A new law in Ontario, Canada has banned the use of handheld devices while driving. This includes cellphones, GPS devices, MP3 players, etc. Slight problem: the law is broad enough that you can construe it to include doing things like changing the radio station or reaching for a cup of coffee.
Someone caught breaking the law faces up to a C$500 fine. And this isn’t 15 years ago: C$500 is about $460 right now. Pretty serious money to lose because you need to text your friend WTF.
As for that cup of coffee gimmick that Slashdot originally brought up, I sincerely doubt a police officer is going to waste his time and pull you over for sipping a cup of coffee at the traffic light. Unless, of course, Canadian cops are like their American counterparts and have unofficial quotas to meet at the end of the month.
That’s it, really. Don’t text and drive, friends. It’s not safe, no sir.
via Slashdot
This new law goes beyond just this. It is also illegal to have a dog in car unless it is in the back and secured…. that takes all the fun out of it for Fido!
In addition, it is now illegal to have a heated or passionate discussion with any passengers while driving! WTF, it means I can ignore the other half! :-)
To be fair, cellphone use is allowed as long as it is wireless and voice activated. GPS is allowed as long as it is visible on your dash or built in. MP3 player is ok too as long as it is connect to radio….
I like this one; It is now illegal to apply makeup in the rearview mirror while driving!
I think this is a case of a good intended law going wayyyy wayyy too far! At this point they might as well just make it a law to be distracted and leave it at that. How they’re gonna prove that I don’t know. But I also don’t know how having a dog in the front seat is any more dangerous then people who just don’t pay attention. I get the point, but am not understanding the method.
Monica S
Los Angeles Computer Repair
http://www.sebecomputercare.com
I read the other day 48,000 people die on US roads each year – WTF! That’s medium size town wiped out. Riding a bike I have seen someone reading a novel while driving, texting and other potentially dealy activities – concentrate people you are in charge of a 1600kg missle.