New Cell Phone Law

Man on cell with banana

Maryland's new tougher cell phone laws went into effect on October 1st. 

To summarize the new laws, basically, breathing on a cell phone while driving is grounds to get pulled over and receive a ticket.

I have some issues with this law--sure, you shouldn't talk or text, but my cell also serves as a GPS and provides turn-by-turn directions. Sometimes I need to look at it to figure out what it is trying to tell me.

It also plays music. 

Adjusting information in these modes would be no different than using the radio or permanently installed GPS. This law seems to be unenforceable and overly restrictive.

As evidence for my assertion, on Saturday, while Chris was driving, I noted the man in the image driving next to us. He was talking on his cell and eating a banana while driving. He was impeding traffic. I couldn't believe it. I wasn't sure which was more important? Talking on the phone or eating the banana, because it surely was not his driving.

Even more frustrating? No police to show him the error of his ways.

We don't need more laws, we need people to exercise common sense.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD