I'm 37 and couldn't disagree more. I think this law is wonderful. Having heard many heartbreaking stories about what can happen when you take your eyes of the road for even a moment I think this law is the only answer.
I don't think you should be doing any of the other things you listed as well. Crying babies are a much better alternative to dead babies and I think you can wait to eat. When you are driving you need to be concentrating on the road. Just because nothing has happend to thousands of people doesn't mean it can't or won't happen. Years ago my cousin was hit by a careless driver while he was walking on a side street. He has never been the same since and his monetary settlement will not give him back what he lost. He has brain damage and will never be totally independent.
You need to check out the video Kathy Broom posted on Facebook. The law may not be perfect, but I fully support 'no texting while driving'.
there is no safe time to text while driving, no matter how old you are. it seems these days we all have a sense of urgency that we have to call/text someone immediately about the most inane things. Just 5 years ago, we didn't rely nearly as much on this kind of communication, and we got by pretty well. Especially with a young child in the car, the only thing you should be concentrating on is getting him home safely.
Allison... I have seen that video - it's pretty horrific, but hammers the point home for sure.
Getting my son home safely every night is my priority... and having a baby in the car is enough distraction without adding in technology. Which to me, illustrates the point that we do take our eyes off the road from time to time while driving, things distract us, and whether it is technology, a plane landing near the airport, or another car accident on the side of the road - I still feel that I don't need a law telling me to watch the road, and pay attention while driving - that is given to me. I feel my judgement is sufficient enough to decide when I can and can't do things while driving in my own car.
Thanks for your comments, and the different lens you have provided me in thinking about the about the topic.
Sorry Sara, can't agree with you on this one. All of the things you mentioned shouldn't be done while driving. All traffic accidents can leave behind some pretty horrific pictures. I'm afraid that too many conveniences are being used when driving. I may be wrong but todays technology has no place in a vehicle except when used by the passenger, not the driver. Isn't it better to get home safe than to let someone know you are going to be late or forgot to get something at the store? If there is an emergency, pull over to the side of the road to make your call.
Although I do not live in Ontario. I have heard about this on the news, and I know it will be across Canada before we know it.
It is Silly, but I guess they felt with the umber of casualties of "texting" while driving is out of hand, and are using the entire "cellphone" as a way to stop the texting.
I personally have watched someone rear end someone while chatting on their cellphone, But its not the tool that did the rear ending now is it. It is down to the person not being able to multi task, and pay attention to what they are doing.
I personally can not talk and drive, and drive my best. But as you pointed out, when my kids are scrapping in the back seat, and I am yelling and freaking out, I too am not driving my best.
It boils down to the idea of if the RCMP are going to actually enforce this or not.
Great post Sar! While I think that many people shouldn't be texting/using their phones while driving (we all know who they are - they veer into the other lanes, drive erratically, have Hello Kitty in their back windows, etc.), it's completely different to have a law in place that punishes those who are able to effectively multitask. I say best of luck to the officers that waste their time catching people texting and not the drunk drivers.
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