So far after 15 days into the hands-free cellphone while driving era I have had only one near violation. I will admit that more than a few times after my phone rings or pings, I have made the motion to pick it up but resisted it.
I suspect the hands-free law will take some time before compliance is the norm, much like the seatbelt law.
Remember when the seatbelt law first went into effect? Many of us resisted the law by going so far as to pretend we put the seatbelt on by pulling it across our chest, especially if we saw the law coming our way. Once the law passed by, we let the belt recoil back to its original spot over the left shoulder.
I am not aware of any official count as to the compliance rate on seatbelt use, but I would be willing to bet it’s in the 90-percent-plus territory.
There is more of an urgency to achieve that high number of compliance for the hands-free law, however.
Back in the day when we were all a bit reluctant to buckle up, we were really only putting ourselves in harm’s way by not doing so.
Not so with the hands-free law. Distracted driving puts others in danger.
Let’s hope it doesn’t take as long to get to that 90 percent number. Better yet, let’s not be satisfied until it’s 100 percent hands-free compliance.
***
It’s time to get up on my high horse, and frankly I am going to ride it until something gets done.
In my neighborhood, within earshot of my house, we have a number of residents that are either wheelchair-bound or at the very least dependent on some sort of walking aid.
Here is where the high horse thing comes into play.
On the corner of Pine Drive and West Warren Street there are no curb cuts with sidewalk access to the street.
I am sure the folks from the American Disabilities Act would frown on that. Also, it has been brought to the attention of the powers that be that there needs to be some sort of pedestrian walkway along Warren Street from Sunshine Avenue heading west. For that matter, the sidewalk on Warren Street ends a block short of Sunshine Avenue.
Luverne has done a great job of being pedestrian friendly but frankly has fallen short in my neck of the woods.
Here’s hoping I can put the horse back in the barn soon.