Comments on: New Law: “Hands Free Even At Stoplights”

By: Forced Air

Forced Air — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 05:18:53 +0000

I have one of those blasted “smart” phones and I leave it turned off unless I need it.

I still drive without any distractions going. My stereo quit working looooong ago and I don’t have any motivation to replacing it.

I grew up with cars and was a hot rodder in the 70s and 80s. The only thing I paid attention to was the sound of my engines and the road. I have no dog in this fight. Most new cars make me wanna puke. They are pussy machines and they cost too much and you can’t work on them. They are all real snazzy, until they break, then loooook out and get out the checkbook.

I have on old pickup truck that I can work on.

Bikeboy…you aren’t missing a thing, except the cool cars I grew up with….keep on riding your two wheelers.

Sorry gang, you are on your own on this one.

By: Hands on the wheel

Hands on the wheel — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 22:04:08 +0000

Two ideas come to mind.

1-Take the phone for 10 days.

2 – Boot the vehicle if they will not give up the phone.

3 – Ticket with points specifically related to using phone while driving – the insurance company should have the hairs on the backs of their necks go up.

Oh, and wear a mask.

By: Chris A

Chris A — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 11:51:20 +0000

Honestly, phones should just be turned off while in a car. I’m guilty myself and am trying to get better!

By: Romeo Sierra

Romeo Sierra — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 02:02:53 +0000

At least It’s still OK for FiFi to sit on your lap and preen in the drivers side mirror.
Had me worried for a minute…..

By: Hands on the wheel

Hands on the wheel — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 01:38:14 +0000

This has been a law for years, if not decades, in more populous areas. Why is Idaho so behind on public safety?

I guess nobody really cares, at least anybody in the legislature or city governments.

So behind.

By: Easterner

Easterner — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 15:28:05 +0000

good point Editor.
It should be “When will Texting and Driving be *treated equal* to drunk driving?”

Flip that on it’s head:
make dui equal to texting— so the penalty for dui should be $75, first offense? That is what a ‘reasonable’ Legislature would do. ha!
MORE proof our legislature is not reasonable.
“roadies for everyone!”

By: Easterner

Easterner — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 02:02:45 +0000

“MY HANDS ARE UP – I can’t text- DON’T SHOOT!”

New law- driving and texting – infraction – $75 -$300

inattentive driving – infraction – 90
days/$300

reckless driving – misdemeanor – 6months/ $1000

driving under the influence- misdemeanor – 6 months/$1,000 / 30days suspension

btw fleeing a traffic LEO in Idaho is legally a misdemeanor-not a death sentence.

For reckless one must be driving really badly, right? ‘Inattentive’ AND unsafe.
But texting and dui, one might actually be driving just fine- safely- other than the obvious risk.

When will Texting And Driving be perceived equal to drunk driving?:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/texting-and-driving_n_6122742

EDITOR NOTE–The perception is already here. BUT coppers are exempt in most circumstances. Who would give a copper a six pack before patrol starts?

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 01:12:46 +0000

Just another redundant law (like we need more). It’s already illegal to text and drive but then again it’s not enforced and I doubt that this new law will change anything.

EDITOR NOTE–Release says the texting law will be repealed when the new law is activated July 1. Not redundant in this case.

By: dj

dj — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 23:09:30 +0000

I would like to know of the 241 people that died because of distracted driving, how many were because of a cellphone.

EDITOR NOTE–Here is a link to an anecdotal survey ISP conducted for the GUARDIAN in 2017. Three year old data, but the causes are no doubt noteworthy and similar. https://boiseguardian.com/2017/01/08/technology-is-killing-us/

By: Clancy

Clancy — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 20:25:01 +0000

This is long overdue and will increase the safety of the roads for all users.