A $3000 fine doesn't matter if no one ever fines you, and while I have no statistics, I'm pretty sure its very rare for a cop to pull you over for texting while driving. Like the seatbelt laws, it only ever comes into play as additional item to a stop, and afaik, only really when the cop is being a dick, or you are.

I'm sure it'd come up if you get in an accident as well, but probably the bigger fine in that case is the insurance company will use it for fault.

The primary detterant of it is likely that, because its a fineable offense, its less accepted by the general public, and you'll do it less flagrantly.