By Beth Mechum, Staff Writer
North Carolina’s ban on sending text messages while driving went into effect Dec. 1. Getting caught in the act will mean a $100 fine.
And don’t expect police officers to go easy on first-time offenders.
Carrboro Police public information officer Captain Joel Booker said that though it’s up to each police officer’s discretion, he expects more fines than warnings to be handed out.
“The likelihood of catching someone doing it is so low, if you do catch someone doing it you almost feel compelled to enforce it through a fine,†Booker said. “We’re not trying to make an example out of someone, but it’s important people know it’s dangerous.â€
The law applies only to the driver and only while the vehicle is moving.
Booker said the ban has particular significance in a town such as Carrboro, where the downtown area is congested not only with motorists but pedestrians and bikers as well.
“I can’t imagine why someone would want to text and drive an automobile,†he said.
“To me, that would almost be like someone with a firearm closed their eyes and started shooting. What you’re driving is just as dangerous, and you’re not watching where you’re going with it.â€
Booker said the Carrboro Police Department has not discussed in great detail how to enforce the ban.
“We’re not going to set up a checkpoint – we don’t have resources available,†Booker said. “If the officer felt very confident that someone was texting and that they could safely get that person pulled over, then they will.â€