I knew when the state legislator passed the cell phone law two years ago; it would only be a matter on time before they changed the law to being a primary offense. Last week, drivers could only get a citation as a secondary offense, meaning that if they were pulled over for speeding, they would get a ticket for speeding as well as talking on the cell phones. Now officers can pull you over for talking on the cell phone. They “say” it’s about safety, but when the ticket is $124 dollars, I don’t believe it’s about safety, it’s about revenue and the state of Washington is strapped for cash.
I personally, have had enough with the Nanny State! Where is personal responsibility? Not saying I don’t wear my seat belt at all times, or wear a helmet when riding the quad, or sitting on the back of a motorcycle, because I do, but I don’t think if you pick up your phone while driving you should be treated like a hardened criminal!
They “say” it is about distracted drivers, but there are already laws on the books about driving while distracted. Trust me, my husband received a distracted driving ticket not long after we were married, so it has been on the books for a least twenty years. Yet, it’s okay to talk on your cell phone if you are wearing an ear piece, or have the phone on speaker phone—it’s only illegal to hold a phone to your ear. I don’t know about other people, but I hate wearing those earpieces, they never stay in my ear right, and I spend more time fiddling with the thing, when it would be a lot safer having me just hold the phone to me ear. What about other distractions: changing a CD, adjusting the temperature control, talking with the passengers in your car, arguing with you children, eating or drinking? Why not ban all of them?
I know there are many people who have the philosophy of “Shut up, and drive.” I was surprised to see how many are in favor of this law. To me, it’s about taking away our civil liberties. I must confess I talk on the cell phone when I drive. Three active boys, keep me on the road most of the day, but talking on the phone has never impeded my ability to maintain my lane, react to slowing traffic ahead, or otherwise lose track of where I am or where I’m going. I also have never been in an accident, while talking on the cell phone (knock on wood). Of course, I am a mother and can multitask three or four things at the same time. I firmly believe this law is NOT aimed at safety, but gaining revenue. Just like the seatbelt laws, helmet laws, and red light ticket cameras. Freedom my A$$!!