Washington Injury Law Blog

No texting while driving!

Drivers are banned from text messaging while driving starting in 2008. Police say they are going to put special emphasis on this new law. So beware! It’s at least $101 fine if caught. However, the police have to stop you for some other traffic law violation before you can get the texting ticket.

What about banning cell phones while driving?

Ask and you shall receive. As of July 1, 2008 cell phones are banned while driving unless used with a hands free device. So those of you who have been salivating over a new blue tooth headset its time to buy. I for one am counting down the days until this law takes effect. As a lawyer I use my cell as much as the next guy, but people need both hands while driving. How many times have you been following someone and they’re swerving all over the road, speeding up then slowing down, and you’ve thought they must be drunk, only to pull along side and see a cell phone glued to one ear with the driver oblivious to any traffic around them. It drives me crazy! Plus there’s at least one study that states driving while using a cell phone distracts people as much as if the were actually driving drunk. That’s just scary to me. Be safe, hung up the phone and just drive!

Boat license anyone!

Starting in 2008 anyone under 20 years old will have to take a boating safety class before they can obtain a boat license. After 2008 the age increases by 5 each year thereafter. So by 2018 anyone under the age of 70 will have to take a safety class to get a boat license. The good news is that taking such a class often gets you cheaper insurance and the class can be done online.  Also, if you’re born before 1955 you’re grandfathered in and never have to take the class. Call it an early senior discount!

Have a safe and happy New Year!