The Costco Connection - October 2016

READER COMMENTS

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Is the Textalyzer
a good way to
prevent texting
while driving?

MOST STATES HAVE banned texting by drivers. Now, some lawmakers have introduced legislation that, if passed, would allow police to use a device called a Textalyzer to determine whether phones were illicitly used while drivers operated their vehicles.

Supporters say that Textalyzers will discourage texting and other types of banned cellphone use while driving. Critics argue that Textalyzers are excessive, invasive and unnecessary.

What do you think?

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS TOPIC. On the internet, search:

• The “Textalyzer” could help curb distracted driving in New York

• New “Textalyzer” could let police tell if you were using your phone during an accident

• Driving While Distracted: Is the Textalyzer the new Breathalyzer?

• The plan to “textalyze” distracted drivers’ phones is dumb and doomed

INFORMEDDEBATE

I say go for it. Too many people [are] out texting and driving. I hate when the light is green and the person in front is texting and delays everyone else by doing that. Pull over and text.

—Melaine Hansen Boday

I do not believe a Textalyzer can be implemented within the bounds of current technology or the Constitution. While a nice idea, it has the potential to cause far more problems than it solves.

—Daniel Pentecost

It will definitely cut back on the outrageous amount of texting while driving.

—Teresa Storey

Excessive and invasive; not every texter in a vehicle is also a driver.

—Mindy Chemacki

It’s about time the usage of mobile phones is completely outlawed whilst driving.

—Ella Chu

Just as a Breathalyzer can be bypassed, so can a Textalyzer.

—Iavila Avila

After nearly getting run off the road so many times by men and women using their phones, anything is an improvement. There should be dead zones for cell service on all major roads/freeways/highways that only allow 911 calls. Unless it is a life-or-death call, get off your phones.

—Christopher Luczak

What if someone pulls over to the shoulder of the road to text, then returns to traffic? Can this machine distinguish that subtle detail? If so, then sure, “textalyze” away. If not, it would be useless.

—Mary Goodson

Hands-free cellphone use is still legal, so this new gadget needs to determine if a person is performing hands-free texting or manual hands-on texting.