florida, please pass a law........

[Andy Chase]

running your plates on his laptop

When I did my skills course, at least in MN, you radio in the plates not on the labtop. I believe they only enter in information once they have you stopped. Also radioing in the plates alerts the dispatcher where you are, and the vehicle you pulled over in case something goes bad and they need to send backup and/or have susptect in addition to finding out if the vehicle or plates are stolen.

 

[Mike Dziubina]

This is why I have Train Horns on my truck.

 

[TrainTrac]

@Andy C: My point was to illustrate the hypocrisy of such laws when the very LEO's charged with enforcing them have far more potential for distractions when operating their vehicle than does the average citizen.

 

[Bill V]

TrainTrac, valid point--although the LEOs do have far more training and experience with driving a vehicle while operatic those "distractions" than 99% of drivers on the road. So IMHO, it's not an apples-to-apples comparison.

 

[Les]

We don't have time in Florida to mess with texters, we're too busy installing red-light cameras on every corner. Because as you know, it makes us safer.

 

[Richard L]

I agree with TJR.

As much as I hate the people who are texting, or constantly talking on the phone, unless they are involved in an accident there is really nothing we can or should do.



Even the simple acts of changing the channel on the radio, adjusting the volume, switching track or CD's, looking for your sun glasses, talking to your passenger, or yelling at the kids in the back seat...They are all distractions. Some people handle distractions better than others, and some can't handle any distractions.



I do not attempt to text anybody while driving, but if I receive a text message, I will read it as soon as it's safe to do so. If it's not any emergency, I don't worry about responding back until I am stopped or parked. If I need to reply immediately, (very, very rarely) I will pull over to reply.



My vehicles are equiped with BlueTooth hands free phone units so I can answer a phone call by just pushing a button, the volume on the radio is automatically muted, and my hands are still free to drive.



I realize that there are people who cannot talk and walk, much less talk and drive...but I don't think everyone should be assumed to be that unfocused...And we certainly don't need anymore laws that are subject only to the subjective opinion of a police officer.



...Rich

 

[Thomas Rogers]

Les,



As you know, unfortunately for many municipalities its not about public health and safety but about filling the coffers.



If it were about public health and safety then the mom who smokes with her kids in the car, or the parent that shares a 50 piece nuggets with two large sodas and two large fries with their child at McDonalds would get a warning, then would get the child taken from them.



We see parents hurting their kids, and people hurting themselves all the time. We don't tend to do anything about it unless there is money to be made in the process.



Sad.



TJR

 

[Steve McKellop]

Maybe they were shaving their hoohah !:bwahaha:

 

[EddieS'04]

I wear my ear bud bluetooth or use the one on my visor. I only answer calls. I know myself have been distracted at times. For me Im not a traveling bussiness person. No need to multi-task. I have answered calls and depending on the traffic. I tell them I will call back. Even with bluetooth it breaks my concentration. School zones around me have gone hands free only.



What I have noticed in my town. 98% of those texting while driving are very young and not seasoned drivers. Many havent learned enough defensive driving well enough. To even think about multi-tasking behind the wheel.



Im not perfect I have had my share of boo-boos' behind the wheel in my past. I have tried to eliminate the distractions as I get older. Tight traffic conditions I dont play the radio. Especialy on the freeways around Houston. The traffic make me nervous enough. I think all the years I spent on motorcycles gave me a good insight to distractions. I confess Im still a spirited driver, when the road is clear. I just pray I have hit all the cars, in my youth for the rest of my life.



I do wonder about the texting enforement. Most of the time you cant tell unless you are in a truck and they in a car.

 

[Gerry Mac]

Gary S,



We passed a provincial statute here in Manitoba on the use of all these devices. If you are even holding it in your hand you will received a fine $199.80 The impact of the law has been minimal and most people just carry on as if no such law exists. There are no demerits.



Personally, I think that the law was not necessary and was better enforced by the existing "Imprudent Operation of a Motor vehicle" statute. This carried 5 demerits a fine of up to $2000 and most often a driving prohibition. A conviction under this HTA (Highway Traffic Act) offence had some bite and left a mark. The burden of proof is higher under this Act and "normally" needs 3 (or more) driving infractions to secure a conviction. Remember I said "normally."



That said Gary, if you thought that person was operating carelessly you have the option of identifying the operator of the vehicle (by sight), recording the plate and reporting it to your local police. If they do not pursue the matter you can also attend at the court house and lay a Private Information. Basically, you become the person charging the driver and would appear and give evidence.



Gerry Mac