Newsday Article: Watchdog: Texting while stopped at red light is OK, cops say

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Watchdog: Texting while stopped at red light is OK, cops say

Originally published: August 21, 2013 10:22 PM
Updated: August 22, 2013 5:34 AM
By JUDY CARTWRIGHT [email protected]

So texting while driving is against the law. But what about texting -- or simply scrolling through email -- while sitting at a red light?

We were surprised to learn that it's permitted.

Both Nassau and Suffolk police departments told us the state law allows a driver to use an electronic device as long as the car is not moving. That policy does not apply to commercial vehicles; those drivers can use such devices "only when the vehicle is stopped at the side of, or off, a public highway," according to the law.

No one is encouraging drivers at red lights to engage in email which, it goes without saying, diverts attention from what's happening on the roadway. As for those who can't resist, we'd like to make a plea: Drivers behind you are waiting, too, so be ready for the light to turn green.

Newsday Article: Watchdog: Texting while stopped at red light is OK, cops say

Yeah, I kind of agree. It's just slippery though bc once you're reading/texting whatever and then the light turns green, you're probably more likely to keep at it. I'm sure it's much more effective to just keep it away in general. I look at my maps app all the time- even while I am driving. No different than a regular GPS built in (which I actually have as well but always seems my phone does a better job) or even looking at an actual map (imagine? lol).

Message edited 8/22/2013 5:09:16 PM.

Re: Newsday Article: Watchdog: Texting while stopped at red light is OK, cops say

People need to control themselves.

A car is a deadly weapon,a nd once youkill someone, there's no "taking it back."

No one really wants to hear apologies at that point.

People need to exercise a little self control and restraint...or stay off the roads.

Newsday Article: Watchdog: Texting while stopped at red light is OK, cops say

Interesting. Thanks for posting this.

Re: Newsday Article: Watchdog: Texting while stopped at red light is OK, cops say

I'm totally cool with this while stopped. While driving, not cool. Who am I going to hurt when I'm not moving?

Newsday Article: Watchdog: Texting while stopped at red light is OK, cops say

Im not even cool with it while stopped. Just wait till you get to your destination and if its that important, hand free call...

My experience..while "STOPPED" at a light

Stop at light - nobody is moving as the light is changeing for cross traffic. Pick up my phone, checked email or whatever.... glance up about 30 secs later, accident about 3' from my car (i was first at the line)

God forbid the accident is different, I get hit and wouldn't even of known what happened.

Just imagine life with these things..people actually drove their cars.

Re: Newsday Article: Watchdog: Texting while stopped at red light is OK, cops say

I don't agree with this at all. Eyes should be on the road not down in your lap. I feel like with all the crazy drivers out there it is more important than ever to pay attention at all times while on the road.

And say you're in the middle of reading the text/email, who is honestly putting the phone down until they're stopped again?

What text or email is sooooo important that it needs to be read at a red light? If you're expecting something that important find a place to pull over. Why is this such a hard concept??

Re: Newsday Article: Watchdog: Texting while stopped at red light is OK, cops say

Re: Newsday Article: Watchdog: Texting while stopped at red light is OK, cops say

Hmmmm that's interesting and not my understanding at all. Anytime the car is on you should be focused on driving not texting. Too many people have their heads down, light turns, and someone behind them could also not be paying attention and go. It's still dangerous

Re: Newsday Article: Watchdog: Texting while stopped at red light is OK, cops say

Newsday Article: Watchdog: Texting while stopped at red light is OK, cops say

This world...I don't agree. I will be honest, I have a smart phone and I love it but in the car, it's awful! With my old phone, I could dial by feel. I knew which buttons to press, how many times, etc. I could call my mom, dh, anyone without taking my eyes off of the road. With this phone, I can't. I feel like I'm taking a chance just by making a phone call. I can't imagine texting. My eyes would be off the road too long just to GET to the texting area. Forget actually writing or reading.

I'm seeing too many texters and now that I have a child, I get angry. We don't live in bumper car world. Your car can kill.

Re: Newsday Article: Watchdog: Texting while stopped at red light is OK, cops say

Newsday Article: Watchdog: Texting while stopped at red light is OK, cops say

This may be the law but I feel it was irresponsible of them to publish this. People are not going to take it seriously. I feel like I see people on their phones constantly. The new cell phone laws have done nothing to curb usage IMO.