[taxthedeer]

Also a friendly warning for motorcyle riders, Michigan as a universal helmet law, which means everybody has to wear one. Fines differ depending on county, in Berrien County the fine is $130.00 (I found out the hard way last summer. )

http://www.toledoonthemove.com/news/story.aspx?id=475749

Michigan texting while driving ban begins Thursday

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Drivers across Michigan are being encouraged to keep their "Thumbs on the Wheel."

The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning on Monday kicked off the campaign using billboards, posters and a public service announcement featuring talking thumbs. Michigan's ban on texting while driving takes effect Thursday.

Billboards put up around the state remind drivers to hold off on text messaging, carrying the phrase text back later ("txt back L8R") and one of two accompanying messages: "OR PAY $100" or "IT'S THE LAW."

A first offense will cost $100 and repeat offenses will cost $200. Texting will be a primary offense under Michigan's law, meaning police can pull over motorists solely for using phones to send text messages.

[Ang]

I've often wondered how are they going to know that's what you're doing? You'd have to have the phone up above the window for the cops to know you're texting.

Personally, I don't TWD (text while driving) because it IS dangerous, but if I did, I don't think I'd be holding the phone up that high while I'm doing it. So, if my phone is in my lap, and I've got one hand on the wheel, how are they going to know that's what I'm doing? Are they going to pull me over because they THINK I'm texting?

Just curious how they plan to enforce this.

[Dave]

I don't do texting on my cellphone, but I just had a thought -- do any cellphones have voice recognition for texting?

[Homey]

Some do Dave. I think you could tell if someone's texting if their eyes are looking down and not straight ahead. I've seen it and it's plain as day. I wonder when Indiana will pass the same type of law?

[Yokas]

Probably most adults don't text while driving...we realize how dangerous that can be. But I know that the "younger set" is texting while they drive. I wish that Indiana would pass a law banning that. And I also agree with Ang, how do you enforce that?