Chicago Bans Text Messaging While Driving
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Submitted by The Local Tourist on October 10, 2008 - 10:51am
How many times have you seen someone texting while driving and thought "idiot." Well, now those who don't seem to grasp the idea that you need to look out the windows of the car to drive can get a ticket.
Chicago's City Council voted unanimously to add the ban on texting while driving to the existing law that restricts talking on a hand-held phone. Beginning in November, violators will receive a $75 ticket. If they cause an accident the ticket can go up to $200.
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I really don't get this... I
Submitted by Local Tourist on October 10, 2008 - 4:28pm.I really don't get this... I really don't.
Why do we need specific laws to target these behaviors? Do we need to have a ban on putting on makeup while on the expressway? What about reaching into the backseat to find a CD that somehow disappeared? Do we need provisions that make this acceptable when you're sitting at a red light and need to take 2 seconds to send a message saying that you'll be late, or is that also worth of a $75 fine?
To me... we already have a law on the books that handles all these situations... Reckless driving.
And its even better.. because it only takes effect when you're actually endangering someone. Who cares if while I'm sitting in bumper to bumper traffic and I grab a quick bit out of a sandwich or make a quick phone call or send a quick text message (other then if you happen to have a cop behind or next to you). You certainly aren't endangering anyone.
One last point... even without a reckless driving law... these things take care of themselves... If I'm not paying attention for whatever reason and I rear end your car... the accident is immediately my fault and I'm responsible for the damages. Why does a traffic citation HAVE to be issued by law whenever a police officer fills out an accident report? I'll give you a hint and it has to do with revenue.
While it may seem 'obvious' and like a great idea... there's a lot of really stupid things that comes out of this... and I'm sure that MANY people will get dinged by this just because they glanced at their phone while a cop saw them do that.
I'm not advocating no laws... but rather, a few general laws that cover all situations. More government is almost always a bad idea, especially given the fact that on any given day, just about everyone breaks at least one law and probably many... and they may not even be aware that what they are doing is illegal. (when was the last time you changed lanes without signaling for a couple hundred feet?)
Ok.. this started as a short comment.. and turned into a rant.. so.. I'll shut up now... =)
RyanK
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