Minimus, I agree, I don't want government dictating to me what I can and cannot do. But, while you and I use common sense, so many others do not. When my life is at stake, since fate often puts me beside a driver who cannot focus on the road, because the phone call they are on is too important, or they just have to text their BFF, or boss, spouse, kid, parent, or whoever, I think my life is more improtant than their right to communicate via phone, while driving. I'm willing to give that up for my safety and the lives of others. We're already mandated, by law, to use seatbelts, and in most places in the western hemisphere, helmets. So, no cellphone use wouldn't be much different. I don't see the need to be in constant contact, to be necessary. And since our society can't seem to control their addiction to the phone, then, unfortunately mr government stepping in, might be prudent.
As incognito points out, you can put unbelievably hefty fines and penalties on handheld device use, but it doesn't seem to phase them. So you gotta find a way to really make it hurt, as well as continue to educate the motoring/cell phone using, public. Much like they have done with drinking and driving. Until then, and even after (if it were to happen) I continue to ride and drive, defensively.
That all said, I speed, especially on my bike. The law, which is the speed limit, does not deter me (road conditions, traffic, and police cars do) So that makes me a hypocrite, I argue a complex, and complicated person, 😆😉. I don't like, or agree with being restricted by speed limits. But that is another debate. I bring it up, to say, I understand restrictive laws being inconvenient, and people not wanting to obey them. I make up all sorts of excuses as to why it's ok for me to speed, but not everyone else. Lol. Stupid really. I guess, if I'm gonna insist on breaking one law, I've gotta accept others are gonna break some too. Drive and ride defensively,
I agree with you, though, anything can be distracting, as you can see from my first comment. But texting while driving takes the drivers eyes from the road, for a deceptively long period of time. Very different than talking to a passenger, listening, or even tuning a radio, as your eyes can, and should still be on the road. Even your "pretty girl" scenario, your head is up and you at least have the benefit of peripheral vision, vs head down, texting. Anyway, all good points, good conversation.
