Okay, so it's one thing to be on the cell and distracted enough that your driving gets impaired. I've even seen people trying to jot things down while on the phone in heavy traffic. But, TEXTING???!?!?
I got on the 101 the other day, got to the bottom of the ramp and had to slam on the brakes. Why? Two cars ahead, a blinged-out SUV had failed to merge and panic-stopped. Needless to say, I made sure to get up next to them (or at least get a good view of their plate) to give them a serious scowling. It didn't work. When I got up next to the craft, I saw the driver fully engaged in an SMS transaction as pictured above. She was even leaning in to get a better view of the device.
Chilling.
So, you nearly miss an accident, anger several people behind you (evidence by horn honking), drive above the speed limit, WHILE texting, on a device that you can't even see properly (can you see well enough to drive??), and are too busy to notice other vehicles around you???? AAAAARRRRRGGGGGGHHH!!!!!!
Thank goodness for the new laws coming in July 1st.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2006/09/15/BAG75L6BJC1.DTL
But $20/$50 is not enough for these violations. sure that might be enough for cell phone use, but Texting should have it's own special fee schedule. Something in the reckless driving range.
