edogg wrote:leadcounsel wrote:So, to be clear, some here think that distracted driving, holding your phone to your ear, or texting while driving is a good thing???
No. I think what people here (including myself) are opposed to is making more laws when there are already laws covering this stuff. Plus the aspect of "precrime".
Just because I glance down at my phone when I get a text to see if it's something important that i should pull over for immediately doesn't mean I am automatically going to wind up crashing into someone.
If I cause an accident because I'm texting, I get the book thrown at me. And rightfully so.
Likewise how is diddling the 8" touchscreen on my car any less distracting? With my Apple CarPlay, I can search through my Amazon Music list by swiping incessantly to find the song I want. Or I can much more quickly and safely find the music I want by grabbing my phone and tapping the letter and swiping once or twice to find the playlist.
Just a few minutes ago, my kids were screaming at me in the car at a stop light. While I was reaching for the toy my daughter dropped, the light turned green and cars started going. Is that illegal too? Doesn't seem any less distracting than if I was replying to a text.
Stupid laws are stupid...
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Yeah. "Laws are stupid."
You clearly don't seem to understand the law... maybe that's a cause for you to be upset???
I interpret this as you can use fixed screens, touch screens, mounted phones, GPS, radios, etc. that are HANDS FREE and just require a tap or similar. That means, if you're holding it to text or drive or talk, you're breaking the law. You also shouldn't be reading and responding to texts as that takes your eyes off the road for several seconds, which is the purpose of the law to eliminate or reduce that.
And having the book thrown at someone doesn't bring back little Suzy or the family of 4 killed by a texting moron.
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/Rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.667(1)(a) Except as provided in subsections (2)(a) and (3)(a) of this section, a person operating a moving motor vehicle while
holding a wireless communications device to his or her ear is guilty of a traffic infraction.(b) Except as provided in subsection (2)(b) and (3)(b) of this section, a person driving a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in RCW 46.25.010, including while temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device, or other momentary delays, while using a
handheld mobile telephone is guilty of a traffic infraction. For purposes of this subsection, "driving" does not include operating a commercial motor vehicle with or without the motor running when the driver has moved the vehicle to the side of, or off, a highway and has stopped in a location where the vehicle can safely remain stationary.
(2)(a) Subsection (1)(a) of this
section does not apply to a person operating:(i) An authorized emergency vehicle, or a tow truck responding to a disabled vehicle;
(ii)
A moving motor vehicle using a wireless communications device in hands-free mode;
(iii) A moving motor vehicle using a handheld wireless communications device to:
(A) Report illegal activity;
(B) Summon medical or other emergency help;
(C) Prevent injury to a person or property; or
(D) Relay information that is time sensitive between a transit or for-hire operator and that operator's dispatcher, in which the device is permanently affixed to the vehicle; or
(iv) A moving motor vehicle while using a hearing aid.
(b) Subsection (1)(b) of this section
does not apply to a person operating a commercial motor vehicle:
(i) When necessary to communicate with law enforcement officials or other emergency services; or
(ii)
Using a mobile telephone in hands-free mode.(3)(a) Subsection (1)(a) of this section does not restrict the operation of an amateur radio station by a person who holds a valid amateur radio operator license issued by the federal communications commission.
(b) Subsection (1)(b) of this section does not restrict the operation of two-way or citizens band radio services.
(4)
For purposes of this section, "hands-free mode" means the use of a wireless communications device with a speaker phone, headset, or earpiece.(5) The state preempts the field of regulating the use of wireless communications devices in motor vehicles, and this section supersedes any local laws, ordinances, orders, rules, or regulations enacted by a political subdivision or municipality to regulate the use of wireless communications devices by the operator of a motor vehicle.
(6)
Infractions that result from the use of a wireless communications device while operating a motor vehicle under subsection (1)(a) of this section shall not become part of the driver's record under RCW 46.52.101 and 46.52.120. Additionally, a finding that a person has committed a traffic infraction under subsection (1)(a) of this section shall not be made available to insurance companies or employers.[ 2013 c 224 § 15; 2010 c 223 § 3; 2007 c 417 § 2.]
NOTES:
Intent—2007 c 417: "The use of wireless communications devices by motorists has increased in recent years. While wireless communications devices have assisted with quick reporting of road emergencies,
their use has also contributed to accidents and other mishaps on Washington state roadways. When motorists hold a wireless communications device in one hand and drive with the other, their chances of becoming involved in a traffic mishap increase. It is the legislature's intent to phase out the use of handheld wireless communications devices by motorists while operating a vehicle." [ 2007 c 417 § 1.]
