Maybe I should join the Libertarian Party. They're the folks who want to see even less governmental involvement, or interference, in their lives. They hate governments making law after law after law.
I'd imagine that New York State's recent ban on hand-held cell phone use while driving has revved up party adherents, especially since the State decided, after passing this statute, to embark upon a 4-year study to determine how much such conversations contribute to car accidents.
That's a novel approach. Legislate first, learn later. A recent radio report said that an American Automobile Association (AAA) examination found that cell phone use explained only 1.5% of the car accidents. Fiddling with the heater/air conditioner or radio caused more.
But our friends from the North, apparently with an urge to be first, got a unique law on the books without knowing whether the public safety threat is real or imagined.
Using hand-held cell phones while driving doesn't look cool anymore, if it ever did. The appearance of terminal distraction and risking bodily harm to you and others seems great. If I'm thinking about whether to include pepperoni or sausage while ordering pizza on my Nokia, isn't that enough mental strain to divert me from auto vigilance and safety?
OK, I'm guilty. I've used a hand-held cell phone in my car. I gave in, however, and bought the "hands-free" equipment that makes it legal for me to pass through the Empire State and speak to Aunt Millie at the same time.
It's said that the Road to Hell is paved with good intentions. Only time'll tell if this legislative leap fits that description or instead becomes a model piece of lawmaking that makes legislators everywhere cringe with jealously.
How dangerous can cell phone chatter be? I imagined a typical conversation with my young kids.
"Hi, kids, it's dad."
"Hey, dad! What'ya doing?"
"I'm risky life and limb talking to you on my cell phone."
"Yeah? Where are you?"
"I'm driving down Palm Coast Parkway at 85 miles an hour, but don't tell your mother."
"We won't. So, dad, what are you doing now?"
"Well, I'm looking at cloud formations. I want to know if I'll have to water the lawn tonight. I'm also debating if I should stop and get something to eat. Maybe I should pick up some bread at the grocery. These palm trees going over the interstate are pretty. Was that a heron? Maybe it's an egret. No, an egret's smaller. It's a heron. Or a crane. Anyway, I know it's a bird of some kind."
"Gee, it sounds like you have a lot on your mind, dad."
"No, not really. Just the usual."
"So, did you buy us anything today, toys, candy, or something that"
"Wow!"
"What's wrong?
"Nothing. It's just some silly drivers behind me got into some sort of car accident. I wonder how that could have happened. Some people just don't pay attention when they drive. They never learn."
How fast are you going now, dad?"
"Don't know. No time to check the speedometer. I have to keep my eyes on the road. Just like I always tell you: safety first. You can't be too cautious."
"That's right. Drive carefully. We'll see you soon."
"You bet. I'll be home in a flash. I've to stop talking now so I can concentrate. I wouldn't want to lose my edge and get into an accident. I love you, guys."
"Love ya, too, dad."
++++
Fred W. Apelquist, III, M.Ed.
Approximately 590 words.
(c) 2001