Thursday, December 04, 2003
WASHINGTON DC LOOKS READY TO BAN THE USE OF CELL PHONES WHILE DRIVING. This initially sounds like a reasonable proposal. After all, how many times have we encountered drivers dialing or chatting away on their cell phones and not paying attention to the roads? But upon further reflection, the libertarian in me doesn't like this one bit. Are the DC officials also going to criminalize eating a burger, putting on a fresh coat of lipstick, reading a map, changing the CD in the stereo, or any number of other activities that involve using one's hands while behind the wheel? Why are cell phones so especially dangerous? The details of the current proposal apparently include issuing $100 fines for violators but not adding any points to their driving record. Sounds like a another great way to enhance the revenue of the District without any corresponding increase in public safety. And, if the law passes, don't expect any reasonable interpretation of it on the part of DC's finest. Making a quick call while completely stopped at a traffic light will likely result in the same fine as dialing while driving.
