Texting twentysomething admits to her crime

By Rick Yencer

NEW CASTLE, IN - A texting twenty-something crashed into a utility pole Thursday afternoon, leading to a ticket for one of the first violations to a new law outlawing texting behind the wheel.

 Casey Williams, 23, even admitted to Indiana State Police Trooper Doug Snyder that she as texting as her car headed off County Road 50-E south of the New Castle city limits.Williams was unable to correct her path because of her speed as she struck the utility pole.

 That bought her a ticket for  use of a telecommunication device while operating a motor vehicle, a standard misdemeanor like other basic traffic offenses. Williams received minor injuries besides a tow bill and car repairs along with a likely bill from the utility company.

 Snyder said the crash demonstrated the serious nature and dangers of texting while driving. "Distracted driving can be as deadly as driving impaired," said Snyder.

 The Indiana General Assembly passed the law outlawing texting in response to increasing crashes involving cell telephones. National traffic statistics prove that texting does increase the risk of accidents. However, law enforcement has indicated any texting law is hard to enforce, especially on highways and interstates or when the driver does not admit it.