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Detroit, 9:45 PM
Sun Nov 29
14 posts in the last 24 hours
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07/13/09
Here in Washington it's secondary, so the law has done nothing.
07/13/09
I realize it was likely taken in a parking lot, but in the spirit of the article it's better my way.
07/13/09
Keerist, I know people who can't let an incoming text go 10 seconds without immediately replying.
It's really quite pathetic, especially when your inattention and cluelessness is backed by a 2,000 pound auto.
07/13/09
I wish they were piloting autos with only 2,000 lbs. of mass....
07/13/09
07/13/09
Look, I'm all about personal freedom. However, your freedom to swing your fist stops at my face. In the same vein, your freedom to engage in activities which distract you while hurtling a 2000+ lb. car down the road stop as soon as you pose a threat to everyone else on the road.
So, what's my solution? Sure, you can text or talk on the phone all you want while driving. However, if you cause or are involved in an accident while engaging in one of these activities the penalties skyrocket.
But, how do you prove it?
07/13/09
07/13/09
So I'll throw my two cents in for what it's worth: my solution is for states to pass legislation banning the use of cell phones while driving as a primary offense. Officers can see you using your phone, especially at night, and the person would probably be too distracted to see them coming anyway. As far as I can see it, the only way to prevent someone from risking their lives and the lives of others is to completely ban their use behind the wheel - with hands free use being a possible exception. Face it, people got along fine before cell phones became so mainstream and honestly anyone who is that important won't be driving themselves anyway. If you absolutely NEED to contact someone, there are plenty of shoulders and exits to pull off and make your call/text.
I also agree with your idea of extreme financial/prison penalties for anyone causing an accident with fatalities because of a cell phone. I think cell phone records should be pulled in every fatal accident, if nothing else just as a way to determine cause and sevarity of this issue.
Anyway, just my two cents. Feel free to disagree if you are so inclined.
07/13/09
According to 99% of the conversations I've ever overheard, mostly in highly inappropriate places to have a phone conversation, most of these fuckwits don't have 2 IQ points to rub together.
They sure as hell don't need to share their vapid thoughts in real time with other terminally inattentive halfwits while tying up the fast lane on the freeway.
That's just my opinion though. I could be wrong...
07/13/09
But seriously, I agree completely. I can't add much, since you have already said it all with a wonderfully razor sharp tongue.
Edit: Why can't I heart click you?
07/13/09
07/13/09
Lesson learned: Don't get pulled over.
07/13/09
Here in VA, it's a secondary offense. I'll be curious to hear stats as to how many offenses are cited- my guess is not that many.
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07/13/09
@engineerd: Hey! How dare you insult our national treasur... Ah, screw it, my experience with curling was an episode of Corner Gas
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07/13/09
Ridiculous sarcasm aside, the difference in driving laws always amaze me too. I honestly have no idea what the seatbelt laws are in the states that neighbor mine, let alone anything more complex then that. I always try to go for the safest/least likely to get me pulled over option, but I really wish there was a more standard system.
07/13/09
07/13/09
I'd recommend an updated application of Don Sherman's age old wisdom: If you cause a crash while doing this, then you will not receive insurance coverage. Have a nice day. He originally suggested it for seatbelt injuries. People might think twice before doing it if they consider the consequences.
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07/13/09
I'm not a 15 year old girl. I think I can manage to mash out less than 160 characters without murdering a bus full of toddlers.
07/13/09