Improving Road Safety by Banning Texting while Driving

In this new age of technology, young drivers are confronted with more distractions than ever while behind the wheel that can ultimately result in tragic accidents.  Among these distractions are cell phones, and using them to compose text messages while driving and putting the lives of other motorists at risk.  In addressing this serious transportation safety issue, I recently signed on as a co-sponsor to a bill introduced by Representative Peter Barca that, once signed into law, will ban texting while driving.  The bipartisan bill, LRB 3233, would deter motorists under the age of 18 from composing text messages while driving and make Wisconsin roads safer for all motorists.  The bill also applies to anyone else who holds a probationary license or an instruction permit.

A recent study by the American Automobile Association (AAA) indicated that the risk of an automobile collision increases by 50% for people who compose text messages while driving.  The study also revealed that of the estimated 40,000 annual vehicle fatalities in the U.S., up to 25% of them can be traced back to distracted motorists who had been texting while driving. It is also interesting to note that of the drivers surveyed by AAA, 95% of them acknowledged that composing text messages while driving is dangerous; yet, 21% of them admitted they do it anyway.

Given these statistics and our overall awareness of the danger posed by texting while driving, I believe this is common-sense legislation we need to ensure the safety of all motorists when traveling in Wisconsin.  To date, 17 states, including Minnesota and Illinois, and the District of Columbia have all passed legislation that banned composing text messages while operating a motor vehicle.  Wisconsin should join its neighbors in becoming the 18th state to have such a law in place that will help reduce the number of annual traffic fatalities, particularly those resulting from texting while driving. 

Do Not Call List Registration Deadline is August 31st

As a final reminder, the deadline to register for Wisconsin's Do Not Call List is August 31st.  Once you've signed up by that date, you will be placed on the list that will take effect on October 1st.  To learn more and sign up for the Do Not Call List, please call 1-866-966-2255 or visit https://nocall.wisconsin.gov/web/home.asp.  If you experience any difficulty with registering, please feel free to contact my office and my staff and I will be happy to assist you.

Rep. Samantha Kerkman pictured during the Kenosha Area Business Alliance (KABA)legislative breakfast and forum she attended with Senator Bob Wirch, Representative Peter Barca and Representative John Steinbrink on Friday, August 21st.  The breakfast gave Rep. Kerkman and her colleagues the opportunity to meet with area business leaders from KABA and the Kenosha Chamber of Commerce and discuss concerns with the 2009-2011 State Budget, area economic development and job creation.  The event was held at the Kenosha Country Club and was attended by 140 area business leaders.

Good Times Aplenty at the Kenosha County Fair

Despite the ongoing recessive status of our economy and the inclement weather, many of you were not deterred from enjoying a nice "staycation" at the Kenosha County Fair with your families and perhaps a few friends.  About 59,000 people attended the five-day event this year, held Wednesday through Sunday, and were treated to rides, treats, concerts, auctions, animal shows, water fights, informational booths, and events such as the popular demolition derby.  Congressman Paul Ryan provided another highlight for the fair during an appearance he made on Sunday that a number of you attended.  I know I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the fair and had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with many of you.  For those of you who took the time to stop by and say, "Hello," thank you very much for doing so and I look forward to seeing you again next year.

Laborfest Planned for September 7th

Labor Day this year will be on Monday, September 7th and the annual Kenosha Laborfest has been scheduled for that day, beginning at 11:00am.   The community event will be held at the St. Therese Picnic Grounds at 9005 22nd Avenue in Kenosha and will go through 5:00pm.  Among the highlights planned for this year's Laborfest are: honoring the 2009 Labor Person of the Year, pony rides and moon walking for kids, a door prize raffle benefiting the Shalom Center food pantry, and bucket truck rides provided by WE Energies.  The cost of one raffle ticket for the door prize drawing is one non-perishable food item or $1.00.  Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend!