New York state passed a compelte ban on the use of handheld cellphones while driving. As a biker and walker who regularly dodges cars driven by idiots yacking on their cell phone, this is a real issue to me. One that potentially affects my life and well-being, not merely some academic argument.
Virginia's lower house recently passed a ban on 15, 16 and 17 year olds using cellphones while driving. These teens would not be able to talk, send text messages or snap photos with a phone while on Virginia roads. The ban would also apply to hands-free devices but would allow teens to use a phone during an emergency.
The bill was defended by Democratic Delegate Timothy Hugo who quipped, "We are saying, 'Hang up and drive.' "
The bill's Republican sponsor in the state senate opined, "It doesn't matter if the phone is in their hands or hands-free. The distraction for the teen is the same."
I heartily agree.
However, the same applies to adults.
It's absolutely absurd to argue that it's dangerous for teens to drive and yack on the cellphone at the same time but perfectly harmless for adults. I speak from personal experience when I say it's not perfectly harmless when adults do it.
If you want to yack on your cellphone, get a headset, the use of which while driving is legal in NY.
Or God forbid, pull off to the side of the road for a few minutes if your call is that urgent.
Just like drunk driving, the use of a handheld cellphone while driving is INHERENTLY dangerous. Those who do it, regardless of age, are a menace to not only to other motor vehicles, but bicyclists and pedestrians. It's not safe no matter who does it.
Virginia's move is nothing more than empty populism. It's pretty convenient for legislators to pick on a group that's not old enough to vote them out of office.
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