Cell phone bans ON THE ROAD is designed to protect innocent people.
Again, that's the surrogate story.
Politicians frequently use "
public health" and "
for the children" arguments to generate public support for increasing government's reach.
If the government were genuinely concerned with public health on the road, they would pass legislation which addressed ALL distractions. The fact that they focus only on cell phone use makes me want to investigate the politicians who sponsored the bill to see what financial interests they have in OnStar, BlueTooth and similar.
Driving on the roads is NOT a right.
I never said it was, and even if I did it would be a civil right which is subject to federal and state regulation.
Banning talking on a cell phone while a motor vehicle is in motion is perfectly reasonable.
I would agree if it were a part of a greater effort to address driver distractions.
IMO drivers should have to talk on a cell phone to an instructor while learning how to drive and/or testing on a course. Drivers should have to learn how to operate the vehicle while various distractions are present; from screaming infants to a pet that suddenly get's loose from the carrier, people need to at least practice bringing the car to a stop safely while these hazards are present.
Drivers should have to at least practice driving with one hand so that they can drive safely if their arm is broken, driving with their left foot in case their right foot is ever injured, with only one eye, etc.
Anyone convicted of a DUI should lose their license for a year, imo, for life on the second offence and charged with a felony if they continue driving without a license.
Cell phone use is such a small piece of the picture that focusing only on that is highly suspicious.