The Rocket

Issue date: 10/5/07 Section: Opinion

A law is being considered in Pennsylvania that would ban the use of cell phones on highways throughout the commonwealth. I love when the government tries to make sure everyone is safe.

This law would have many different benefits. First off, this gives the police another excuse to pull me over. Forget the speeders and drunk drivers: There are cell phones users out there that need to be stopped.

The law would keep people off their cell phones and keep their eyes on the road. Without a phone, drivers will be able to concentrate on driving. Unless they happen to be smoking, playing with an iPod, eating, playing loud music or talking to other passengers in the vehicle.

Since safety seems to trump freedom in some cases, maybe we should ban all activities in a vehicle besides driving. We could place soundproof glass between passengers, ban smoking and remove every radio from every car. Then our only worry would be people falling asleep at the wheel.

The law would only apply to handheld cell phones. Now is the time to pick up one of those fancy hands-free phones. Not only will you still be able to call people, but you can look like a cyborg while you do it. It also helps me further the point that this is a pointless law.

I guess the reasoning behind this is that not only do you have one hand on the wheel, but you are having a conversation, which is distracting. Out of protest, I am going to drive with only one hand on the steering wheel. I will also start giving people rides more often so I have someone to talk with. If anyone complains, I will just tell them that I'm reducing carbon emissions by carpooling.

The fact of the matter is this: People die. Little Johnny could be buckled up in his car seat with parents who have been driving for decades. A coal truck pulls out into an intersection and little Johnny is now quite a bit smaller.

The fine for being caught on a cell phone would be $50. Toss on any other fines you may get, and that comes out to quite a bit of cash. Regardless, I'm sure our politicians are considering putting this law into place for our safety and not for any monetary income that would be generated.

Driving is and always will be dangerous. You need to factor in your own driving ability, the ability of other drivers, road conditions and weather, not to mention the occasional deer. In fact, there is risk in everything you do. You could be walking through the quad tomorrow, trip and break your neck. This safety hysteria is pure crap, and the only people that benefit from it are lawmakers and businessmen.

The fact of the matter is, the moron will always exist and morons are the reason people get into accidents. If I have a functioning brain that allows me to multitask, allow me the personal freedom to answer a phone call.

Tony Maiocco is a senior communication major and a regular contributor to The Rocket.

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