at the beginning of the new decade bc drivers had to do a quick update in regards to what they’re allowed to do while at the wheel of a vehicle. the use of a cellphone, mp3 or any other handheld devices if strictly prohibited while driving. however, just like any other law made by man there are just as many exceptions to the law as there are grammar exceptions in the English language. most important ones are, and this only applies to full driver license holders, you can talk on the phone if you are using a hands free device or if it is an emergency then feel free to use the handheld device.
overall, i agree that while driving one should concentrate on driving and only driving. so, in order to ensure safety on the road i will agree with stricter laws. however, hiding behind the pretext of implementing a change for safety but coming up with a half-assed law should not be allowed. talking on the cellphone is definitely a problem and has been shown to distract drivers while driving. the problem with it…the talking. being involved in a conversation while driving will distract one from being in the fullest state of alert. the conversation itself is the problem. fair enough if you argue that having one hand on the phone is also a problem, but it’s no the only one. if you focus on talking, even if it is on a hand less device, you are still not fully concentrating on the road. so while handheld device and talking are most likely worst than talking by itself; it’s still the talking that takes the huge chunk of the issue. anyhow…the idea of the law is great, the law itself is simply stupid. not sure of what they were smoking when they came up with it, but they should share with the rest of us. if in research we would conclude using the same logic we’d still be in the dark ages.
at this point, i’d like to know how they will address the other bigger problems and causes of lack of attention while driving? things like:
- putting on make-up
- eating
- smoking
- reading a book
- having a pet in your lap while you drive
- drinking (not alcohol) while driving
- etc…
how and when will they truly address these issues? how is one supposed to drive properly while they hold their ‘rat’ size puddle in their lap? or is a moving animal in the front seat not considered to be a potential hazard? eating and drinking while driving, i guess that’s ok; yet if a law is developed to address this then mcdonald’s will not supply lunch at the office for them anymore. i guess someone had to increase sales profits on bluetooth devices (or bluetooth like devices) and thus…we get the cellphone law.
