While I could go on and say how wonderful the new initiative to ban texting while driving is, I’m not so sure I agree with it entirely. And, as far as I’m concerned, there really is nothing that warrants taking this drastic measure. Now before all the anti-texters - yes, mom, that means you - out there get their panties in a bunch, allow me to give my reasoning and clarify my point.
First, let’s look at this initiative from a lawmaking standpoint. Banning texting while driving doesn’t mean that people are going to cease doing it while they are behind the wheel. If you don’t believe me, take Prohibition as an example. Just because it became illegal to manufacture, export, import or sell alcohol, people didn’t quit drinking altogether. All they had to do was become more sneaky if they wanted to wet their whistle. And once the smuggling and rum-running began, it wasn’t long before organized crime took over the distribution of alcohol. In the end, Prohibition turned out to be a giant failure.
OK, that may be an extreme example to use, but the same goes for texting. If Wisconsin legislators do decide to ban the act of sending and receiving text messages while driving, it doesn’t necessarily mean everyone who has a cell phone is going to stop texting the day it goes into effect. All it means is that people are going to try harder to avoid being caught texting while they are operating a motor vehicle ... making the roads even more unsafe. And while I don’t foresee the same methods of rebellion as in the 1920s and ‘30s, I do think the result will be the same: failure.
Now, if you look at the situation from an enforcement standpoint, it will become clear how unnecessary banning the act of texting while behind the wheel really is. First of all, police officers already have the authority to stop and cite individuals for inattentive driving. I’m pretty sure texting while driving would qualify as inattentive driving, so what’s the point of banning it? The fines would be the same if the initiative was approved. Also, just because texting would be made illegal while in the driver’s seat, it doesn’t mean that officers will be able to seek out and ticket everyone who does it. Drunk driving is illegal, but, lo and behold, people still do it ... and oftentimes get away with it.
From the texter’s point of view, this whole initiative is poppycock. In this day and age, multi-tasking is not only the norm, it’s expected. If people are allowed to have cell phones and a driver’s license, chances are they will be used simultaneously, however great the risk. After all, that’s likely how the car radio came about. People just got tired of trying to drive while playing the banjo. But, all jokes aside, I don’t think texting while driving is any more of a nuisance than trying to drive with other people in the vehicle with you. Talking with even one other person (let alone parents who have to deal with their children) while behind the wheel is a distraction. So what now? No more carpooling? No more family trips?
Clearly, those things won’t happen in today’s society, especially with the whole green mentality in place. But, to me, it just doesn’t seem necessary to put a ban on texting while driving. And if it does pass, I say we look into banning eating while driving as well. Sorry Burger King, Wendy’s, McDonald’s and all you other fast food joints, it’s a distraction; you’ll have to discontinue to-go orders. And about that drive-thru window ...
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
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