Accident waiting to happen?

C A P.
Alexandria, MN     11/14/2009 9:36 PM

Gosh Kerry.......I didn't know you had that sort of sense of humor!! You caught me off guard.

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Kerry H.
Prior Lake, MN     11/14/2009 8:08 AM

Amos, that sure has been an ongoing debate, hasn't it? The civil war was fought over states' rights. It was undoubtedly a problem since the signing of the Constitution. Weren't the states coerced similarly to raise the drinking age to 21? Or, what about those who want a federal marriage amendment? Or federal drug laws/medicinal marijuana? Even education standards/NCLB. I'm not sure what impact on the federal government much of the requirements that they set has. Is it because the roads were built with federal dollars that they feel they can control the use? I don't know the answer. I neither text nor talk on my cell phone while driving. Wait now, I need to stop typing, my coffee's getting cold and there's a line of brake lights ahead of me!

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Amos A.
Garfield, MN     11/13/2009 7:43 PM

I'd say the purpose of this is described about half way through the article. "The legislation would give states two years to comply or otherwise risk losing 25 percent of federal highway funding." Another way for the Feds to try to control the States. I'm sick and tired of the Federal government extorting the States. If MY State of Minnesota wants to enact a law, I'm all for it. If someone in the Ferderal government wants to make a nice speech on the dangers of using cell phones, I'm all for it. Just quit the extiortion tactics.

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Like-minded extreme right wing lemming. I.
Bushland, TX     11/13/2009 9:53 AM

This really has nothing to do with anything but the soccer mom scenario doesn't make sense to me. If you are stopped while waiting for a train, why would you call someone to tell them you will be late once it goes by and your moving again? Wouldn't most people make the cell call while they are waiting?

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Kerry H.
Prior Lake, MN     11/13/2009 6:14 AM

I'm not sure of the worth of this. While I agree that it should be illegal to text whilst driving, I believe it's illegal already in Minnesota but still see it occurring on almost a daily basis by drivers of all ages. Enforcement would be tough. I guess, a parent of a 16-17-year-old could enforce it in their own home by checking their texting records to see if they are texting while driving. It isn't practical to install any device to disable cell phones while driving as passengers would be effected and it may inhibit use during an emergency. So, it's a tough issue. Making it illegal would put the responsibility on the driver to police their own behavior and I think there are too many who would refuse to abide by the law. Is it permissible for a law enforcement official to check a driver's cell phone after pulling them over? My guess is no. Do courts subpoena the cell phone records?

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