MADISON - Wisconsin could become the 20th state to outlaw texting while driving for all motorists under a bill the Legislature approved Tuesday.
Gov. Jim Doyle has said he will sign the legislation that passed the Senate in October and cleared the Assembly on a bipartisan 89-6 vote Tuesday. Because the Assembly bill varies slightly from the Senate version, another vote will be required before it heads to Doyle for his consideration.
The biggest difference is in penalties. Both bills carry a fine of up to $400 for a first offense. But the Assembly version would increase that fine to up to $800 for a second offense, while the Senate version would not.
The vast majority of those who will be ticketed are teenagers who can't afford $800 tickets, said Rep. Mike Huebsch, R-West Salem.
"Let's make sure the penalty is not onerous," Huebsch said.
He argued for lowering the penalties to no more than $400, but the bill's sponsor successfully argued for keeping the higher penalties. Rep. Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, said texting while driving is more dangerous than other offenses that would be fall under an inattentive driving ban that has lower fees.
"This is as serious as drunk driving," Barca said. "People are killed by people texting messages."
Nearly 6,000 people were killed and a half-million were injured in vehicle crashes in 2008 connected to driver distraction, including texting, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
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GREENFIELD - The recent snowfall has exposed a problem with new energy efficient stoplights in some communities.
The LED were installed as a way to help save money on energy costs, but the lights are so efficient that they aren't generating enough heat to melt snow and ice on the traffic lights.
As a result, drivers can't tell what color the light is or if it is even on.
The problem is further exasperated in Greenfield because the stoplights have fin-like grates, which are meant to direct the LED light beam, and snow tends to get stuck in them.
Crews then have to go in and individually remove the snow and ice from the lights.
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MADISON, Wis. -- The new speed limit signs went up Monday on an eastern Wisconsin highway following a $120 million upgrade.
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A couple great pictures of The Duckmobile in Madison.
"Pulling into the Copps on Whitney Way, I saw this car...decorated with rubber ducks"
Source: YouNewsTV, WKOWtv.com
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WOW! The guys at Milweb1 Vinyl GraphiXs can make my dreams come true! The just created these stunning vehicle graphics for a customer in Milwaukee... Its the Mystery Machine from Scooby Doo!
Be sure to follow these guys on Twitter @Milweb1.
Thanks for sharing guys!
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This boat has just sustained some serious fire damage. How ironic is that sticker?
Thanks to @tsand from Green Bay for sharing this great photo.
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I remember going to the drive-in with my family when I was growing up and I'm glad to see that drive-ins are making a comeback!
Thanks to Drew for sending in these photos from the Hwy 18 Outdoor Theater outside of Jefferson.
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Gas Powered La-Z-Boy At Oshkosh Flyin 2005 from Hafast on Vimeo.
What's better than relaxing in an easy chair? Driving an easy chair while relaxing in it! Check this thing out, as seen in Oshkosh.
Thanks to Drew for the link!
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