Over that past weekend the roads were expected to be a little safer thanks to the new law that prohibits texting anytime while operating a vehicle. This includes at stop lights and stop signs. Any impact has yet to be observed but hopes are high among enforcement as well as students.

“I think it is safer but I don’t know how many people will listen to it,” senior Kendra Caldwell said.

This law’s main goal it to prevent accidents and keep people safe on the roads. Police officers will be enforcing this law at their own discretion. In most cases the officer will simply pull over a driver if they see them texting. However if an accidents occurs due to texting the charge can be brought upon them that way as well.

“They may think it’s taking away a freedom from them, but you have to look at the totality,” North’s resource officer Patrick Fitzgerald said.

As of now the law is only in effect for citizens under 21. According to Fitzgerald this is because generally drivers over 21 have more experience on the road. Along with other students however, he does not agree that the law should only be for those underage.

“If a 90-year-old grandma is texting I don’t see how that’s any safer than a 16-year-old,” Fitzgerald said.

For the first weekend of this law being in effect there was no notible change but hope is strong among enforcment to keep Missouri roads safer and many students are understaning its purpose.

“There’s no sense in texting in driving,” Caldwell said. “No matter what, it’s a distraction.”