Texting while driving

[Grumpy]

Michigan is finally going to institute a law prohibiting texting while driving. For once, a law I agree with !

[Sandy G]

Amen !! Don't even think people should drive while yakkin' away on fones, but hands-free fones are an acceptable compromise, I guess...

[merrylander]

Maryland just passed a law against it, about time.

[d-ray657]

Originally Posted by merrylander

Maryland just passed a law against it, about time.

Who would be against such a law?

Regards,

D-Ray

[finnbow]

Originally Posted by d-ray657

Who would be against such a law?

Regards,

D-Ray

I'm not fully supportive of laws against cell phone use while driving (but no qualms about no-texting laws). While reading all the articles about this law in MD, several referenced studies showed that the hazards of cell phone use have not been proven (as opposed to texting which have). I'm not sure they're any more hazardous than having a baby in the back seat, applying eye make-up, reading, having a heated discussion, or fuming at the idiocy of talk radio while driving.

I can imagine that fumbling around for a hands-free device (if not already stuck in your ear) may be more dangerous than just answering the cell phone. BTW, MD's law only allows cops to pull your over or ticket you if they're pulling you over for some other infraction. It was called a seconday infraction, I believe.

[Boreas]

Originally Posted by finnbow

BTW, MD's law only allows cops to pull your over or ticket you if they're pulling you over for some other infraction. It was called a seconday infraction, I believe.

Didn't Maryland do that with the seat belt law too?

California seems to be the place where all these things get started. Get ready for headlights on when it's raining.

John

[Fast_Eddie]

More GOVERNMENT telling me what I can and can't do. That's fine if you big government types want to invite big brother into your car. So much for freedom. Who's business is it when I decide to send a text?

Oh, I know, "but you might kill somebody". Guess what guys, it's already illegal to kill somebody. Do we really need another government intrusion into our personal lives? Text messages don't kill people, driver's kill people.

[finnbow]

Originally Posted by Boreas

Didn't Maryland do that with the seat belt law too?

California seems to be the place where all these things get started. Get ready for headlights on when it's raining.

John

Maryland is never far behind when it comes to such matters. I'm uncertain about their seatbelt laws as I feel naked without one anyway (years of Autobahn training did that). As for headlights, I believe our law is that you have to have them on whenever your windshield wipers are on.

I'm OK with both of these (and texting, for that matter). Cell phone use is another matter though. I'm not convinced that it's any more dangerous/distracting than any number of other activities that are allowed and commonplace while driving (e.g., drinking hot coffee).

[Fast_Eddie]

Hey, what about the private industry that will lose money if people can't exercise their right to text when they like? Anyone think of that? Why would we do that during a recession?! Government should never do anything to impede private industry! They have our best interest in mind and Government is just trying to control us!

[finnbow]

Ed - Have you changed your beverage of choice?