Should texting while driving be illegal?

Texting while driving has been banned in 35 states across the country. Florida is among only 7 states with no ban.  I know it's shocking that the state of Florida is falling behind on yet another policy issue.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/state/florida-not-so-friendly-to-ntsb-suggested-ban-2030426.html


My husband just gave me the new Iphone 4s for my birthday in November and I am the first to admit that I am obsessed with it. A few days ago I very nearly ran into the back of a car stopped at a light because I was reading something on my phone and not paying attention to traffic. It scared me so much that I put it away and am now taking the advice of putting my entire purse in the backseat of the car when I drive so that I am not tempted to use my phone.

Research has found that driving while texting is more dangerous than driving under the influence.

There was a great campaign a few years ago that said, "It can wait." That's a powerful message that whatever you are doing on your phone is not as important as driving carefully and without the distraction of your fantastic phone!

Put it away. Put your purse and bags in the backseat. Turn on NPR and focus on the road.

Welcome to Dr. D's Policy Blog

Hi everyone.

Most likely you are reading this blog because you are a student of mine.  I am a professor at Florida Atlantic University. I teach in the School of Social Work. I primarily teach Introduction to Social Welfare Policy (BSW and MSW level), and Legislative Advocacy in Social Work. I am the faculty advisor to the student organization-SWEAT-Social Work Empowerment and Action Team. We plan a trip to the state Capitol every year for roughly 100 students to participate in a student Lobby Day.

I graduated from Washington University, in St. Louis, with my MSW and PhD. I worked as a health care lobbyist for about 5 years before pursuing an academic career. I am married to an aerospace engineer and we have two little kids (3 and 6) whom I adore more than anything in the world. They are the reason I gave up my long hours as a lobbyist. I love politics, and advocacy work and it is my goal to get students excited about it too. I love my students and am so happy to have your attention even if it's only for a semester!

I will be using this blog to post information on state level policy during the Spring semester 2012. There will be a discussion of interesting bills/issues and links to newspaper articles on proposed legislation. The master's students in my Legislative Advocacy class will be contributing to this blog too. Everyone can use it to find legislation that they are interested in and can lobby for or against in Tallahassee in Feb. The trip is planned for Feb. 6-8th. We will leave very early Monday morning and return on Wednesday night late. You can still register for the trip.

https://secure.caupa.fau.edu/applications/sweat/sweat.asp

Here's an interesting article in the Palm Beach Post today (12-12-11) about whether Florida schools should break for "Christmas break" or "winter break."

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/state/cerabino-changing-florida-schools-winter-break-to-christmas-2024398.html
Thoughts?

Happy reading.
Dr. D.