Posted on 06/16/2014 12:41:11 PM PDT by Star Traveler
Getting directions on the road from Google Maps and other smartphone apps is a popular alternative to the expensive navigation aids included in some cars. The apps are also a gray area when it comes to laws banning the use of cellphones or texting while driving.
The Transportation Department wants to enter the argument.
The department is intensifying its battle against distracted driving by seeking explicit authority from Congress to regulate navigation aids of all types, including apps on smartphones.
The measure, included in the Obama administration’s proposed transportation bill, would specify that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has the authority to set restrictions on the apps and later order changes if they are deemed dangerous, much the way it currently regulates mechanical features of cars.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
I agree. Reckless or distracted driving laws already on the books cover texting or talking on the cell phone while driving, and other dangerous behaviors. We don't need a new law or regulation to cover every conceivable situation.
More nanny state intrusion in the name of “safety.”
Com on Freedom. What are all those attorneys working for the Fed, the States, the Counties and the Cities going to do all day if we don’t let them play at The Law? >S
Oh, yeah. Cuz those are our only two choices: tyrannical over-regulation or anarchy.
He’s right. You and people like you are part of the problem.
How is wanting people to hang up and drive part of the problem? I never said I wanted the Fedgov to deal with it.
I just said that I am fed up with the problem. It seems that
people here are jumping to unwarranted conclusions and putting words into peoples mouths. But then that’s a FR tradition...
Nope. I want people to be able to pass a DRIVING test. Not how far you stop from a hydrant but the difference in positive and negative curves, understeer and oversteer, the dynamics of driving, how to handle a skid, NOT the stupid things that are taught and mandated today.
The legislation we see on the street is a reflection of peoples attitudes towards government, and citizens demands for regulation.
You see an article about a Federal initiative to regulate hand-held devices, and you talk about how it makes you sick and tired of seeing people yap on phones.
Our regulations are focus grouped. That is the reality we live in. You are giving tactic approval for more regulation with your statement. How is this a stretch?
I see this initiative and I instantly want to push back. But your attitude prevails in minds and in the collective consciousness that drives focus groups and opinion studies.
We need people saying “NO”, saying “NO” unequivocally and with vigor. Otherwise we certainly will not be giving clear messages to the leaders of the idiotocracy.
But then again I don’t just want to stop the ever encroaching tide of regulation, I want to roll it back. How about you?
I will agree with you that nobody passes a “driving test” in this country.
Especially when they are bleating in public thereby forcing all of us to listen. (When that happens I stop what I am doing and stare intently at the loud-mouth until they leave or stop. The ugly faces from these people is astounding. . .they are yelling into their phones and we are supposed to act like we don’t hear. . .but when we do show we can hear, they get all huffy about it. . .but I digress. . . )
In the car. . .what is the difference between a chronic radio dialer-twister, CD-changer or some guy that is arguing with someone in the car or conducting a one-sided debate with some talk radio show. All are distracted.
We’ll just write a secret app for that as well....
I presume this will be a step towards removing computers from police cars.
If I am forced to choose between anarchy and tyranny then I choose anarchy.
The laws against phones are no gray area in California. Recently a driver was convicted of using the phone when he referred to the GPS function and a CHP bagman for Jerry Brown nailed him.
The laws against phones are no gray area in California. Recently a driver was convicted of using the phone when he referred to the GPS function and a CHP bagman for Jerry Brown nailed him. The citation was upheld in court, and, presumably, all concerned got a nice share of the huge fine.
It’s all about the money.
They are here to help. It’s for the children.
A mounted or installed GPS receiver is the opposite of a distraction. I use mine so that I can concentrate on driving, rather than trying to read tiny, poorly lit, and poorly located street signs; or trying to read barely-visible house numbers. The audio alerts, and an occasional quick glance are all I need.
OTOH, attempting to adjust a GPS (whether mounted or hand-held; and whether a dedicated device or a phone app) while driving is very distracting. Don’t do that.
I use Apple Maps with their verbal driving cues, on my iPad ... and it’s great! I don’t have to look at anything.
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