for text messaging too from now on in the UK.
Several accidents have been caused by drivers whose attention was distracted by trying to send an SMS message while driving. They should have known better, as writing text messages is way more soliciting than having a conversation. The peril in such a situation is that it endangers both the one who uses his mobile phone while driving and also the other people in traffic.
Drivers caught texting previously had to pay a 2,500 fine or do a huge number of community service hours. Now, those caught doing this risk up to two years behind the bars, which is much more than in the past. It's a drastic measure, but also one that has high chances of being successful and efficient in preventing such accidents from happening in the future.
The new law goes even further than writing SMS messages while driving and also adds handling other portable devices. This includes GPS satellite navigation systems and MP3 players too, as these devices are just as big of a distraction, as they ask for the user to take his eyes away from the road.
A poll has also been made in order to find out the public opinion on such enforcements. Almost 90 percent of Americans declared themselves to be against text messaging behind the wheel, although two thirds of them have actually done it. A teenager has already gone to prison because of causing such an accident. A rule that prevents such a situation from ever surfacing again should take care of the problem, as two years is a period capable of scaring anyone.