Driving while talking or walking the dog
I’ve been commenting on the safety aspects of talking while driving at least since 2002, when researchers produced a study indicating that talking while driving is a net benefit (that apparently should be encouraged). The study claimed that banning talking while driving would cost Americans many billions of dollars annually. (This study with its improbable results no longer seems to be online, but a relatively supportive Slate column commenting on it is.)
Nevertheless, over the past eight years a consensus seems to have emerged that talking (and, recently, texting) while driving should be discouraged, and US state legislatures have been addressing the issue, often reaching ridiculous conclusions. Take my state of Massachusetts. As Boston Globe columnist Joan Vennochi writes, “The Massachusetts Senate passed a driving-safety bill that forbids text-messaging and cellphone use behind the wheel–for teenagers only. Adults can’t text, but they can still use a hand-held cellphone behind the wheel.” She continues, “If safety is the goal, carving out an exception for adults makes no sense. By that logic, adults shouldn’t have to buckle up. They can disobey speeding laws and drink and drive. And while they do, they can leave voicemail messages for their teenage offspring, urging them to keep both hands on the wheel and off their iPhone. Either cellphone use is dangerous for all drivers, or it’s not.”
She quotes State Senator Steven Baddour, co-chair of the Massachusetts Legislature’s transportation committee, who calls the proposal “a feel-good amendment that will have zero effect on making our roads safer.” Adds Vennochi, “That’s because studies show that hands-free phones are as distracting as hand-held phones.”
My takes is that the proposed legislation is not just worthless but harmful, as it suggests government approval of hands-free talking while driving.
I think the legislatures should let well enough alone. I recently came across this news item: “Driver in doghouse after walking pet while in car.” The article reports, “An English dog-owner has been fined after taking his pet for a stroll while driving next to him in his car. Prosecutors said Paul Railton was spotted driving at low speed along a country lane in December, holding his dog’s leash through the car window as the animal trotted alongside. Railton pleaded guilty Monday to not being in proper control of a vehicle.” There has apparently been no need to pass legislation addressing this specific issue. Amazingly, common sense prevailed.
Brian M commented:
Laws should not be what we are talking about, it should be personal resposibility. I would not consider making a Ceaser Salad while driving, but I really don't think we need a law to "prevent" me from doing it. I can't imagine any state that doesn't already stipulate a driver must be in control of his vehicle at all times. Why, the driver of the motor home didn't need to be charged with "making popcorn in the microwave while driving", but only with not being in control of his vehicle, as he walked to the rolling kitchen to fetch his snack.
Lunacy in Legislation must end...
Just Me commented:
Truth is people shouldn't be so dam stupid as to talk, text or anything that takes their attention from the road.
In town driveing is the biggest problem as roads are congested and at any time you may need to slow, stop or change lanes to avoid an accident, if you are in heavy traffic any use should be forbiden, If talking on the phone or texting is so important you should pull over park, do your talking and then get back on the road when done.
Its insain to risk your life and the lives of others to blab on the phone, people need to get thier prioritys in order and stop being such fools.
In truth there shouldn't be a need for a law.
But since people can't do the right thing on thier own, laws have to be enacted to force people to stop doing things that can harm themeselves and others.
I could see an exception in that one could make a call while stopped in rush hour traffic, but only when stopped.
Opticsace commented:
Doesn't this just point up the fact that government is the problem, not the solution.
Andy T commented:
We should just admit it as a society and enact the law we have been avoiding all this time. Outlaw STUPID
Gus S. Calabrese commented:
The only law should be to stop people who are driving erratically. I don't support trying to guess if they can control a vehicle while drinking, sneezing, getting s e x , smoking , sleeping , being old , being young ..... too many laws. If they are driving in a dangerous manner , they should be forced to sit at the side of the road in a timeout lane.
And politicians should never be allowed to drive ..... cars or society
Stiggle commented:
I've never been able to drive while walking the dog....
Satcom Bill commented:
Just goes to prove that those that make the rules can't walk and chew gum at the same time
Martin Rowe commented:
Don't sneeze, either. A car cut me off in the moment my eyes closed.
