In today’s technology-driven world, it is nice to know our government is not afraid to step in and restrict the use of electronics in lieu of our health and safety. The banning of drivers talking on cell phones is supposed to be a great new law; not only is it designed to reduce the number of distractions for drivers, but law-makers are hoping it will reduce the number of distraction-caused accidents as well.
Harvard researchers estimated that one in 20 car accidents a year in the
We all know there are many more distractions for drivers than just a cell phone. But eliminating one allows drivers to juggle the rest of the distractions without holding a phone to their ear as well. Now drivers will have two hands free to eat fast food, smoke cigarettes, and deal with the kids in the backseat all while having a conversation with a friend on the phone. I don’t know about you, but this seems much more efficient to me.
Despite the positive aspects of the law, many businessmen and women alike are probably not happy because it can significantly reduce the amount of time they are able to interact with clients. In today’s “time is money” way of life, driving time is time lost unless a business deal can be made while on the road. Businessmen and women might be afraid that they will bring in less money if they are not allowed to use their driving time efficiently.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger kept this in mind when passing the bill, which is why hands-free devices are allowed. The purpose of the new law, which goes into effect July 1, 2008, is to eliminate a distraction for drivers. Since, of course, it couldn’t possibly be the conversation that is distracting to drivers, but the fact that they have a phone held to their ear, the law allows drivers to talk on phones with ear pieces. This way they are still allowed to make business transactions and keep our economy running smoothly, all while being stuck in traffic. However, the law will ban text messaging and checking e-mail while on the road, which we can all agree is probably a good idea. Law-makers are hopeful that with both hands on the steering wheel, drivers will be safer while on the road.
The "only" problem with the new law is enforcing it. With the penalty being a $20 fine, drivers are not going to be too worried about getting pulled over for using their cell phones. And let’s be realistic, it is going to be pretty difficult for the police to tell if a person is on a cell phone unless they are stopped at a light or driving slowly. It is also hard to tell the difference between text messaging and picking a new song on an iPod. Though the law is great in theory, it seems a bit unrealistic when it comes to enforcing it. I guess the government is just hoping that the law will scare people away from driving while on the phone.
3 comments:
Nicely done...
I thought for a moment that you supported the law without skepticism, but picked up on the sarcasm right away.
And noting the problems with enforcement is excellent.
There is already a law on the books that says you can't have headphones on while driving.
Yup, it's been a law for years, though it might have finally expired. I doubt the highway patrol ever gave out a ticket.
In New York, a similar law was passed and for the first year, the police were very vigilant. Last summer I drove all over yakking on my cell phone and never got a second glance.
I got a ticket for headphones. But then again, what I haven't received a ticket for is a shorter list.
Just another thought... Isn't reckless driving already against the law??
Just sayin'
Post a Comment