Today is July 1st 2008 and in the states of Washington and California the new "hands free" laws have taken effect. Maybe I'm confused but I didn't think hands free was a good way to drive. You see, my idea of hands free is...a Starbucks in my left hand and a cigarette in my right hand...hands free, knees involved!
Actually the thing that bugs me about these laws is, they are complete window dressing. The problem isn't whether I have something in my hand, its that my attention is on something other then what's happening on the other side of the windshield. The act of having my hand near my head have never distracted me from driving. A loud child has, or someone saying something I didn't agree with has (you have to remember, I have 2 ex-wives) or a song I hate has, but not my hand.
The point is, at least in California, this is typical of our "do nothing" states legislature. They pass good sounding, meaningless, laws so they can be perceived as doing their jobs. Did you know in California it is now illegal to hold a cell phone in your hand while driving...but texting is OK!!! That's right, they didn't include it in the law. Our legislature spend 9 month doing nothing of any value while they prepare for their annual 3 month budget deadlock.
Oh, if anybody can explain to me how hands free text, I'd like to know. Just in case I drive through a state that has real laws.
John
1 comment:
So now when I drive I can drink my venti Decaf non-fat, no foam, 2 splenda latte AND enjoy my pumpkin scone while putting on my mascara, as long as I have my ear piece in I'm street legal ? Cool... Guess we raised the bar on Multi-tasking.
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