The land of the free keeps getting a bit less free doesn’t it?
Beginning January 1, 2009, a person driving a motor vehicle is prohibited from writing, sending, or reading a text message, instant message, or e-mail from an electronic wireless communication device. However, a person may read, select, or enter a name or phone number in a wireless device to make or receive a phone call. A violation of this law is an infraction punishable by a base fine of $20 for the first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense. Senate Bill 1613.
Awesome! More freedom! (This is one of those cases where an I.S. is necessary, which stands for Insert Sarcasm.)
Is it New Hampshire where one can “Live Free or Die”? I’m moving there.
The best video to highlight the brilliance of such laws. It’s totally worth a gawk.
When you’re piloting 2 tons of machinery capable of all sorts of mayhem and harm it makes sense to take a professional attitude to avoid collisions. That means focusing your attention to the task of driving.
This is actually a case of liberty being curtailed in order to increase freedom. Specifically eliminating the liberty to text while driving improves the freedom from being maimed or killed by a distracted driver.
Both liberty and freedom are American values and often conflicts arise. In this case lawmakers are valuing people’s safety over their ability to multitask. I think that’s the right priorities.
But it’s not surprising that some people take a “me first” view and don’t value the safety of those outside of their car.