Decius wrote:

Jello wrote:

Decius wrote:

The law, which specifically prohibits the use of an electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication while operating a more vehicle, takes effect Jan. 1.

Will they also ban reading maps and reading GPS units while stopped at a red light?

GPS units at least, tend to be on the dash. Texting in the car IS dangerous, even at stop lights. You need your mind on the road.

1. I don't agree that reading a text message is dangerous while stopped at a red light. I certainly don't need to be constantly looking at the road, and if thinking about something else is a problem, you're going to have trouble controlling that even if you ban talk radio.

2. The text of this legislation makes it a crime to read a text message anywhere that it would be a crime to drink a beer. For example, to pull over at a gas station and read a text message in a parking space with the car still running, or in a driveway with the car running... Can I get this to a point where you'd agree that it is ridiculous?

3. I don't understand the difference between reading a text message and reading a map from a safety standpoint.

1. Reading anything longer than a few words while on the road is dangerous. Less so while at a stop light, but people tend to keep reading when the light changes so I don't have a problem with a uniform ban while on a road. Where the words are also matters. In front of the car on a billboard, not so bad... looking down into the car at a phone, bad.

2. If you're parked, you should be able to do whatever you want, up to but not limited to smoking crack + drinking whiskey + hooker blow jobs. Even with the car running, so long as you're not operating the steering/throttle controls and... moving.

3. In my experience, visual/spatial processing is less distracting than reading sentences, but audio feedback from a GPS unit is certainly preferable to reading a map. Most do that, don't they? Its a safety feature. I can drive and listen. I can't drive and read. Maybe this is just me?

RE: California bans READING text messages while stopped at a red light!