Posted on 08/07/2007 4:59:35 PM PDT by rellimpank
"Pre-emptive war" got us into a real mess in Iraq. So maybe we ought to think twice before adopting similar measures when it comes to traffic law. Specifically, when it comes to an idea floated by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to require that all new cars be fitted with an ignition interlock that can detect alcohol in the driver's system -- and shut the car down if it does.
Several large automakers (including GM, Ford, Toyota and Honda) also support the idea -- and are working on ways to get these things into new cars, maybe within the next two or three years, if not sooner.
Sounds OK in principle -- sort of like the idea of liberating Iraq. The devil's in the details, though.
(Excerpt) Read more at spectator.org ...
I agree with the people that say we should not get wrapped around statistics here, but the seriousness of an accident is mostly a function of speed and I have seen slow and fast drunks and slow and fast cell phone users. The more interesting question is the one about judgement. Certainly there is a conscious lack of judgement in an sober alcoholic driving to a bar. The amount of rationalizing needed is much more than from a cell phone user especially if they didn't dial the call themselves.
But once the drunk is behind the wheel ignoring stop signs is that different from a distracted driver who didn't see the stop sign? Yes and no. Yes, the drunk will probably ignore all stop signs creating a hazard each time. And no, one missed stop sign at the wrong time is all it takes whether drunk or not.
Theoretically, but they all caved to fed money.
I find all your points quite excellent.
Thanks for your thoughtful, reasonable and practically focused post.
Not the SAMMEC generated stats on "smoking-related" anything. They are 100% computer generated numbers with no relation to actual people.
I've been dealing with the research vis a vis smoking for more tha 20 years, I have a pretty good idea what I'm talking about.
So you stick with your alcohol statistics and leave the smoking stats to people who actually know what they are talking about, how's that?
Ouch. Please stop doing that.
I certainly did not examine the smoking stats.
I’m skeptical of your assessment of such, however.
The truth often hurts.
I am amazed that anyone with such a lack of an ability to use logic or common sense has been able to survive in this dangerous world for 60 years. Let me guess, you were a government employee.
I have said that we should hold anyone that causes a car wreck to be responsible for the personal and property damage that they cause. We should prosecute them all equally. A person killed by a cell phone user is no less dead than a person killed by a drunk driver. Both drivers are negligent and they should be prosecuted equally.
You advocate only being aggressive against drunks, regardless if they are even driving. Your attitude has made our roads more dangerous. People in society today think the only dangerous driving is drunk driving. Your attitude led to a society that has killed 2 very close friends of mine. My policy would actually make the roads safer.
But alas, it isn’t about safety for folks like you. Instead it is about “alcohol” and controlling the actions of others.
WRONG again.
I’m for treating offenders equally.
I’m also for whatever extra measures are necessary for corralling the extra troublesome aspects of alcoholic abuse of other motorists . . . and for alcoholic abuse of family members.
But I realize that’s not really your interest or concern . . . as near as I can make it out . . .
BTW, have only been a government employee during my 4 years in the Navy . . . though I suppose some would label teaching at a university such.
Oh boy, now you've even playing the "it's for the children" card. Earlier you played the appeal to emotion card (fiery crashes with passengers burning to death for hours) so I can't say I'm surprised.
If your position had any merit at all you wouldn't have to resort to such tactics.
BTW, want to you think about Carry A. Nation? Do you agree with her beliefs and tactics? You remind me a lot of her.
“extra troublesome aspects of alcoholic abuse of other motorists”
Yep, some are deader than others.
“and for alcoholic abuse of family members.”
and being beaten by a drunk is so much more painful than being beaten by a sober abuser.
I say we treat every offender equally. You obviously don’t. You are no different than the folks that support “hate crime” laws that enhance sentences.
I guess it’s not so surprising that your assessment skills of individuals seem to be so lacking in this instance.
Many are aware of the merits of avoiding unnecessary alcohol related deaths and abuse.
Sounds yet again . . . like you are all for letting such rage unfettered, unhindered, unlimited. Fascinating.
No.
I’m just not focusing on everyone.
I’m focusing on the extra troublesome alcoholic problem population.
I gather you don’t believe in focusing on anything ever?
Fascinating.
So enlighten us. How do your beliefs and attitudes toward alcohol differ from those of Carry A. Nation?
What does the truth have to do with it? Those large fonts with bright colours are painful. If anything, they weaken your message.
I’m Curious . . .
What leads you to the unwarranted conclusion that I’d be eager to join you in a silly, unfitting, harsh assault on myself?
Methinks a psychologist, yo ain’t.
Oh, I see.
Welll, I enjoy them.
At 60 . . . I tend to do more of the things I enjoy.
You are MOST WELCOME to skip my posts. I assume your fast scroll button works.
BTW, I don’t recall hiring you as my posting designer or formatter. In any case, you are welcome to consider yourself unhired.
It’s all about you.
Y’all seemed to enjoy that focus instead of accepting and dealing with facts of alcohol abuse . . .
I guess you can change the focus whenever you wish.
Until then, I’ll have whatever reasonable fun I care to have with it.
BHHHFFFFTTTTTT
As I said, it’s all about you.
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