To be honest, I had to blink hard a couple of times when I read what state Rep. Four Price said regarding texting and driving.
He favors a statewide ban. The Amarillo Republican also said he believes the issue will come up in the 2015 Legislature and that absent an overt threat by the new governor — whoever he or she is — to veto it, that it is likely to end up on the governor’s desk at the end of the session.
I’m all for it.
Price is a self-proclaimed small-government conservative who said he’s voted for the statewide ban in previous sessions. He toldĀ the Amarillo Globe-News that motorists driving through our huge state are subject to varying municipal ordinances. Motorists need to be aware of what each city and town allows or prohibits regarding the use of telecommunications equipment while driving.
“I really believe it would be a wise thing to have a common standard across the state,” Price said.
You go, Four!
Lame-duck Gov. Rick Perry has kept his veto pen handy during previous attempts to enact this wise legislation. He complained aboutĀ government overreach when he vetoed a bill calling for a statewide ban in 2011. The next Legislature didn’t bother to pass a bill, fearing yet another veto.
Perry will be out of office in January. The new governor — let us hope — won’t threaten a veto and scare off the next Legislature.
A statewide ban won’t prevent idiots from texting while driving, which is why some people still oppose this reasonable law. Still, a law that gives police authority to cite dimwitted motorists and then enables cities and counties to enact harsh punishments might deter some folks from endangering themselves and — even worse — other motorists or pedestrians.