If you haven’t noticed, texting while driving has become a real hot-button issue as of late. This isn’t because it’s simply something people want to talk about, and something that we expect to go away once the furor dies down. Texting while driving, and the danger that comes along with it, is here to stay. And if you’ve ever wondered how cops catch you for texting and driving, they’re getting more savvy all the time.
Overpass spotters. It’s the oldest trick in the book, right? The cops sit on the top of an overpass, take note of anyone who might be texting and driving, and then radio their partner sitting further down the road and let them know what’s what. Connecticut was the first state to authorize this sort of tactic, and it’s being used in Arizona now as well.
Cell phone records. If you get in an accident that causes a serious injury (or worse), you can bet that the authorities will be combing over your records with a fine-toothed comb, figuratively speaking. Not only can they find out if you’ve been using your phone, they can tell if you’ve been texting, on a phone call, or even perusing Facebook. So, you know, don’t do that.
The obvious signs. What is an obvious sign that someone is texting while driving? Well, the most easy way is that they’re staring straight down, and if it’s dark outside, they probably have a face that’s aglow with the light of a cellphone. It isn’t difficult, and cops are trained to look for it. They’ve even reported drivers who were so intent on their text conversation that they didn’t notice the cop after lights and sirens were applied.
“Operation Hobo Cop.” This is too interesting to leave out of this blog. In two Canadian provinces, focused officers actually dressed as panhandlers and stood on corners, ostensibly trying to wash windows or get handouts. What they were actually doing, however, was looking for texters. And while we haven’t seen anything like this in the Phoenix area, given what goes on in Maricopa County, we probably wouldn’t rule it out.
All in all, texting and driving is an extremely dangerous activity, and it isn’t one that is taken lightly for modern drivers. We hope you stay safe out there, and that you’ll pay us a visit here at Avondale Nissan soon!
