A couple of weeks ago they finally made texting while driving in the state of Georgia illegal and I couldn't be happier! Now the only problem is enforcing it. You tell me just how many police officers are going to make it a point to ride around and seek out people texting while driving? Just what I thought...not very many. And why should they? Now please don't get me wrong I am one of the first people to jump up and down and applaude the new law but come on people how realistic is it?
Now I would like to approach you with what I believe to be a solution. Everyday you see car dealers advertising their new line of 2010 vehicles and all they have to offer. That's just wonderful but how many are offering a solution to the texting problem? You see cars that need no key, cars with Onstar so that if you have an accident, need directions whatever you are automatically connected with an operator, cars with handsfree phones and on and on and on. Then the government has designed a device that persons convicted of driving under the influence of alcoho must first blow into and pass the breath alcohol test before they are able to start the car so why not a vehicle that can detect the use of a cell phone in any capacity without a handsfree device? My suggestion would be that while said vehicle is in motion and a person attempts to use a cellphone an alarm would sound, emergency flashers would automatically be turned on and car would be disengaged giving the driver just long enough to remove the vehicle safely from the roadway. Police officers practice this maneuver every day with what they call "bait cars" in order to catch car thieves. Only after the phone has then been disengaged and the driver has spoken with an operator informing them of their name,address and telephone number would they be able to resume driving. The latter be in the same matter that the Onstar device works. The driver would then be issued a ticket via mail and given their day in court.
- Now I'm sure that many of you are going to say that what I am suggesting is ludacris and that I'm off my rocker but hey at least I'm trying to come up with some type of solution! I carry a cell phone and yes I do carry it in my car with me but as a rule if it rings while I am driving and I don't have my handsfree device connected then oh well you'll have to leave a message! I flat out refuse to answer it. Mind you just as soon as I stop the car I immediately check my missed calls just in case it was an emergency call. I myself would gladly welcome a device such as I am suggesting or something similar! And what would make it so difficult for car manufacturers to maybe design a device to help deter texting while driving? They are always saying that safety is their #1 priority. True the prices of vehicles would probably go up but wouldn't you pay the extra in order to be safe? You'd pay extra for the Sirius Radio, special rims and added comfort such as automated seat positioning, heated steering wheels, heated seats....why not something that will keep you and your family safe? Not only from the temptation of you yourself texting, reading text messages or talking on your phone while driving but from others that put you and your family in danger by doing so?
