Texting while driving: Obama bans (feds)

by Mark Silva

There may not be a law against texting while driving nationwide - at least not yet -- though several states ban it.

But there are a lot of people driving on the federal government's time-clock, with the federal government's motor vehicles.

So President Barack Obama is laying down his own law:

"With nearly 3 million civilian employees, the federal government can and should demonstrate leadership in reducing the dangers of text messaging while driving,'' Obama stated, in an executive order signed today.

"A federal government-wide prohibition on the use of text messaging while driving on official business or while using government-supplied equipment will help save lives, reduce injuries, and set an example for state and local governments, private employers, and individual drivers.''

Therefore, the order states:

"Federal employees shall not engage in text messaging (a) when driving GOV, or when driving POV while on official government business, or (b) when using electronic equipment supplied by the Government while driving.''

In the event there is any question about the meaning of all this, the order notes that "Texting" or "Text Messaging" means reading from or entering data into any handheld or other electronic device, including for the purpose of SMS texting, e-mailing, instant messaging, obtaining navigational information, or engaging in any other form of electronic data retrieval or electronic data communication.
'
"Driving' means operating a motor vehicle on an active roadway with the motor running, including while temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic light or stop sign, or otherwise. It does not include operating a motor vehicle with or without the motor running when one has pulled over to the side of, or off, an active roadway and has halted in a location where one can safely remain stationary.''