15-year-old teen pushes Daphne, AL to ban texting while driving
Who said teenagers aren’t involved in politics? Thanks to the efforts of a 15-year-old girl, the city on Daphne, Alabama will become the latest municipality in the state to ban texting while driving.
Over the summer, Jasmine Lee, a 15-year-old Bayside Academy student, became Alabama Junior Teen Queen. In August, she spoke before the city’s Public Works Committee with one single thing in mind: to ban texting while driving. Her message came through, as an ordinance was rapidly drafted soon after.
On the night where council members voted unanimously to ban texting while driving, Lee was happy that her voice had been heard.
“There have been deaths in Spanish Fort, Fairhope and Daphne from texting behind the wheel,” she said. “I know some of my friends text and drive, and I’ve even been in the car while this was happening. I’ve asked them to please stop.”
Jasmine Lee has more ambition than just to stop Daphne residents from texting while driving.
“I will start in my city and move on from here,” she said.
The ordinance prohibits drivers from “using a wireless communication device to send, receive, download or view any electronic or digital content … including electronic mail, instant messaging or text messaging.” A first offense carries a fine of $100 or 10 days in jail. A second offense carries a $200 fine or 30 days in jail. A third or subsequent conviction is punishable by a $500 fine or three months in jail.
Source: Press-Register, November 2, 2010
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