Sub title: Or how to keep Republicans and Democrats happy.
On another Blog the whole issue of personal responsibility came up in relation to the use of cell phones while driving. Should this be a legislated issue or is it an issue of personal responsibility? Democrats and Republicans see the responsibility of the citizenry deterrently
It is interesting that on personal responsibility, while Republicans and Democrats have such different views they both seem to be able to inspire Americans with this issue.
I am often amazed how politicians are capable of turning a phrase in such a way to inspire people while attempting to make them swallow something they normally wouldn’t.
Everyone remembers JFK’s 1961 inaugural address comment “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” But Arnold Schwarzenegger totally reversed that and still got media and public support when he said at the 2004 Republican National Convention;
“how do you know if you are a Republican? Well, I['ll] tell you how. – If you believe that government should be accountable to the people, not the people to the government, then you are a Republican.” Which has become the backbone of his politics ever since as “the People’s Governor.”
All that aside might I suggest that we incorporate cell phone use into the definition of dangerous driving, keeping both Republicans and Democrats happy ?
In the UK holding a phone while driving is an offence. It always did count as dangerous driving if you drove dangerously while holding a phone (or anything else for that matter – there were sucessful prosecutions for holding a can of drink, a chocolate bar, and other peoples anaotmy), but this Gov’t sure likes passing new legislation & so now phones have their own specific bit of the Act.
Although a lot of people still flout it, it has made a difference. I see it like the seatbelt laws – there was uproar when they were first bought in, and everyone said they wouldn’t comply, but over time, it became common practise, and is now universally accepted.
BTW, there were a fair number of scientific studies done, many paid for by the mobile phone companies, which came back with pretty damning reports of how our brains can not hold a phone conversation (even hands free) and concentrate on the road at the same time. Something about which bits of the brain are firing for each activity, and that we visualise when talking on the phone.
As to whether it is the Gov’t responsibility to legislate: The gov’t is there to protect the people. If they are too damn stupid to stop doing something that is dangerous, then legislation is required. I’d prefer to see some education & sense from the people, but…..
The law doesn’t bother me – i can spare the 5mins to pull up and hold my conversation, or – shock, horror – not answer the phone for the duration of the journey!
Actually, Bill, in a way I agree with jm. I have no problem ignoring an incoming call – and not initiating the other kind, too – while behind the wheel. Particularly when embroiled in traffic. Which is usually pretty intense in the UK.
Otoh, in the wide open spaces of the west, and in light to non-existent rural freeway traffic, it sure seems like overkill to think a normal person can’t hold an occasional conversation on a phone and still safely drive. I believe statisticly, we can. No matter what the ‘experts’ opine. But the ‘illusion’ of safety is oft times more important to legislators and voters than the actuality. So once again common sense takes a back seat to politics and perceived reality.
Cheers
Does the choice between personal responsibility and enforcement depend at all on whether the foolish and irresponsible are merely risking themselves, or putting other people at risk?