Michelle Tetreault’s daughter didn’t know what “repent” meant when she spotted a man with a sign around his neck warning “Repent! The end is near!” But she’s plenty sorry now that her mom is facing a $124 traffic ticket for using her cellphone to snap a picture of the man.
With more than 40 states banning text messaging for drivers and a dozen states prohibiting use of hand-held cellphones, police departments around the country are getting creative when it comes to enforcement. New York has given state police 32 unmarked SUVs to allow officers to better peer down at drivers’ hands. In California, officers with the San Bernardino police have posed as panhandlers with signs reading: “I am NOT homeless. SB police looking for seatbelt/cellphone violations.”
Somersworth police Chief Dean Crombie said that when New Hampshire’s law took effect in July, he noticed far fewer drivers using their phones. But as time passed, the problem ramped up again.
“About two weeks ago, I was sitting in an unmarked car watching traffic, and everyone and their brother was on their phone,” he said. “So we were looking at innovative ways to maybe come down on people.”
He turned to the International Association of Chiefs of Police, which noted that other departments have used tractor-trailers or planes to look down on drivers or positioned undercover officers on traffic medians. Somersworth settled on a five-day sting, with two officers — one with the “repent” sign and the other posing as a homeless panhandler. Officers stopped about 110 cars and issued 96 tickets.
The response from most was along the lines of “Hey, you got me, I was wrong,” though a few argued entrapment, Crombie said.
“It’s not entrapment. Entrapment is when you induce someone to do something they normally wouldn’t,” he said. “We have an obligation to make Somersworth a safer place to live, and that’s why we took this step.”
The Associated Press contributed to this article
I’m wondering if they would issue a ticket for taking a photo with a digital camera? If not, what’s the difference between that and the camera on a smartphone?
People aren’t known for driving down the road with a digital camera in hand. They’re not going after people for “taking a picture,” they’re going after them for “using a cell phone while driving.”
WHY? are only 12 states banning cellphone use while driving?
Why haven’t ALL states banned texting?
In CA the idiots cross the street while texting and NEVER look up
at oncoming cars because they are taught from childbirth that
they have ‘THE RIGHT’ to cross whenever they want.
They do not even look to see if the car’s brakes are working,
There are more pedestrian deaths in CA than anywhere else!
Was she moving, or stopped? JUST ONE MORE WAY TO SHAKE US DOWN FOR MORE MONEY!
I agree texting and driving should not be allowed in any state. We have all seen the news where some horrific accident happened because someones attention was diverted – even for that second.
Wouldn’t it be nice if they could hire homeless people to hold those signs. It would then be considered a regular job and those guys are used to standing for long hours anyway. For many it could restore a sense of dignity and give purpose and a fresh start with a chance to get back in to the work force.
If there is a law against it or a position of danger i.e. getting hit by a car then the police shouldn’t be doing as such.
If it is legal then lets put them to good use and have them earn a paycheck.
Legal or not they’ll still be standing out there in hopes of receiving money one way or another. Hey, this way they can tax the money they receive and that should be incentive enough for the city or state.
Just thoughts.
Note to steve edwards:
Sir, I am horrified thinking that you feel this way because you must have “run across” a few of these text walkers from California. How horrible for you. I truly hope this isn’t the case. Please don’t take offense but I wanted to let you know that these idiots live in every state and not just California. So please be careful driving around pedestrians in and around other states.
Signed,
Theresa in California
(p.s,) I’ll look in to what our parents are teaching us about “THE RIGHT” to cross with our “self righteous attitudes.
I suppose it is too late for us as the damage is done but thanks to you we can possibly learn to teach our children to be a bit more “HUMBLE”.