Texting Ban Gets Thumbs-Up from Westwood Police, Residents

For residents who enjoy using their cell phones while driving a car – things are about to change.

Last week, state House and Senate lawmakers approved a bill to outlaw drivers of all ages from sending text messages while driving. Adding to that, anyone under the age of 18 would not be allowed to use cell phones at all behind the wheel.

"It's clearly a dangerous activity," said Westwood Police Chief William Chase. "Anytime you have the operator of a motor vehicle being distracted, it creates a dangerous situation. And clearly the use of texting is on the increase, particularly among the younger drivers."

Presently, 28 states in the country, as well as the District of Columbia, ban texting and handheld use of cell phones for drivers. The Massachusetts House approved the measure last week by 150-1, and the state Senate approved the bill, which also requires eye exams every five years for drivers aged 75 and older.

The bill now lies in the hands of Governor Deval Patrick, who has less than a week to review it. If Patrick signs, the bill would penalize violators with a fine of $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second and then $500 for additional offenses after that.

"It's long overdue," Chase said. "It goes back to anything that creates a distraction, and that could even be using a cell phone or reading, or (sending) email. You see all sorts of crazy things."

But residents in Westwood don't seem to be worried. In fact, many say they're all for the bill.

"I'm totally against it (texting while driving)," said Arlene Reagan, 59, of Westwood. "It's a danger to other people besides themselves."

Additionally, Westwood resident Carolyn Fox, 44, said she is "absolutely for the ban."

"I don't think you should be texting while driving," Fox said. "I don't even like talking on the cell phone while driving."

While the new law may be a blessing in disguise, Chase said it might not be that easy to enforce, at least not at first.

"I do see some enforcement issues," he said. "Let's say, for example, a police officer in a cruiser observes somebody doing what appears to be texting. How can we be certain that they were texting and not retrieving a phone number that's stored in their phone?"

"Until we look at the specific law that is passed and the language of it, it would be really difficult for us to address how we're going to enforce that in advance," he added. "But we will enforcing whatever law that is passed."