Last Tuesday night (10/21) outgoing Huntsville city councilman Glenn Watson proposed a new ordinance that would punish those who operate a cell phone or other electronic device (iPod, GPS) while driving. (Article here)
Just what we need. More petty laws. (note sarcasm)
Violators would face a $100 fine or up to 10 days in jail for the first offense. A third offense can put you in jail for up to three months!
Would we really all be better off by having more people in jail for victimless crimes? If I'm on my phone while driving, there's no victim. If I hit someone, that's different. There's a victim because of my actions.
Enforcement of the proposed law would be a nightmare. Cops could pull over anybody just because they thought someone was using a cell phone. Will I be pulled over if I even pick up and look at my cell phone? If I have to call 9-1-1 while driving will I be cited? It would be easier to pay a fine rather than fight it out in court! Of course, that may be the whole plan.
Watson said the next morning that if this measure saves just one life it will be worth it. But wouldn't it be better to save ALL LIVES by just dropping the speed limits in the city to 5 or 10mph?
'No one would accept speed limits that low! We have places to be!'
I agree. The reality is that we're willing to put more lives at risk (in the name of higher speed limits) in exchange for convenience (our time).
Recently Glenn Watson ran for a seat on the Madison County Commission... and lost. With his departure from the city council as well, we're all better off with one less politician introducing laws that turn law abiding citizens into criminals.
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