Five Reasons and a Witness SB 33's a Waste

Two days ago, 1 July 2008, California got a new law. SB33, basically states the following (courtest of our DMV):

Motorists 18 and over may use a "hands-free device." Drivers under the age of 18 may NOT use a wireless telephone or hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle.

Otherwise, you better not be talking on the phone or you'll be fined $20 the first time and $50 every other time. If you come to visit, remember to bring your Bluetooth device that you just paid out the nose for, or the headset that tickles the side of your face while you're trying to have a serious conversation.

Now, CA is not the first state to have such a law, in fact, it is the 6th, but there are many problems with this law.

First, if you're dumb enough to get caught speaking on the phone, now that you know it is a law, you should be charged more than $20 for it. I mean, is it even worth the cops' time to pull you over for that?

Second, does this mean that I can still text while I'm driving? Heck yes! Wait, isn't that more dangerous than holding the phone to my ear? Just don't hold it to your mouth - you'll get pulled over for that, too, because you can't "chirp" back and forth with a Nextel radio.

Third, isn't dialing a number on the phone just as much a safety hazard as actually talking on the phone? I can't get pulled over for that either.

Fourth, if you were a lawmaker wanting to really change the habits of drivers wouldn't you actually make it a punishment? They don't even add points to the record of the vehicle operator.

Fifth, I plan on going to In-N-Out on Saturday and ordering a burger and fries and a strawberry shake. And I am going to eat it in my car - on my way home! Can't pull me over for that...can they?! I'm fairly certain that my greasy goodness will keep my attention better than a rectangular piece of technology!

So, there are five reasons this cell phone law is bogus. Let me tell you another.

Car 43. CA Exempt License number 1232717. Cruiser belonging to the Barstow Police Department. Officer driving down the 15 FWY, with a detainee in back while speaking on a red flip phone - with his hands!!

Have you ever been down the Cajon pass? It can be windy and hazardous and talking on the phone can only increase the likelihood of an accident, hence SB33. Shame on you Mr. Policeman for breaking the law that you are supposed to inforce!

Oh, and you'll have to forgive me because I have to take this next call since I'm typing this on my Blackjack on my way home from work...