Comments on: Bad driving isn’t a civil liberty

By: Shadow Wolf

Shadow Wolf — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 20:18:26 +0000

Here’s how you solve the problem of not being able to find your earpiece: DON’T ANSWER THE GODDAMN PHONE! If you’re not wearing your earpiece, let it go to voice mail and return the call when you can do so SAFELY.

Honestly, I swear you cell phone addicts would stop to answer a phone call in the middle of a burning theater.

By: Elusis

Elusis — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:11:12 +0000

The LA Times has a story today showing that hands-on vs. hands-free driving makes no difference in accident rates, it’s the distraction of thinking about something complex while driving that’s the problem. Apparently it wasn’t even talking that was the issue; simply listening to a lab assistant talk about something thought-provoking interfered with attention.

Which left me wondering: I usually drive while listening to NPR. Sometimes I listen to podcasts. Shouldn’t there be some legislation preventing such things, if complex listening interferes with driving?

And I agree with Gabe’s point about digging for one’s earpiece – mine always falls to the bottom of my purse, won’t switch on quickly, doesn’t want to settle onto my ear on the first try, etc. etc. I’m not wearing it all the time while driving, because it’s uncomfortable, and it interferes with me hearing things. Like the directionality of sirens. And my NPR station.

By: Jon Fleischman

Jon Fleischman — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:33:52 +0000

Josh, I wasn’t trying to be petulant, I was trying to be sarcastic. That said, I will be the first to admit that sometimes, in an effort to make a point, I go too far.

But I do admit that we (you and I) have a different view of the proper role for government.

In order to elimate risk, you have to eliminate liberty.

Flash

By: Gabe

Gabe — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:39:10 +0000

I wonder if the politicians took into account the very real possibility (almost the fact) that people will be digging around in pockets, dashboards, center consoles etc. looking for their hands free devices while they drive?

I nearly lost control of my vehicle today trying to pull my “hands free device” out of my back pocket while driving on the freeway , and I refuse to perpetually wear an electronic device that emits low level radiation and sends radio signals through my brain. (BTW I use a non-electronic headset that plugs into my phone via a wire, which I could conceivably wear at all times with the only side effect being that I will look like a total idiot.)

I do believe that we will see a new phenomenon: car accidents caused by people frantically trying to locate their hands free devices, while moving at high speeds, all while motivated by the fear of remaining in compliance with this somewhat dubious law.

Whether or not the accidents resulting from this new complication lead to more or less than estimated 300 deaths per year cited above, only time will tell.

I think it is pre mature to celebrate this new law as the end all, be all regulation that will usher in an era of peace and safety on California’s highways.