Written by Calea Bakke
Thetexting-while-driving law, which took effect Oct. 1, did not drastically change the texting habits of drivers, but it did create an awareness of the danger, according to Harding students and local officials.
Though thelawthreatens fines up to $100, the first week did not produce many tickets. TheSearcy police departmentstressed awareness of the danger of distracted driving.
“You would like to think some people will not do it because of the dangers, not necessarily because they are going to get a ticket for it,” said the media relations representative from the Searcy Police Department. “It’s just really another way for (the police) to get people off the street that may be dangerous.”
Harding students had mixed reactions about the law.
Sophomore Alex Shelton heard about the new law when it was announced in chapel. Because there is already a similar law at home in Georgia, she did not think it would impact her behavior. Shelton admitted to texting and driving but said she only does so rarely. She said she does notthink many students care about the law.
“I think it’s a good law, but I don’t think many people will abide by it if they already text and drive,” Shelton said. “I still think it is going to be a pretty big problem.”
Shelton alsosaid that though she had heard of texting causing wrecks, she had never heard of anyone getting a ticket. Shesaid she thinksthe law could raise awareness but would not greatly reduce the number of students texting and driving.
Harding senior Eric Giboney, who does not text and drive,said that he hopes for change for the upcoming generation. Though current students are unlikely to change their habits, he said their children might see the issue differently. Soon, he said, society will see texting and driving as unacceptable.
Giboney also said the law willpromote awareness. He said he hopes drivers would see the law as something that should never be broken rather than a flexible guideline.
“I sincerely hope people will take the issue seriously and think beyond themselves and understand that they can really cause a lot of damage and destruction. The law is not made in the restriction of people’s rights but in the desire of safety.”
