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We all know it's a distraction, but do we really need any more unenforceable laws? I don't think so.  We need more enforcement of existing proven safety laws (speed limits, chemically impaired drivers, etc).  I see this as a typical misguided attack on a specific technology that has a lot of aesthetic nuances to it. 

If real safety were actually a concern (i think we want it, but are not willing to endure the changes ourselves), we'd be talking about banning cars altogether, or at least building car free zones, massively bulk up public transit, impose annual drivers tests, impose automobile weight class taxes (so people would drive lighter safer (for other people) cars), convert all portland parking spaces (residential areas too) into paid spots, impose tolls on the bridges for cars, change our lives in a serious way.  But we aren't willing to do these things, because we are selfish beings who feel as if we have a right to too much.  

Btw, I drive, bike and walk daily, I use my cell phone anytime i feel like it, but I do obey the laws in NY and CA (i've lived in both) and WA. I'd gladly support a full ban on cars in the city!!! I want to face that challenge. I'd also obey the cell phone ban if it passes, but again, we don't need any more little band aid laws.

posted 4 years, 1 month ago
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