7/7: 'DWT' law not enforceable

July 7, 2009
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Is a ban on texting while driving enforceable? Colorado Sheriffs say no.

More on that in a moment on the Face The State Radio Minute.

A bill passed during the legislative session will make “driving while texting” — or DWT — illegal for everyone this December, but local sheriffs across the state are skeptical of the bill's impact, saying it will be "extremely difficult" to enforce.

Yuma County Sheriff Sam McCoy said, "It will definitely be on a lower level of importance. It's kind of like a seat belt law. Although it is important that people wear safety belts, how much time do you have to go out and enforce that?"

Law enforcement officials in rural communities are already overwhelmed. We already have laws against hazardous driving; why add to the state's legal burden with a law passed just for show? And at worst, it gives bad cops an excuse to pull drivers over on dubious grounds.

For FaceTheState.com, I'm Brad Jones.