Text-Messaging Drivers May Go to Jail

SINGAPORE (AP) — Singaporeans who send text messages on their mobile phones while driving face a fine of up to 1,000 Singapore dollars (US$570) and six months in jail, police said Tuesday.

Police issued a statement about text messaging behind the wheel after a letter appeared in the Straits Times newspaper asking whether it was legal for a bus driver to send messages with one hand while steering his vehicle with the other.

“Using a hand phone while driving distracts drivers and reduces their ability to control their vehicles and to react to changes in the road,” the police statement said. “It is an irresponsible driving attitude.”

It said violators face fines of up to S$1,000 (US$570) and six months in prison if caught.

Mobile phone text messages – also known as short message service, or SMS – are extremely popular in Singapore and many parts of Asia. About 80 percent of Singapore’s 4 million inhabitants have mobile phones.

The SMS offense falls under an existing law that bans drivers from chatting on mobile phones without the use of a handsfree device, police said.

Chua Chee Wai, a police spokesman, said police are still investigating the case of the messaging bus driver.

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