Posted by
Dave Kooker on Tuesday, January 15, 2008 12:46:01 PM
The State of Florida keeps informing its citizens to refrain from cell phone use while driving. I personally have a Nextel phone, which has speakerphone functionality so I can drive with both hands on the steering wheel and keep the phone from obstructing my driving view. I frequently have to avoid potential negligent driving from others not paying attention driving while on the cell phone or the very dangerous texter (I know this is not a real word but I am expanding the English language.). Even though I am a Libertarian, I would not cry if texting were banned while driving. It should have the same consequences as a DUI (Driving Under the Influence). I see too many texters swerve from lane to lane as they type.
Perhaps Florida’s number one road menaces are the transplants living here from our kind and considerate states from the New England region or the friendly French Canadian tourist (Quebec) on their way down to the Miami South Beach. These people have the kindness to veer in and out of traffic and/or tailgate while telling you the State of Florida is number one with their middle finger.
Because of these hazards, I keep my cell use to a bare minimum because I still think having an intelligent conversation on the cell phone diverts mental capacity from watching for dangers on the road.
The government agencies within the FDOT (Florida Department Of Transportation) must not be communicating with themselves to broadcast a singular safety message on our Interstate’s highway safety. Within a mile we are encouraged to hang up that cell phone and drive safe then we have the tax payer funded traffic signs positioned over the Interstate telling us to call 511 for traffic reports.
Ok State of Florida, what am I supposed to do? Do I stay off the cell phone & be safe but not be informed of the immediate traffic situations down the Interstate? Or do I call exposing myself to hazards of the road because of diverted attention and get upset because I am aware of the immediate traffic situations down the Interstate?
I for one will just use common sense and stay off the cell phone. If the immediate traffic situation exists down the Interstate, I will slow down, roll down my truck windows & enjoy the Florida weather and do my part to contribute to ‘Global Change’ with a good Nicaraguan cigar. A good cigar makes any bad situation seem much better. If a tourist complains about my cigar I will reinforce the fact that Florida is number one…..
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