Distracted driving is the new evil that happens behind the wheel. Distracted driving is now responsible for more accidents than driving under the influence. How is this possible? The internet, perhaps? The need to be connected and entertained is deterring attention from the roadways to the device. Whatever the reason, this is the world we live in…people do everything while driving but watch the road. It can turn into a game, the next time you drive across town, play “I SPY” someone texting, eating, applying make-up…while driving. It is unbelievable the tasks people take on while behind the wheel. In response, states government are slowing creating laws to try and stop all this distracted driving. Will more laws and higher fines force people to pay attention to the road? Maybe. Check out the following article from USA Today.
New Jersey: Bill would ban motorists from drinking coffee and driving
SOURCE: USA TODAY
New Jersey already draws ire for not letting drivers pump their own gas. But the state might ban them from having a cup of coffee behind the wheel too.
A bill under consideration in the state Legislature calls to prohibit “any activity unrelated to the actual operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that interferes with the safe operation of the vehicle on a public road or highway.” That means no cup of coffee for those sitting in traffic, no munching on that breakfast burrito, no time to groom. (No, the law does not target coffee verbatim.)
The bill is meant to target distracted driving, which plays a role in thousands of fatal crashes in the state each year. At least 3,179 fatal crashes were attributed to distracted driving in 2014, according to the state’s Division of Highway Traffic Safety website. Distracted driving played a role in nearly 800,000 crashes between 2010 and 2014.So, the penalty for sneaking a bite of your ham sandwich? Between $200 and $400 for the first offense, $400 to $600 for the second and $600 to $800 for the third, as well as a 90-day license suspension and points on the license.
No word yet on whether changing radio stations or talking to someone in the passenger’s seat while driving would be outlawed too.