As New York state begins to implement stricter texting while driving laws, some students at Syracuse University think the laws are needed to deter drivers from the dangerous habit.

On Nov. 1, stricter laws against texting or talking on the phone while driving were implemented in New York. Although texting or talking while driving was already illegal, the new law — which was passed by the state legislature and included in the budget for the 2014–15 fiscal year — increases the penalties and fines for drivers caught either texting or talking and driving, according to the New York State Department of Transportation’s website.

Lewis Paulino, a junior biology and neuroscience major, agrees that supervision from the state and from law enforcement over this issue is important because of the risk it poses to not only the person driving, but to others on the road.

“Driving takes a lot of focus, no matter how much experience you have. So I think when your attention is divided, it increases the risk of getting into a car accident and possibly harming you or someone else,” Paulino said. “I think it should be very regulated.”

For a first offense, drivers under 21 with a probationary license or learner’s permit will automatically have their license or permit suspended for 120 days. The fine will also increase $50, regardless of age, from a maximum of $150 to $200, according to the New York State Department of Transportation’s website.

A second offense committed within six months will result in a complete license or permit suspension for at least one year. The maximum fine also increases to $250. A third offense brings the maximum fine up to $450.

Arielle Pressman, a junior biochemistry major, thinks the heightened penalties and fines are appropriate and in accordance to the seriousness of the crime.

“Texting while driving is a really serious issue and it’s just as bad as driving while intoxicated,” Pressman said. “The same measures taken against driving while intoxicated should be taken against texting while driving.”

Previously, an offense of this kind added three driver violation points to those caught texting or talking while driving. The Driver Violation Point System assigns point values for different traffic violations, such as speeding or failing to obey a traffic sign.

Once a license carries 11 or more points within an 18-month period, that license is suspended. Now, the penalty is worth five driver violation points for texting or talking while driving, which is the one of the highest point values assigned, according to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.

While the measures are targeted at younger drivers, since the first offense of license suspension only applies to drivers under 21, Pressman disagrees with the notion that only young people text and drive.

“I think people of all ages are capable of doing it,” Pressman added.

The ubiquitous nature of technology also disqualifies the idea that only young people have the capability to text and drive, said Paulino.

“With everyone using technology, the increased penalty for minors seems a little unfair,” said Paulino. “Why just minors? Why not just suspend everyone’s license for 120 days?”

Published on November 10, 2014 at 12:01 am

Contact Rachel: rsandler@syr.edu