Posted on 10/14/2009 1:13:02 PM PDT by SoonerStorm09
OKLAHOMA CITY — As more and more cities and states pass laws banning the use of cell phones – including texting – while driving, this “nanny statism” has finally struck lawmakers in Oklahoma.
And that’s unfortunate. Oklahomans tend to pride themselves on the fact that more government intervention is not a good idea. Good old-fashioned common sense is usually acceptable and reasonable laws are followed.
Banning cell phones and texting while driving is unreasonable, in the eyes of the Oklahoma Watchdog.
Rep. Sue Tibbs, a Tulsa Republican who serves on the House Public Safety Committee, is planning to introduce a measure to ban texting, and another that would ban talking on cell phones while driving unless a hands-free device is used, reports the Tulsa World this week.
The World, of course, thinks we are all children and says that while the texting ban makes perfect sense, banning the use of cell phones while driving is a “dicier” issue.
“It little matters the cuase of distraction for drivers – talking on the cell phone, texting on a cell phone, spending too long at the bar before getting behind the wheel, applying make-up or fiddling with the radio.”
And then the World editorial board shakes its finger in our face in the final sentence: “Distracted driving, all of it, is dangerous driving.”
So, we know where one of the state’s largest newspapers stands on the issue. Yet one more law. Another source of revenue for local municipalities in tough economic times. Makes sense, eh?
Fortunately, there are some state legislators, like Sen. Randy Brogdon (R-Owasso), who does not support a ban on texting while driving or on cell phones because the government is already “overreaching.”
(Excerpt) Read more at oklahoma.watchdog.org ...
Ah, prohibiting texting while driving is a nanny state overreach?
Cut me a friggin break. This is liberatarianism taken to the level of idiocy.
I still don't have either of these gadgets. I'd only get one if I was going to do some traveling....Emergency or contact only.
Practically impossible to enforce. Good reason to pull someone over though.
It’s already a no-no here in the great nanny state of Ohio.
The purpose of this is revenue generation. Nothing else.
Texting while driving? 1 month license suspension and minimum 10 days in jail on first offense, 6 months license suspension and minimum 90 days in jail on second offense, permanent license suspension and 1 year in jail seems fair to me.
Yep I agree. Texting while driving endangers other drivers, not just yourself. Calling it an overreach to make it illegal is imo the same as calling banning drunk driving a nanny state overreach.
In some cases I’d rather have a “drunk” driver than a texting driver. At least the .09 BAC driver is probably going to be trying to pay attention (unless they are texting too!)
I hope they outlaw phoning while driving. I’ve had too many close calls with some idiot yakking while driving. If you need to make a frigging phone call so bad, pull over and park. Otherwise, hang up and drive!
I’ve been guilty of texting and driving. Its very dangerous IMHO. Of course, I don’t wear a seatbelt either.
Of course, would it be an issue if cops actually patrolled the streets and pulled over people when they were simply driving like idiots for whatever reason? I NEVER see anyone get pulled over for fading from lane to lane etc while texting or talking on a cell phone. And I am nearly run over almost every time I go out on the streets here by some idiot on a cell phone. Of course, I think S. FL must have the worst drivers of anywhere on the planet.
OK...I’m done ranting for now! hehehe
Are seatbelt laws nanny state intrusions?
In my opinion, yes.
This is ridiculous. Just more government regulation, where will it end?
Go ahead rant. I’m not completely innocent of all charges but Bump anyway. :)
After nearly getting smoked twice by idiots talking on their cell phones this is a nanny I can live with.
When people use common sense which means “no texting while driving”.
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