Bans not solution to bad driving

In Vermont, drivers soon might have only one thing to concentrate on when behind the wheel:… In Vermont, drivers soon might have only one thing to concentrate on when behind the wheel: driving.

That is the intention of state lawmakers who are considering a measure that would ban eating, drinking, smoking, reading, writing, personal grooming, playing an instrument – yes, there have actually been sightings of flute playing behind the wheel – interacting with pets or cargo, talking on a cell phone or using any other personal communication device while driving, according to an article by the Associated Press.

Similar bills are also under consideration in Maryland and Texas.

The measures’ intentions are to cut down on automotive accidents caused by what can only be described as pure idiocy behind the wheel.

Sadly, there have been a number of automotive accidents related to driver distractions in recent years. We no longer have just a car’s radio and the passengers inside to distract us, but can now do anything from watching a movie to sending an e-mail while in the driver’s seat. In a study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted drivers were involved in nearly eight out of 10 collisions or near-crashes.

This is a problem. We can’t argue that. But taking away the “stuff” of a distraction is the wrong solution to that problem.

Inarguably, we need better drivers. But no matter what we ban, there will always be idiots out there who will be, unfortunately, driving. Taking their distractions away from them will not make them better drivers.

We should have the right to do as we choose while driving. If a person is able to effectively manage driving while having a cell phone conversation or a rowdy pet in the back seat, he should have every right to do so.

And, if he does cross the line of recklessness, there is existing legislation that punishes drivers who are not focused behind the wheel: reckless driving citations.

Enacting a “distraction ban” is just the wrong way to solve the problem of distraction-related automotive accidents. In order to enforce this type of legislation, cops will likely be stationed on the side of a road with binoculars in hand, looking for a driver who happens to take a sip of his coffee or look at a road map.

This would be unfair and ineffective.

Rather than ban distractions – which is like cutting off the top of a weed rather than pulling it out by the root – states should focus on preventing them from happening in the first place.

Some states, such as Maryland, enforce mandatory driver’s education, which teaches aspiring motorists not only just how to drive, but how to drive safely and with respect for other people on the road.

The distraction ban is just another example of our government’s constant effort to remove stupidity from our population. And while we don’t endorse stupidity, we do respect the right to make our own stupid decisions with regard to our own safety – and face the consequences.