No more texting and driving

Today Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill that bans text messaging while driving. First offense: $20. Subsequent offenses: $50.
The bill, SB 28, is by Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, the same guy who became a hero to the Bluetooth industry by passing a law forbidding drivers from talking on their cell phones without a hands-free device. That went into effect on July 1, along with a bill forbidding minors from texting and driving.
As of Jan. 1, the texting ban will apply to all of us. There are, however, a few exceptions: 1) You can still type addresses into your GPS device; 2) you can still dial the number on your cell phone; and 3) Firefighters, EMTs and policemen can still text-and-drive.
The major phone companies -- T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon -- supported the bill because they say they want people to use their products responsibly.
The bill passed the Assembly 52-24, and the Senate 25-14. Every South Bay legislator -- Oropeza, Lieu, Furutani, Price and Karnette -- supported it, except for Sen. Vincent, who was absent.