In today's Blah, the editorial is applauding Bowling Green's recently enacted ordinance concerning driving while using a cell phone - calling the piece The Cell Phone Distraction
Now, just to make things clear, I use either a corded or Bluetooth device when I'm driving. I use it because I think it's responsible and prudent (and maybe because I totaled out a car against a tree years ago because I was on the phone). If I get on a motorcycle, I use a helmet. When I drive, I use seat belts.....well, most of the time. Not because any of those are law, but, again, because I think it responsible and prudent, and although I could be better looking, I don't want road rash or getting strained thru the dashboard marring my otherwise good looks! ;-)
Why do the lawmakers have to regulate bad behavior, and why are we letting them do it?
If you cause an accident, it's because in one way, shape or form, you were negligent. Whether you were talking on the phone, eating a burger, reading a map or talking with your passenger, it doesn't matter, and it doesn't make the accident any worse or any 'less worse'. You were negligent, and now you're responsible for the outcome.
What is the ultimate reason for this 'regulation of behavior'? Additional income, pure and simple!
If you cause an accident, Officer Friendly is going to cite you either for an ORC violation or a Muni Code violation. If it's a Muni Code, then the city get's the entire fine, whereas if it's an ORC violation, the State gets the bulk of the $$. Following me?
Now, you've cause an accident by ramming the guy in the rear. Officer Friendly cites you for a City violation of 'failure to keep assured clear distance' and the city gets to keep all the money. Now, we have an additional option of citing for "use of a cellphone while driving" - maybe $100 or so, but that's $100 more than they had before!
Additional income, pure and simple!
Do you think the new regulation is going to keep people from yapping on the phone? Come on! When someone is on the phone and they see a cop, a real quick "Hold on" will be spoken, the cell phone put down for a moment until Officer Friendly passes, then back to the conversation!
Again, I DO NOT condone talking on the phone while driving. I also don't condone eating a burger, putting on makeup, reading the newspaper, squeezing zits (saw that one yesterday!) or combing your hair while driving, but if we're going to ban cell phones, then let's take the regulation of 'distracted driving' to cover all of these and outlaw conversing with your passenger!
To quote Plato: "Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws." Simply put, Ya can't regulate stupidity.
IMHO - the only reason there are more and more of these "behavior laws" is that many Americans stopped teaching their children the difference between right and wrong, common sense, and respect for others.
posted by SillyWabbit on Sep 20, 2008 at 09:17:14 am #