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Block Texting in Cars!

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In Ontario, where they just doubled the fine BTW, just holding the phone is enough. A woman appealed her ticket saying she was simply picking the phone off the floor and placing it on the seat. She lost the appeal.
 
Interesting, too, that some studies have shown that even "hands-free" calling is hazardous because, evidently, the person on the other end doesn't know to stop talking in a crisis.

Anyway, I think it's a pain to enforce the law... and, ****, I'd just eliminate it IF it's not going to be enforced. I'd like to see it enforced.
 
Enforcing that would likely be no different than enforcing required seat belt law that I think all states have. Mine does and I know it is enforced. Cost me $20 to learn that.
 
Then, perhaps saturation patrols.

Still, there is a considerable difference between seat-belts and cell phones. The world of cell phones and texters has put the rest of us at risk (not just the person failing to wear the seatbelts).
 
As I read these discussions, I remember a comment made years ago that zero tolerance has nothing to do with whether the police lay charges 100% of the time and everything to do with society saying they will no longer tolerate that type of behaviour. So, it isn't the police that enforce it but societal norms. I suspect there are a number of societal norms that need to change around driving and internet etiquette. I am also amazed by the number of "law abiding" folk (myself included sometimes) who feel certain laws just don't apply to them.
 
Good point JP. Yes, all this is really evolving... and it still needs to sort itself out. Hands-free calling may eventually be in all cars (mine has it) but until then, many just don't think the law applies to them. I've been run off the road twice by texters... and yet I've also been caught for not having a seatbeat (and had to go to seatbelt "school") - I hasten to add that I use one all the time now. :)
 
Boink said:
Good point JP. Yes, all this is really evolving... and it still needs to sort itself out. Hands-free calling may eventually be in all cars (mine has it) but until then, many just don't think the law applies to them. I've been run off the road twice by texters... and yet I've also been caught for not having a seatbeat (and had to go to seatbelt "school") - I hasten to add that I use one all the time now. :)
Click to expand...

Actually seatbelt use is a good example of culture change in societal norms - especially with children
 
Given the pervasive nature of social networking (telephone, texting, email, Facebook, etc.), I suspect the technology in cars may have to change to allow it (somehow)... as I don't think PEOPLE will change. But maybe you're right (with the seatbelt comparison). Doubt it. :friendly_wink:
 
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