One question that has perplexed many people about texting while driving laws is: how do you prove that someone was using their cell phone while they were driving? This may seem like a question with an obvious answer. You just check the phone! However, it is not that simple. The police can’t grab a person’s phone and look through their texts without violating their right to privacy, and their rights as a suspect. They must get a warrant for that.
With this in mind, there need to be concrete steps that can be taken to quickly and effectively identify if a driver has violated distracted driving laws in a given state. And while the device we are about to talk about is related to the state of North Carolina as opposed to Georgia, the concept is interesting enough that it warrants discussion (no pun intended).
The “textalyzer” is a device that, when connected to your phone, gives details to whoever is using the tool about your most recent texts and cellphone usage. In other words, it would very clearly show to police officers when you last used your phone, and if you have been texting while driving. North Carolina is considering using this device to combat distracted drivers.
It is still a controversial idea, even though the intention behind is well-meaning. There is still an element of privacy invasion here, and it will be interesting to see if this device ever is used.
Source: WFMY, “‘Textalyzer’ Would Bust Texting Drivers, Could Come to NC,” Savannah Levins, Oct. 31, 2017
