Will Oregon Lawmakers Agree With Governor Moonbeam on Cell Phone Use in Cars?

How stupid are driving with cell phone laws?  So stupid that even California Governor Jerry Brown thinks his state's law is over the top. Today he began dialing back his state's draconian ban on driving and cell phone use in California, a law that made criminals out of millions; a law that was ridiculous, presumptuous and liberty sucking.

Ever since Oregon lawmakers passed the first constraint on cell phone use while driving, I've seen the writing on the wall.  As I predicted, we now banned all hand held cell phone use while driving in the state. The ban defies logic and science but lawmakers are 

loathe to ever let common sense prevail when they can look like they're doing something. They simply unthinkingly strip us of rights while they bring the government further inside the cockpit of our car, setting the table for further bans on eating, drinking and smoking.Is it possible that a smart Oregon lawmaker will see the wisdom in beginning to dial back these onerous laws? Is someone in the Oregon legislature as reasonable as Governor Moonbeam?

 

July 13, 2012

Legislation to allow hands-free driver texting signed into law

Under legislation that Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law today, California motorists can dictate, send or listen to text-based messages while they're behind the wheel if they're using voice-activated, hands-free devices.
Brown's signing of Assembly Bill 1536 alters state law to treat texting much as it does wireless telephone calls now: Motorists can engage in such activities provided that they are not holding cellular phones or other electronic devices.
Assemblyman Jeff Miller, R-Corona, paints AB 1536 as allowing drivers to use the "most modern communications systems and devices while maintaining the safety of hands-free operation," according to a legislative committee analysis.
Miller contends that Americans spend an average of 64 minutes per day commuting to and from work, and that it is "unfair to require them to be out of touch while behind the wheel as long as they are abiding by the law," the analysis said.

It's a start. Ban the bans.  

Read more here: http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2012/07/california-legislation-to-allow-hands-free-driver-texting-signed-into-law.html#storylink=cpy