Quote:
Originally Posted by gacook
According to scientific research, yes.
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Yup. Talking on the phone reduces judgement and coordination in the average 20-something to the level of someone markedly senior - or drink-impaired.
The problem with a $160 fine is that it's nowhere near big enough for potentially lethal behavior. The UK had a 1200 GBP fine - and 3 points on your license, 12 of them and it's suspended - for TALKING while driving (without a headset) years ago.
I think people would view an $1800 fine (current rate of exchange) very differently.
Up here, they made TALKING illegal a few years ago. But it's still not a primary offence (so you don't get pulled over for it). And the fine is laughable. Probably one or two out of three drivers are still yakking on the phone instead of paying attention to driving.
One of the scariest things in the world is to be stopped at a light, glance in the rear view and see the top of some muppet's head as they hurtle towards you still looking down at their lap...