In recent years, there has been a huge push to change cultural perceptions about texting and driving. At one time, not that long ago, the phenomenon of texting and driving was pretty commonplace and just about everyone from teenaged girls to middle aged professionals were guilty of typin out a quick message on the go. However, as many studies have show, texting and driving is quite dangerous and in many cases fatal.
While many states have adopted laws banning texting and driving especially among minors some may be wondering if cultural perceptions have really changed; after all, speeding is also illegal but still a culturally acceptable act. One recent news story
demonstrations that, at least in some cases,cultural perceptions about texting and driving are indeed changing.
Recently, Jenny McCarthy’s son called the cops because his mother was textin and driving. Evan, a 12-year-old who Ms. McCarthy describes as a “rule follower” decided to bust his mom for her illegal habit (Ramisetti, 2014). Notice the usage of the word “habit” because apparently this isn’t the first time the former “View” co-host has sent a message while behind the wheel. “We’re driving in the car and of course I text and drive,” Jenny McCarthy said on her radio show (Ramisetti, 2014). Upon seeing his mother breaking the law the pre-teen took out his own phone can called the police. He is reported to have said “My mom is texting and driving right now” (Ramisetti, 2014).
How did Jenny McCarthy avoid any kind of trouble or even a visit from the police in response to this phone call? By breaking another law. She heard the phone call being placed and literally took Evan’s phone and chucked it out the car window (Ramisetti, 2014). This is definitely not an action any legal counsel would recommend.
According toNew York State law, the 41-year-old could have faced a fine and possibly even points on her driver’s license because you cannot use a hand-held cell phone (including sending a text message or email) while driving unless it is to contact emergency personnel. For a first time offense, Jenny McCarthy would have faced a fine between $50 and $150 and potentially 5 driver violation points.
It is also amusing to note that this is not the first time Evan has called the police on his mother. Once, when she left the house to smoke a cigarette and he couldn’t locate her he called 911 and told them “I am alone in the house. My mom abandoned me,” (Ramisetti, 2014).
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