Your North Carolina General Assembly now is considering legislation to prohibit people from writing text messages while they drive. A number of colleagues have suggested that such legislation may be akin to writing bills that say:
"Don't put your hand directly on the front burner while it is alight."
"Don't pound your bare toe into the side of your desk."
"The beehive? Not a good idea to pick it up with your hand and shake it."
And yet, one doesn't hear many people making fun of the solons, because the truth is, PEOPLE DO WRITE TEXT MESSAGES WHILE THEY ARE DRIVING. Incredible.
Would they consider frying up a sausage biscuit while negotiating Downtown Boulevard at rush hour? (I am afraid there may actually be a device to fry sausage while in an automobile, but if there is I don't wish to know about it.)
Come to think of it, one suspects that some of the people who today are text messaging while behind the wheel at one time might have not allowed their own children to drink a milkshake in the car. Consider the possibilities now:
"Johnny, don't drink that 'shake while we're riding. You might spill some on the leather. Say, can you reach the wheel from your car seat? I need you to hold it for a second while I text your uncle about the Springsteen tickets."
Our society seems scared to death of falling out of touch, even for a second, with telephonic and now written communication. That's no sin, but driving at the same time you're writing? No, no, no.
My friend Wally's favorite bumper sticket still works: "Hang up and drive."
Comments
I know it's not safe..
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 08:10 — andrewmoquinSeems like there are plenty of laws prohibiting people from crashing their cars into each other… sadly, crashes still happen. What exactly is this law going to do, other than a) generate ticket revenue b) serve as a pretext for more extensive police shake downs c) reduce overall safety, because instead of doing something hard like actual police work, they will instead be busy making a show of doing police work.
right answer: d) all of the above.
Do you agree with me?
the real problem is the actual taking your mind off driving by doing something else. Repeat studies of even hands free talking on the phone is just as disruptive as a phone on the ear.
The car is not the place for multi-tasking, it is for driving! Be aware - message from artists community of Berkshire County MA