California’s Ban on Texting while Driving Extends to Navigation

It only concerns smart phones being used for navigation, NOT the stand alone GPS systems. At least that's the way I read the whole thing yesterday when I came across this story.

 

Very true about starting down that road. But considering we have people who cannot walk and chew gum out there, anything could be considered a distraction.

 

Why stop there.

In 2000, a Stevens truck went off the road and rolled because the driver was changing the radio channel. The radio was OEM.

 

Why not require hands-free transmission shifters while they're at it? Wireless headsets on CB's gonna be on the list too? As long as the cops are allowed to ride around with laptops up and running we shouldn't be bothered about using our little devices. Consider the difference in experience based on miles driven and who should be more able to handle the job? Gadgets don't cause accidents... incompetence does!

 

I won't argue the point about people who cannot walk and chew gum ... that is sadly true. But this man was specifically sited for "holding his smartphone in his hand" while driving. The judge also specifically referenced the fact that "holding a phone..." constitutes distracted driving. California code 23123 exempts hands free devices which would include dash mounted GPS and navigation systems. Let's not over react because some guy was lost and trying to use google maps on his smart phone while driving. Something simple common sense should tell us is inherently unsafe. And then instead of just paying his fine he decided to try and find a loophole by saying, oh it's not unsafe cause I was using it as a navigation tool. Riiiiiight. On board navigation systems are in no danger of being banned.

 

Been riding in the rescue truck headed to an over dose and using the smart phone to get more info on the drugs and treatment.

 

This is true, moose. But when you add the gadgets to someone who is already incompetent and inexperienced it just escalates the problem. There are so many total idiots behind the wheel, they don't need any further distraction than their own idiocy to be suicidal/homicidal.

But all these government regulations do, really, is to give ammunition to scum bag lawyers when the accidents do happen and everybody winds up in court.