I'll Be Happy On July 1
Yep, I'm a hypocrite. I mentioned here, more than once I think, that I opposed the law banning use of cell phones while driving. Actually, the law only bans speaking on them without a hands- free device. Same difference, I suppose, but I almost can't wait until July 1 when this new ban takes effect.
I hope each and every one of you that thinks you're so important you have to be talking with someone on your cell phone at all times gets a ticket. You deserve it, and not just those of you driving. People walking around stores sharing their personal lives with everyone around them, chatting away on the phone probably deserves some kind of ticket.
Too bad more stores don't do what Myrtlewood Liquors was doing a while back and add $20.00 to the bill of anybody using a cell phone in their store. Sadly, they lightened up on that and now just ask people not to use cell phones while in their store.
Yep, I'm a hypocrite, but I'll be loving it come July 1. So why does Dave Stancliff's column in today's Eureka Reporter rub me the wrong way?
I suppose I agree with him, for the most part. He's right that it's more the conversation than actually using the cell phone that's the greatest distraction. I guess it rubs me the wrong way that his conclusion is to ban cell phones in cars entirely. Gee, it's not like there's any number of other distractions that can be just as bad as cell phones. Should we ban them, too?
It's that kind of thinking that got us to where we are today where the government regulates every aspect of our lives and we still keep on hearing more and more of it. Those of you doing that, please stop.
posted by Fred Mangels @ 9:33 AM
14 comments
14 Comments:
Fred, Do you remember the terrible fuss some people made after Ralph Nader persuaded the federal government to require auto manufacturers to install seat belts in cars?
Yep, and I agree with LP candidate for president, Bob Barr. He was debating some guy from that Brady gun control organization on a proposed gun law. The guy tried that approach with him, to paraphrase:
Gun control guy; "We have laws requiring seat belts in cars. This is the same sort of thing isn't it congressman?".
Then Congressman, Bob Barr: "People should be able to drive whatever kind of car they want.".
I also don't believe in seat belt laws despite having been a fanatical seat belt wearer long before the old "Buckle Up For Safety" campaigns started.
The feeble fines won't stop people from jabbering while pretending to pay attention to their driving (not that very many drivers pay attention even when they're not on the phone.
we have seat belt laws because they save lives- lot of em
Same with cell phones
people who dont like it will always
say "well if ya make THAT illegal- where will it end?"
Thats dumb-
No one is gonna outlaw eating or even smoking in your car for the simple reason that not very many people die that way-
cell phones and booze? ALOT of deaths-
This is not 'socialist', and Im sure 'Pogo' thinks only liberals want this law. (Cause he thinks only libs want anything HE doesnt-
what logic, huh?)
INSURANCE companies and COPS want this law- because they see the end result-
Its really that simple.
"INSURANCE companies and COPS want this law- because they see the end result-".
Yeah, right. Speaking of cops, I suspect this law doesn't apply to them. I see them talking on cell phones all the time. Just five minutes after I made this post I saw a Eureka cop drive by talking on his cell phone.
But Fred, if you know how rigorous the training for police and CHP officers is, you know they are much more skilled at driving than most of us civilians are.
Cops always seem to be on the phone while driving. And my guess as to who pushed for this law to be passed is the makers of the handless talking apparatus.
"Cops always seem to be on the phone while driving.".
About an hour or so ago, I noticed a cop driving down my street headed to downtown. He looked like the same one I saw earlier this morning. He was talking on his cell phone.
I might clarify, I don't know that I have much problem with people that actually have important business to deal with talking on cell phones while driving. Most of the people that are talking while driving don't, though.
The law hasn't taken effect yet so why do you care if they're talking on their phones? And yes, they are exempt. And no, they don't really favor it because it's just another thing for people to complain about..
"Why are you stopping me? Shouldn't you be out there catching rapists and robbers? I was only talking on my phone! No, I didn't see the kid in the wheelchair in the crosswalk. I didn't hit him, did I? He got out of the way! You're not giving me a ticket are you? Lousy friggin' cop"
You can still talk on your cell phone legally till July 1.
Fred - you should read the various articles about deaths on Highway 96 and 299. There have been 8 or 9 this year - no seat belts were worn. Ejected from their cars and died at the scene with massive injuries. One person was ejected from his car, but the car rolled over on him and crushed him. He might have had major injuries from being ejected, but I guess we will never know that.
Seat belts do save lives. I have passed eratic drivers on the highway and thought maybe they were on their cell phone, but no - they were eating. One was actually eating and trying to put her makeup on at the same time. I don't know what she was steering the car with as she was using both hands at the same time. She actually did a better job of driving than some of the drivers who were only eating.
YEp- good points-
But cops- like it or not- are people too!
Some even (gasp) BREAK the law once in a while!
After July 1? They had damn well better hang up- like everyone else.
Those of us who DRIVE while we are driving are getting fed up with drunks AND cell phone drivers!
All people around here want to do is argue about pot or transients- while our kids get killed on the highways!
Unreal.
One of the guys that was ejected and killed out on 96 was found still clutching his bong and lighter! Good thing he wasn't talking on his cell phone!
"One of the guys that was ejected and killed out on 96 was found still clutching his bong and lighter! Good thing he wasn't talking on his cell phone!"
You really need to get a life, dont you?
I think there's a difference between holding something to your ear and listening and talking into it while driving, opposed to carrying on a conversation with your hands free. The latter is less distracting, takes away less concentration from driving. What's interesting is that part of the job I'm on now -- driving delivery vans at night for the Times-Standard -- involves using a mobile radio. We talk into the mic, holding it with one hand, but listen via a speaker on the radio. I find this much less distracting than holding a phone to my ear. And it will still be legal under the new law.
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