The American Spectator

The Nation's Pulse

Driving While Talking

By Eric Peters on 1.8.08 @ 12:07AM

(Page 2 of 2)

Drinking alcohol has become politically incorrect; not too far removed from pederasty in the hierarchy of evil. We've adopted a virtual zero-tolerance attitude toward any drinking before driving, which may or may not be a bit over the top.

But if it isn't an overreaction, then how come we tolerate people smacking away on their cells when it's beyond dispute that talking while driving is at least within the same ballpark, risk-wise, as having a glass or two of wine over dinner and then driving home?

Answer? Cell phones have become a mass "given" of our Electronic Age. An entitlement. A necessary accessory. Everyone -- from pre-teens to senile citizens -- not only seems to have one but feels the need to be constantly talking on the things. Even when there is nothing especially important that we need to discuss right this very second.

Many of us now spend so much time in our cars that it's simply unthinkable to waste the time when we could be multi-tasking. Doing deals, contacting business associates. Or just warbling away with a friend over a topic of absolutely no importance whatever. Because we can.

ALL OF WHICH goes to prove that "safety" is, at best, an arbitrary Decider (to use an infelicitous neologism) of what is and isn't permissible behind the wheel. Twenty years ago, driving drunk was considered funny. (Doubt that? Go and rent the original Cannonball Run.) Today, it's just about the worst possible sin one can commit behind the wheel.

Maybe in another 20 years, we'll have come around on talking while driving, too.

Might take some more study, though...

Letter to the Editor

topics:
Transportation, Business