Nannies: Prohibit OnStar Use in Moving Vehicles

Driver distractions like cellphones, DVD players and snacks forces debate participants into arguments with inescapable ad absurdum conclusions. If hands-free cellphones cause accidents, why not ban in-car conversation? Now that the Center for Auto Safety is trying to ban OnStar from being used while vehicles are in motion, why stop there? Isn't radio just as distracting?

"The nonprofit group filed a petition yesterday with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, asking the agency to write rules prohibiting the use of such built-in systems while a vehicle is in motion. The group said traffic accidents will increase if drivers pay more attention to their personal affairs than to the road." — Cindy Skrzycki, Washington Post

It's all about trying to legislate away stupidity, which can only be accomplished by making the stupid not responsible for their actions. Some seek to do this simply by controlling everyone's behavior, as with these proposed laws. Others, however, seek to accomplish the same by transferring the responsibility to others: David Strayer, professor of psychology at the University of Utah, wants manufacturers to prove their devices are safe before marketing them, according to the Post.

Safety Group Wants Automakers to Steer Clear of Hands-Free Devices [WaPo]