New Jersey Gets Serious On Distracted Driving - Moves To Ban Food And Drink Consumption While Driving

A bill under consideration in the state Legislature calls to prohibit "any activity unrelated to the actual operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that interferes with the safe operation of the vehicle on a public road or highway." That means no cup of coffee for those sitting in traffic, no munching on that breakfast burrito, no time to groom. (No, the law does not target coffee verbatim.)

The bill is meant to target distracted driving, which plays a role in thousands of fatal crashes in the state each year. At least 3,179 fatal crashes were attributed to distracted driving in 2014, according to the state's Division of Highway Traffic Safety website. Distracted driving played a role in nearly 800,000 crashes between 2010 and 2014.

atc98092 - 8/8/2016 11:06:20 AM

+2 Boost

How on earth would they enforce such a law? Can't see the feasibility of it.

MDarringer - 8/8/2016 11:18:33 AM

+1 Boost

Simple really. It's how they enforce cell phone use here. A motorcycle cop rides past cars and look in as he passes. Of course, If I were a cop I'd just cite people at McDonalds and call it a day.

atc98092 - 8/8/2016 1:08:27 PM

+2 Boost

Nah, we have the cell phone law here in WA as well, and it's ridiculous how many people still drive with the phone glued to their ear.

MDarringer - 8/8/2016 7:06:40 PM

0 Boost

@atc98092 IKR

HenryN - 8/8/2016 12:33:29 PM

+1 Boost

While each fatal accident is one too many, the article's claim that there are "thousands of fatal crashes in the state each year" is inflated/inaccurate. According to the IIHS, in 2014 there were 556 fatalities in New Jersey.

If NJ legislature can get past the fast food chains and get the bill approved, the lives saved from the junk foods and associated health care cost would be far greater - which is not a bad thing IMO.

MDarringer - 8/8/2016 7:07:55 PM

+2 Boost

They need to mandate that everyone buy Teslas.

Oh wait! They need a government program to bitch tax the 1% and buy Teslas for the 99%.

jeffgall - 8/8/2016 9:01:06 PM

+4 Boost

By that logic, the should outlaw smoking while driving too.

HenryN - 8/9/2016 2:45:55 AM

-1 Boost

Relax, do I have to end the comment with "(sarcasm, wink wink!)" so you can
"get it" ?

@Jeffgall, yes smoking with a minor in a car is already prohibited in California. Say no more.

@MDarringer: you are getting lame and desperate trying to bring Tesla in every conversation. Elon Musk must be blushed knowing that you dream of ass ramming him every hour of your day.

LexSucks - 8/9/2016 11:21:02 AM

0 Boost

This is nothing more than a way to generate revenue. Nothing to due with safety.

w222 - 8/9/2016 1:20:06 PM

+2 Boost

Years ago I saw this gentleman in a suit eating a bowl soup noodle while steering with his knees.
He was thoughtful enough to drive in the slow lane so that he could focus on his food.

skytop - 8/9/2016 4:56:53 PM

+1 Boost

Next thing the psychotic liberals in N.J. will do is ban sex in cars. They are all jealous losers.