Drinking and the use of technology is part of our culture
as Texans and as Americans, but what happens when driving is added to the
equation? Do these leisurely activities become more than we bargained for, and
which one of these activities might be more detrimental to the public’s safety?
The Austin Police Department has alerted various
other Austin news sources that the number of traffic fatalities has increased
from 8 in 2012 to 15 already in 2013. Back in 2011, KXAN (Austin news and weather) reports that a woman in her early 20s,
Gabrielle Nestande, was arrested because of a “deadly hit-and-run” with a woman
on the side of the road. Last Thursday, a jury convicted Nestande of criminally
negligent homicide, a charge punishable up to ten years in prison. The jury
pardoned her for being intoxicated the night of the crash and setting an alarm
on her phone when she swerved. The fact that Nestande escaped from alcohol
related charges makes some sense, but this trial should’ve set the standard for
banning the use of cell phones while driving.
The state of Texas has relatively loose drinking laws in
my opinion, allowing those under 21 to drink with parental supervision. In Las
Vegas, Nevada, those that are underage can’t so much as take one foot off the
main carpet that winds through a casino because alcohol is served in all areas
except for that main carpet. Since my grandparents live in the Reno/Tahoe area
(near many casinos), I was often scolded by casino employees for veering away from
this “safety carpet”, even though I was just trying to explore. Texans grow
accustomed to being around alcohol, and it can’t be assumed that our state has
more problems with underage drinking than other states. My point is that Nestande
was of drinking age and under the legal alcohol limit, so there was little for
the jury to discuss regarding the possibility of alcohol charges.
http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/breaking_news/nestande-is-guilty-of-criminally-negligent-homicide
Drinking and driving gets a very harsh reputation all on its own. However the cases are not that substantial and based on statistical data there are only a few cases.
ReplyDeleteHowever when you start talking about cell phones, they are applicable to anyone who lives regardless of state. With our ever so growing workaholic culture as Americans and the proliferation of communication technology we are ever so suffocated by the use of cell phones. That is to say we just can't part with it for more than just one minute. This is even more so behind the wheel. From what I observe when I am behind the wheel is other constantly distracted by whatever notifications they have on their phones. These distractions are just as deadly to drivers as alcoholism. The fact that we have distracted drivers means more accidents to come. It is frightening to say the least that you have drive carefully around people who are on cell phones and can one second later rear end you. That text message is that important.
Some argue that banning cell phone use while driving encroaches upon their individual rights. However, when people's lives are at stake, I think that individual rights may be up for debate. I noticed that BCS already bans the use of cell phones in school zones. At the very least, it is probably a wise idea to ban cell phone use in areas with heavy pedestrian and/or bicycle traffic.
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