July 14, 2007
Recently, GamePolitics reported on a New York bill that would outlaw playing video games - and conducting other distracting activities - while driving.As reported by Land Line, a magazine for truckers, Wisconsin lawmakers are considering similar legislation. As proposed by Assemblyman Garey Bies (R, left), AB215 would:
...prohibit drivers from watching any device capable of displaying live or recorded television, cable or satellite broadcasts, DVDs or video games that is located within the driver’s view.
The restriction wouldn’t apply to dashboard readouts or other displays of information about a vehicle’s operation or conduct. Drivers found in violation of the rule face fines up to $400.
Comments
I guess supplying channel information via satellite to XM and Sirius units is going to be illegal as well. As would be any device with a color screen, since you can pretty much expect a hack that will obviate original functionality for the purposes of illicit viewing...
Stupidly broad bill is necessary because of rapid technological progression that makes maintenance of a banned-items list tedious and expensive.
And yeah, the bill seems necessary.
You would be surprised at how ignorant people can be. This bill is necessary.
@ finaleve
The only game I ever played that could be set-up, so that you could play it with one hand was Breath of Fire 3 (on the PlayStation). It was really convenient when I wanted to continue playing it, but was also hungry. Still, it was generally easier to play with both hands on the controller, but it was possible to play reasonably well with just one.
Satellite I can understand, but how in hell someone can get a cable hookup to their car is beyond me, and by extension, any sane person on Earth.
It's not so much that you need a law to prevent somebody from doing something that common sense dictates they should not be doing, but you DO need the law if you wish to prosecute unsafe drivers.
In the past month I've seen the following on the 5 mile stretch of expressway I drive too and from work:
1) A woman with a laptop computer balanced on the steering wheel and her lap while trying to drive.
2) An older gentleman with a small TELEVISION sitting on his lap and pinned between himself, the door and the steering wheel. (Noticed this because he damn near swerved into me.)
I live in Ohio and under current law they could possibly have gotten driver #2 for an unsafe lane change, which is a minor moving violation.
So as silly as these laws seem on the surface, I'm all for them because there are a lot of asshats out there driving cars who deserve to lose their licenses and be parted with some of their money.
actually in some states, it is illegal to use a cell phone while driving. new york for example, does ticket people for just talking on a cell phone while driving. In Minnesota, where i live, it is illegal for someone with a provisional license to use a cellphone while driving.
Like the guy who made it said already: The restriction wouldn’t apply to dashboard readouts or other displays of information about a vehicle’s operation or conduct. Drivers found in violation of the rule face fines up to $400.
What he means with the satellite broadcasts is if you hooked up your satellite dish to your car or something like that and your watching a tv show instead of paying attention to the road. Something like a GPS doesn't count since it's not entertaining, it's informative.
Actually they can't pull you over for just being on the cell phone. what they can do is pull you over for swerving, speeding or anything else while you are on the cell phone. if you are doing anything unlawful in a car while on the cell phone it makes the ticket more severe. so instead of a 150 dollor ticket you may get a 300 dollor ticket and so on.
So if you're on a highway doing 70-75 in a 65 (which is what everyone does) and you are on a cell phone, it is more likely a cop will pick you out of the crowd and pull you over instead of the others. not because it is a higher ticket, but because it's more dangerous.
And I still can not fathom being able to drive and play a game. You'd need both hands on the wheel, or at least one, and yet you mostly need both hands on the game as well. How will this be actually happen (I think you can play RPG's fairly well).
I think the only time I was able to drive and play games was when I was riding my mount in WoW while playing a little Pokemon =P
Do YOU want someone watching "The Need for Speed" driving around your neighborhood?
@Athest: People have been caught watching movies, applying makeup, and all kinds of stupid crap while driving. Once I saw a man steering with his knees while he used a match to light a tobacco pipe-- while going 65 on an interstate. It honestly wouldn't surprise me.
do you really need a law to stop people from gaming and watching movies while driving.
does anyone remember personal responsibility?
"Warning high bridge, jumping may cause injury and/or death"
Actually, I agree with the idea. Most people I see are already crappy enough drivers without being doubly or triply distracted. But maybe that's just how it is in California!
A real-life example is that we recently had a member of our (Minnesota Timberwolves) basketball team rear-end a parked car at high speeds while masturbating to a porn video in his car. We've had several accidents with people playing PS2 and Xbox in their car- while driving. Kind of strange that they can't just charge them with "inattentive driving..." though I'm sure that doesn't get a high enough penalty for what this bill would do.
It happens. I'm glad there's finallyvideo game legislation that doesn't make me want to vomit.