Busting text messagers on the road

Want to inject a boost to the general budget? Why not triple all of the traffic violation fines from what they currently are? For an example of why this could be an easy remedy for a problem that probably hasn't been updated in two or three decades, I need only point to the front page article in today's paper, "Bill aims to brake texters." According to the article, House Bill 291 would ban text messaging while driving and make it a secondary offense. Notwithstanding the merits of this bill (and there are several), the proposed law carries with it the hefty fine of $25. Seems like the legislature is trying to attack what they perceive as a major problem with a wet noodle than a big stick.

With all of the budget problems plaguing this state currently, someone really needs to propose a broad brushed measure to double or triple the current Title 21 violations, which would presumably include this secondary prohibition against "TWD" (text messaging while driving). Wouldn't this measure generate revenue while avoiding the need to raise taxes? Just a thought.

Tags: delaware proposes ban on text messaging while driving

Rising rates drive traffic away

Just a quick note that I saw the other day that the increase in tolls has led to a greater than expected drop in traffic and revenue from Route 1. I find this interesting because I predicted as much when I found out that the weekend rates were going up. According to the article, the revenue generated is up considerably, but traffic took an 11 percent drop (as opposed to an estimated 3-6 percent drop). So what effect does this have on the revenue? I submit, "not too much." Come summertime, I'm sure weekend beach traffic will more than make up the difference.

There are plenty of things to write about, but I'm going to have to get back to it in a couple days. While I'm on the subject of traffic, I will state that I have noticed in my downstate-to-upstate travels that upstate drivers are much better at getting over in the left lane rather than traveling the speed limit in the passing lane.