clifp
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2006
- Messages
- 7,733
My idea is to take a leaf from the felony book, and deal with it retroactively. If you commit a crime (such as a robbery) there is a certain penalty. In most places, if you use a gun while committing that crime, you get the book thrown at you.
Similarly, under my proposed law, you can use your cellphone while driving if you like. But if you are involved (and I stress mere involvement, not being the cause) in an accident or traffic infraction while your phone is active, you get the book thrown at you.
This would give people the freedom they want, but still make them accountable for their unwise actions.
Great idea. There are already laws about distracted driving. The presumption should be made that if you have talked, texted etc with a couple of minutes of the accident that you are a distracted driver and additional penalties should be added. I agree that even involvement should trigger the penalty. You may have been hit by the other guy but if you weren't on the cellphone you have a better chance of avoiding the accident.
It isn't even all that hard to determine if a cellphone is involved. Cellphones all have call logs or law enforcement can get the information from the carrier. Nowdays most new cars have onboard computers which can pinpoint the exact time of the accident. I am sure insurance companies would be happy to set the appropriate financial penalties for driving while distracted.
People have a pretty strong sense of self preservation, I have had plenty of conversation where I've been told, hey I'm in heavy traffic let me get back to you and I've done the same. If you lack that skill (typically young drivers) heavy fines and jacked up insurance rates will be an excellent reminder.