Will all distractions behind the wheel be regulated?

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor,

     I am writing today regarding the texting/distracted driving issue that is currently being debated in the legislature in Des Moines. While I can certainly appreciate the argument of saving lives, I vehemently disagree with certain Congressmen (legislators) wanting to make driving while texting a primary offense. As a conservative, I believe strongly in personal rights, and also personal responsibility.

     In Germany, they have a ban on all distracted driving. No food, no drinks, smoking, etc. We are not a Socialist country. We have personal rights here, but also responsibilities. I have no problem with consequences to irresponsible actions, but in this country we have the right to be irresponsible.

     My question to those that would make decisions on laws is, where do you draw the line? Will I be able to eat and drive? Grab a Diet Coke for the road? Change my radio station? Look at my Google Map to find my way?

     According to statistics in distracteddriveraccidents.com:

     drivers with food and drink are 3.6 times more likely to be in a car crash.

     65 percent of near crashes are caused from eating.

     70 percent of drivers eat, and 83 percent have a beverage while driving.

     Distracted driving exists. We are a busy people who multitask, take advantage of every few minutes we have, and are also very productive.

     I point out the statistics from eating and drinking because it is NOT being considered, yet is a bit more common than using a personal device. Again, if our new Congress (legislature) wants to add more laws, they must weigh both the pros and cons. Where will the line be drawn? Is it an arbitrary line, or is it based on careful consideration of both rights and responsibilities of the people?

     Our government was founded on the idea of personal freedoms, but also personal responsibilities. If after an accident someone is found to be guilty of distractions that could have been avoided, perhaps that should be weighed. If the vast number of people are responsible in taking a bite on an open road, checking a message after we get out of traffic, or make a call in just a few more minutes, should those millions be cast under a law that technically affects only a few?

     I don’t like the “no texting” rule as a secondary law, but I am vehemently opposed to it being primary. Again, which distractions will be regulated, and which will be ignored?

     All that being said, the rules for new drivers, students, etc. can certainly come under different parameters. In our family we didn’t allow teens to have backseat passengers.

     The question isn’t does it exist, but can it be discouraged without the heavy arm of the law. I would point out that we never left our sleeping babies in the hot car to die when they were in the front seat with us. An unintended consequence of what was considered to be a great law. Will the folks that check their phones now look into their laps instead of steering wheel level? What will the results be?

Linda Stickle

Anamosa, Iowa

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