Do you have a GPS device in your Toyota cars? If so, you may not be able to use it while driving through New Jersey. While many states are proposing a ban on cell phones and texting while behind the wheel, New Jersey has turned its focus to GPS devices.
Democrat L. Harvey Smith introduced a bill earlier this summer that would penalize drivers who were caught operating a GPS device while driving. The only exception to this regulation would be the voice-activated units. Offenders would be given $100 fine.
To me, the legislation falls short. I do not agree with this type of far-reaching law, but many proponents of the cell phone ban say the problem is not with the actual phone, but the fact that a conversation with another person is a major distraction. As such, hands-free phones are not really any safer than handheld phones. It seems the same would hold true with voice-activated GPS devices. The actual distraction would be trying to get the device to do what you need it to do even if your hands are nowhere near it.
What’s next? Are drivers going to be fined if they are caught changing the radio station while driving down the road? Will they get penalized if they look out their window and to look for an address or appreciate a beautiful sunset? I hate to say that the cell phone ban was a “slippery slope,” but I’m afraid it is going to lead to many, many more laws that take away a driver’s judgment.
September 24th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
that’s the dumbest thing i’ve seen yet. so would it be better to fumble with maps instead? i can understand going through menus finding your favorite tune on the thing. or punching in an itinerary, but this is pushing it. i need to use that gps, and who’s word counts here, mine or the cops? and i do have voice gps, but you have to look at the screen for more options, so that’s a distraction too. hopefully they won’t be doing this at all. and if they do, i would really like to see them prove it in court.
—Mike Savad