Distracted Driver Laws

[bear105]

Heard an interesting argument for the Distracted Driver laws currently sweeping in across the country. http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-06-01-distracted-drivers-lede_x.htm

The arguement was that this would effect Amatuer Radio, CB and Scanner operators as well as Cell phone users and "the lady putting on her make-up".

Now, I think we will all agree that the Cell phone usage is the majority of the problem, but some of these other activities could be impacted as the laws in some parts are not that specific.

Thoughts??

 

[k8tmk]

I wonder if that law would apply to one of the St. Joseph, Michigan police officers. He regularly calls in license plate numbers of vehicles to find out who the cute driver is and their address (but never actually stops them).

I just happened to be in the right place at the right time and caught him doing this twice. He called in a plate, but turned off in another direction before dispatch got back to him.

Since then, I quite often hear him call in a plate which belongs to a female, but never indicate he is stopping the vehicle.

Randy

 

[FPO703]

They should also include Public Safety Agencies as well if they're gonna 'punish all'. That means all the public safety officials that use two-way radios, cell phones, nextels, etc... If you're gonna punish the general public, you can't make a certain group exempt.

If the person causes a traffic hazard, is driving recklessly, causes an accident, etc... then, and only then, do I think they should use this law. If a person is able to operate their vehicle and operate their two-way radio, cell phone, etc... and NOT pose any threat to the public, don't bother them.

Not everyone can do multiple things at once. But, quite a few can and should be allowed to do so.

 

[kc4jgc]

My take is that there is already laws on the books that cover accidents caused by a driver that was talking on a cell/text messaging/on a cb or amateur radio: RECKLESS DRIVING!

I can talk on my ham rig or cell and still be aware of my surroundings; I shouldn't have my activies restricted because of the (unfortunately) many people out there who get tunnel vision the moment the phone rings.

I think those "hands free only" laws in places like DC are "feel good" laws. I don't understand how having a hands free phone is going to be much of a difference. If someone is going to get tunnel vision while on the phone, it's going to happen whether or not he/she is using a hands free unit.