I agree. Last session (in Maryland), I sent this email to my House of Rep's delegate and the Majority Leader in the Senate. I didn't even get a reply. A few weeks ago, I send it again to my delegate and our local State Senator. Again, no response. I'm sending it to the local newspaper next. Last session, a Delegate actually proposed a bill to keep dogs from riding in the back of pick-up trucks. I think I'm entitled to as much concern, right? Here's what I sent:
Subject: Cell Phone Use in Autos
Senator Miller:
What is the chance of making Maryland's cell phone law more restrictive than the current structure (basically applies to under 18 yrs of age)? I would request Maryland enact laws similar to the ones created in New Jersey and Washington DC which requires the use of a hands-free device. I drive all over the East coast for my job, approximately 60,000 miles per year. Laws in the state of Maryland protect me from smokers, auto accidents and motorcycle accidents but I'd much rather see a law in place protecting me from cars driven by folks just not paying attention. There appear to be several bills active during this current session protecting animal rights. While I am a dog lover, I'd much rather see my elected officials working on legislation that protects my safety above that of an animal.
It is completely obvious to me through my experiences driving a large amount of miles on the highways of the East coast that using a cell phone and driving just doesn't make sense. You may want to read the information from this we blink to gain a deeper knowledge of the effects of cell phone use in autos and trucks:
http://www.accidentreconstruction.com/research/cellphones/ I'm curious to hear your opinions in this matter.
Quote:
I think what everyone is missing here is that the danger of riding motorcycles has been greatly increased in the last few years due to cell phone use. This is overlooked due to the emphasis on drunk driving. While drumk driving is admittedly hazardous, I believe studies have shown a driver on a cell phone is just as dangerous as someone with a 0.08 percent blood alcoho level -- and cell phone use is probably far more prevalent. Yet here in California, the penalty for driving while on a cell phone is $20, while the penalty for drunk driving cost you thousands of dollars and potentially time in jail. (As a more ridicules comparison, the penalty for driving in a car pool lane is almost $400). Perhaps MADD should forgo some of there politically correct crusade against relatively low blood alcohol levels and focus on cell phone use.
