Im txtng while drvng
I spotted this cartoon on a couple of websites (with no link back to its origin):
It reminded me: isn’t the Ontario ban on drivers using cell phones coming in to effect soon? I checked a few sites and it appears it’s not law until October.
Actually, I think the new law is redundant. There are existing laws which address the problems of drivers not paying attention, so why not just enforce them? Why do we need a law specifically aimed at cell phones and other handheld devices? A technology-focused law doesn’t address the problem of idiots who eat while driving (I’ve seen a few instances of drivers holding a bowl in one hand and a spoon in the other!) or other reckless ignorance, such as the woman I saw grooming her dog whilst driving on the 401.
Please note: I’m using “driver”/”driving” in the loosest sense of the word – with these examples of distractions, they’re really just passengers who happen to be sitting behind the steering wheel.
Maybe the solution is to remove all driver safety features and place a large spike in the centre of the steering wheel? That should cause people to pay attention to their driving! Either that or Darwin will deal with the idiots. 
Cartoon’s origin unearthed by Rob Russell; it’s @ http://blogs.ajc.com/mike-luckovich/2009/07/21/july-22-cartoon/
MTO have confirmed “Ontario’s ban on hand-held devices while driving will take effect on October 26, 2009.”
August 7, 2009 is on it. I have a copy of it ripped out, next to me.
I think it was in:
The New Yorker, magazine
@VeganDan A friend gave me the link to the original – it’s @ http://blogs.ajc.com/mike-luckovich/2009/07/21/july-22-cartoon/