Distracted Driving law now in effect

[TimG]

So the new distracted driving law is now in effect.

can't text, check e-mail, talk on a handheld cell phone, program a GPS, read a book, eat, drink (?) or apply makeup while behind the wheel.


So why is smoking not included in the list?

- fumbling with the lighter to light the cigarette
- possibility of dropping a lit cigarette or hot ashes in your lap
- driving with one hand since the other is holding the cigarette
- fumbling to put the cigarette in the ash tray (tho i bet 1/2 the people just toss it out the window.)


Discuss.

[Kloubek]

Actually, you can eat a snack and drink. Eating is vague, as doing so with a spoon or anything that would require dexterity is generally considered a no-no.

I agree with you on the smoking. I bet they simply felt it would be too much of a disruption to smokers. Another benefit: It might reduce roadside fires from people throwing their butts out the window.

BTW: On the way to work I saw 3 people using cells still. Obviously either the message didn't hit everyone, or not everyone gave a shit. (I'm going to guess the latter)

[lellowrx7]

I put my money on 43 tickets given out today. Would say more but I'm sure some cops will be nice and give warnings

[bbcustoms]

Smoking is not in the list so they can still hand out $1000 tickets to people that throw the lit butts out the window. If they made it part of the distracted law they could only get you for $172 instead of a grand.

I was still on my phone as normal today, never text and drive but I'm on my phone all the time. I guess I will see how long it is before I get a ticket. No demerits, no biggie.

[A790]

Originally posted by lellowrx7
I put my money on 43 tickets given out today. Would say more but I'm sure some cops will be nice and give warnings

I think 108 tickets.

[colinxx235]

Originally posted by bbcustoms
Smoking is not in the list so they can still hand out $1000 tickets to people that throw the lit butts out the window. If they made it part of the distracted law they could only get you for $172 instead of a grand.

I was still on my phone as normal today, never text and drive but I'm on my phone all the time. I guess I will see how long it is before I get a ticket. No demerits, no biggie.

wouldn't you just buy a blue tooth piece? or sync it to the vehicle you're driving if possible?

I understand no demerits, but a blue tooth piece is 1/3 price of one ticket

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

I still changed songs on my iPhone while at traffic lights.

[HiTempguy1]

Originally posted by colinxx235



wouldn't you just buy a blue tooth piece? or sync it to the vehicle you're driving if possible?

I understand no demerits, but a blue tooth piece is 1/3 price of one ticket

Werd, I bought a blue tooth capable deck that my iphone fully integrates with. It is sick. As well, I find I can focus MUCH better on the road when talking hands-free. Beyond that, I can also hear what the hell the person is saying because I am not listening through the shitty iphone speaker. Success!

[schocker]

I changed albums on my ipod, I am a menace to society.

[kenny]

Originally posted by lellowrx7
I put my money on 43 tickets given out today. Would say more but I'm sure some cops will be nice and give warnings

I say they will issue 0 tickets on day 1. They want to look like they care about road safety. However, I think we will see a big blitz sometime in 2012 where they will issue over 2500 tickets.

[Tomaz]

My smoking habits have same amount of distraction as sipping on coffee. Granted, I would expect if I am doing lane changes and swerving from a dropped smoke or spilled coffee, i deserve the ticket. Those who don't want a $1000 fine, go buy an ash tray from crappy tire. Spend the $4 and save your money!

I really hope cops are going to use common sense when handing out tickets. There are just some things that shouldn't be done, and some things that are manageable.

EG:

I will grab fries out of the bag while still watching the road, but i wont unwrap a hamburger and attempt to eat that while driving.

I will drink coffee while driving, but my sippy-cup isn't so large that it blocks my view.

I am not going to be choosing songs and making playlists when driving, but i will reach over on my iPod and press "Next" seeing it is always on shuffle.


EDIT: My coworker found his first "checkstop" this morning. One officer with binoculars was checking out traffic on bow bottom. Then a group of cops were pulling ppl into Diamond cove to issue tickets. The setup is very similar to radar/laser on QE2.

EDIT #2: Kenny, there were 5 ppl pulled over on my way to work this morning. Coworker found another 8 ppl pulled over at bow bottom. Chances are good that today smells like money at CPS. lol

[kenny]

Originally posted by Tomaz
EDIT #2: Kenny, there were 5 ppl pulled over on my way to work this morning. Coworker found another 8 ppl pulled over at bow bottom. Chances are good that today smells like money at CPS. lol

Pull overs aren't necessarily tickets but I may be wrong as I wasn't aware they were doing these checkstops. I still stand by my prediction of 0.

[LadyLuck]

Does anyone know whether or not you can still get ticketed if you are parked at a red light and fumbling with your phone? Texting, emails etc.....?

[kenny]

Originally posted by LadyLuck
Does anyone know whether or not you can still get ticketed if you are parked at a red light and fumbling with your phone? Texting, emails etc.....?

Yes, you can. You need to be parked in a legal spot if you want to do any of the prohibited activities.

[benyl]

Originally posted by LadyLuck
Does anyone know whether or not you can still get ticketed if you are parked at a red light and fumbling with your phone? Texting, emails etc.....?

Yes, you are still driving at a red light.

[mr2mike]

Originally posted by LadyLuck
Does anyone know whether or not you can still get ticketed if you are parked at a red light and fumbling with your phone? Texting, emails etc.....?

Yes this is deemed illegal too.

___________________________________
Posted via blackberry while driving.

[LadyLuck]

^ Thanks boys

[C_Dave45]

Txting this as I'm driving along deerfoot. Steering with my knee so as to keep both thumbs free.

Oh and also not wearing my seat belt. It chafes my neck

[rage2]

They've been pulling ppl over and giving out warnings for the last 3 months, so I'm going to guess it'll be a good blitz of tickets on day 1.

[lellowrx7]

Red dog from cjay92 is cruisin with the police chief. Just pray it's them pulling you over today you'll get hooked up with a nice Bluetooth set or something like that.