Governor not anxious for texting law


Published/Last Modified on Friday, May 30, 2008 7:01 PM MDT


Gov. Janet Napolitano does not appear anywhere near as anxious as some of her Democrat colleagues to make it illegal to drive while texting.


Napolitano refused to say if she would sign legislation to ban the practice if the measure reaches her desk. But the governor acknowledged some of the arguments by foes who said a new law is unnecessary.

“The law is clear — and has always been very clear — that when you get behind the wheel of a car you have an obligation to other motorists to devote your attention to the road,” Napolitano said. “And that law hasn’t changed.”

The issue, Napolitano said, is whether there need to be new statutes further restricting what drivers can do while operating a motor vehicle. “That needs to be decided on a case-by-case basis,” she said.

The measure being pushed by Sen. Charlene Pesquiera and Rep. Stever Farley, both Tucson Democrats, would impose a $100 fine on motorists who read, write or send a text message while the vehicle is in motion. That fine would be $250 if there is an accident.

Copyright © 2012 Douglas Dispatch

Comments

Write a Comment

Comment posters are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide. We urge comment writers to treat this as a public forum where manners matter. We encourage a collegial, non-insulting tone. All readers comments must be approved by our staff before posting to the Web site. They review submitted comments periodically during the day for offensive or off-topic content before posting. Be aware, in accordance with the Communications Decency Act and provisions upheld in judicial appeal, that you are responsible for comments posted on this Web site. The Douglas Dispatch is not liable for messages from third parties.

DO NOT POST:
* Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.
* Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
* Personal attacks, insults or threats.
* The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity.
* Comments unrelated to the story.
* Personal Information (phone numbers, addresses, etc.)

Opinions, advice and all other information expressed in douglasdispatch.com's reader comments represent the individual's own views and not necessarily those of the Douglas Dispatch. The Douglas Dispatch does not endorse and is not responsible for statements, advice or opinions offered by anyone other than authorized Douglas Dispatch spokespersons.

Your thoughtful contribution to the online discussion is appreciated.

(optional)
   









Contact Us

Email the Editor
530 11th Street (85607)
P.O. Drawer H
Douglas, AZ 85608
tel: 520.364.3424
fax: 520.364.6750