That's the new American standard.
Frowning takes 68 muscles.
Smiling takes 6.
Pulling this trigger takes 2.
I'm lazy.
Posted on 10/13/2009 6:30:04 PM PDT by SandRat
WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2009 – In an executive order issued Oct. 1, President Barack Obama banned federal employees from text messaging while behind the wheel on government business.
“With nearly 3 million civilian employees, the federal government can and should demonstrate leadership in reducing the dangers of text messaging while driving,” Obama said in the order. “A federal government-wide prohibition on the use of text messaging while driving on official business or while using government-supplied equipment will help save lives, reduce injuries, and set an example for state and local governments, private employers, and individual drivers.”
Text messaging, or “texting,” encompasses more than simply sending a text message via a handheld communication device. It also includes reading from any handheld or other electronic device, including for the purpose of SMS texting, e-mailing, instant messaging, obtaining navigational information, or “engaging in any other form of electronic data retrieval or electronic data communication,” the order said.
The order defines driving as “operating a motor vehicle on an active roadway with the motor running.” This includes the time the vehicle is temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic light or stop sign or other cause.
“It does not include operating a motor vehicle with or without the motor running when one has pulled over to the side of, or off, an active roadway and has halted in a location where one can safely remain stationary,” Obama said in the order.
While the order applies specifically to federal employees, it also asks contractors to follow suit, and encourages civilians to adopt the same measures while operating their own vehicles.
Agencies are being directed to implement this order through the consideration of new rules and programs and re-evaluation of existing programs. Agency heads are urged to conduct education, awareness and other outreach for federal employees about the safety risks associated with texting while driving.
“These initiatives should encourage compliance with the agency’s text messaging policy while off duty,” Obama said.
Agencies have 90 days to take appropriate measures to implement this order, adopt measures to ensure compliance with the ban on text messaging -- including disciplinary action for violations -- and notify the transportation secretary of the measures undertaken.
Agency heads may exempt certain employees, devices or vehicles that are engaged in or used for protective, law enforcement or national security responsibilities or on the basis of other emergency conditions, the order says.
| Related Sites: Executive Order |
Gee! He busies himself with such important issues.
The next thing you know, this will gravitate to the rest of us and there will be a federal law banning distracted driving, highway funds held hostage and another series of excuses for every sort of cop to jack us up while we're peaceably travelling from place-to-place in this "free" country.
I wonder who gave him this thought, and I wonder if he took as long to make the decision as he did to send more troops.
The sentence is backward. It should be: Executive Order Bans Feds from Texting while Driving.
I know I am being picky, but if we can't have correct grammar in print...then how can we expect children to grow up knowing how to speak and write correctly?
This same order went out to all military personnel last week. Those of us in the military can now be punished with violating a direct order if caught texting while driving.
I think we need a text messaging Czar!
....I don’t text because I don’t see the sense in it...if I need to tell somebody something I’ll call them up.
As you say, it’s virtually impossible to fire a federal employee.
So, the punishment will be that “Agency heads are urged to conduct education, awareness and other outreach for federal employees about the safety risks associated with texting while driving.”
After a while, such reeducation, awareness, and outreach programs could drive even a federal employee crazy.
Gee, thanks for that clarification president muzzie, I was unsure whether I had to shut off my engine or not after I pulled off the road.
Since all of our work is government business nowadays, does that mean it applies to everyone?
It isn’t the texting, it’s the live web cam while driving.
Chicago has a ‘cell phone ban while driving’.
I’m reminded of it every time a cop car drives by; invariably, the cop is chatting up a storm on his hand held cell phone.
By the way, how many jobs did this EO create?
"...I’m reminded of it every time a cop car drives by; invariably, the cop is chatting up a storm on his handheld cell phone..."
Yes, that's something I've similarly noticed and agree. It's challenging for legislation to have teeth when those in law enforcement flout the rule with regularity.
At the same time, one has to be a real nitwit to drive along and simultaneously send text messages. Very selfish and very dangerous behavior.
It’s all part of the plan. Create an order that’s so wide-reaching that everyone will violate it at some point or another; even checking to see who is calling or silencing a call could technically violate the order. It’s how they plan on getting rid of those they don’t want.
It’s also why there’s always an exemption clause - to keep those they do. Same principle with public cameras; everyone eventually becomes a law-breaker.
That's the new American standard.
I guess texting while driving is not "driving while impaired" then, because all you have to do to attract a DWI is have keys.
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