Police spread word about texting ban

AUSTIN (KXAN) - An Austin police officer maneuvered a golf cart around orange traffic cones at Reagan High School Monday while attempting to send a text message. 

He hit at least one cone - and was not too successful in sending the message, either. 

His golf cart drive was part of an educational campaign to get the word out about Austin's new texting-while-driving ban that goes into effect Jaunary 1st.

"Here in Austin in 2009, we've had a total of 129 serious collisions either involving injury or a vehicle having to be towed off involving vehicles that are using cell phones -- twelve specifically where texting was noted," said Austin Police Commander Stephen Baker.

When the ban begins, police say drivers in Austin will basically only be able to use a cell phone for making a phone call.  They may not text, look at pictures, scroll through Internet sites or use the phone as a GPS device unless it's docked in the vehicle.

Austin resident Lynn Forgan, who uses a motorized wheelchair, looks forward to the new year when the new ban goes into effect.  She says she had a personal experience with a driver who was texting that she does not want to relive.

"I was in a crosswalk in my power chair, my wheelchair, and this guy was too busy texting to pay attention to me, and he ran me over," said Forgan.  "I think people that text while driving should be treated just like drunk drivers. They're not paying attention. Their mind is somewhere else."

Austin police officers will issue warnings, not citations, for the first thirty days of the ban beginning January 1st.  Once the grace period is over, the fine for violating the texting while driving ban will be $500.  Police say there are some exceptions to the ban, including sending a text if you are in an emergency or stopped at a traffic light.