An appeal to common sense
I've noticed a common tendency amongst US citizens to assume that the fact that we live in a free country to mean that you should have the freedom to do whatever the hell you want, no matter how stupid. In many cases, I'll say, sure. You want to do something stupid to yourself in the privacy of your own home where others won't be affected, that's your call. That right should stop when your actions could harm others. And to that end, I feel the need to ask:
do we really need a law to ban texting while driving?
I mean, come on, people.
Washington was the first state to pass that law, which went into effect while I was still living there. People were pissed that the government was infringing on their rights in such an aggregious manner, but this is driving a car. You're propelling a 3+ ton contraption at speeds averaging 60 miles per hour, weaving in and out of similar contraption moving at similar speeds while also watching for pedastrians and other things that you probably don't want to collide with. What about this scenario makes you think "must pull out cell phone and type a message NOW!" Personally, I find it annoying when I'm walking behind someone and they start texting. Their pace slows, and they start meandering around the sidewalk, suddenly unable to walk in a straight line, which makes walking passed them a difficult exercise. I have more than once nearly been pushed out into traffic by texting undergrads. Now, take this same effect, and apply it to people driving cars. See a problem?
So, yes, you're entitled to tons of rights in this country, and amen. However, I myself value, oh, living, and I have the right to continue to do so, as do all the other innocent people on the road. So, I beg of you all, please save the texting until you're at home.
do we really need a law to ban texting while driving?
I mean, come on, people.
Washington was the first state to pass that law, which went into effect while I was still living there. People were pissed that the government was infringing on their rights in such an aggregious manner, but this is driving a car. You're propelling a 3+ ton contraption at speeds averaging 60 miles per hour, weaving in and out of similar contraption moving at similar speeds while also watching for pedastrians and other things that you probably don't want to collide with. What about this scenario makes you think "must pull out cell phone and type a message NOW!" Personally, I find it annoying when I'm walking behind someone and they start texting. Their pace slows, and they start meandering around the sidewalk, suddenly unable to walk in a straight line, which makes walking passed them a difficult exercise. I have more than once nearly been pushed out into traffic by texting undergrads. Now, take this same effect, and apply it to people driving cars. See a problem?
So, yes, you're entitled to tons of rights in this country, and amen. However, I myself value, oh, living, and I have the right to continue to do so, as do all the other innocent people on the road. So, I beg of you all, please save the texting until you're at home.