New laws for 2009

[Salty]

Many new laws took effect 1 Jan 09

 

[rbell]

from the article:

In Florida, a handful of new laws include one that gives hospital patients improved consumer protection. It requires hospitals and health care facilities to give patients a good-faith estimate of anticipated charges for planned procedures if requested. They must also post notices in reception areas advising patients how they can get information on charity and discount policies.

I gotta admit, that one sounds good.

 

[rbell]

also:

And in New Hampshire, peeing in public has become costly. The new law makes public urination or defecation a violation punishable by up to a $1,000 fine.

To be guilty, the person would have to know the act would affront or alarm someone else.

Urine luck that law got passed.

 

[LeBuick]

from the article:



I gotta admit, that one sounds good.

Yep, it means you get discharged once they reached the estimate whether you're felling better or not.

"Here, take this prescription and come back for a new estimate..."

 

[LeBuick]

also:



Urine luck that law got passed.

I was downtown not long ago and saw a fella urinating in a payphone booth. This was about 8:30 in the morning and it was one of those half booth's. What's worse, he was busted by a female officer. I'm guessing he was drunk, on drugs or couldn't hold it any longer...


Either way, my 16 year old daughter was with me... :BangHead:

 

[Marcia]

I think that all states should have a law against using cell phones while driving. There is such a law in DC, but not in VA (not sure about MD). They've shown that talking on a cell phone while driving inhibits your reactions the same way alcohol does.

 

[Revmitchell]

I think that all states should have a law against using cell phones while driving. There is such a law in DC, but not in VA (not sure about MD). They've shown that talking on a cell phone while driving inhibits your reactions the same way alcohol does.

Yea, just what we need. A new law.

 

[Salty]

I think that all states should have a law against using cell phones while driving. There is such a law in DC, but not in VA (not sure about MD). They've shown that talking on a cell phone while driving inhibits your reactions the same way alcohol does.

The problem is extended conversations especially those that could get a persons stress level up.

We do have such a law in NY. Most people erroneously think you cannot talk on a handheld phone. Actually the laws says "may not be in the vicinity of your ear" - now the interpretation ... would that be 3", 9" 12", 18"...

Also, it is legal to talk on a Hand-held phone will calling 9-1-1. Actually, that is one of the most dangerous times to make a call.

Also, it is legal to dial your phone while you are driving. Now, that is dumb.

Also police officers are exempt from the law IF it is official business. (would you ask a cop at a red light if his call was official business)

As RevMitchell said "Yea, just what we need. A new law."

I suppose we should also outlaw eating while we are driving - and while we are at it, outlaw radios and CD in vehicles ...

Salty

ps - did I mention I am a certified driving instructor?

 

[Marcia]

Yea, just what we need. A new law.

I think as society declines, we are needing more and more laws to hold us together. I think such a law would genuinely save lives, epecially if they made the fine big enough (around here, that would mean several hundred dollars because there are too many affluent people here who don't even sneeze at $100 or $200 fines).

 

[Revmitchell]

I think as society declines, we are needing more and more laws to hold us together. I think such a law would genuinely save lives, epecially if they made the fine big enough (around here, that would mean several hundred dollars because there are too many affluent people here who don't even sneeze at $100 or $200 fines).

Maybe we should look for other ways to address societal ills that do not include running to the government.

 

[LeBuick]

The problem is extended conversations especially those that could get a persons stress level up.

Nothing like being behind that old guy driving 15 on the freeway then see has a phone stuck to his ear when you finally pass him up... :thumbsup:

Also, it is legal to talk on a Hand-held phone will calling 9-1-1. Actually, that is one of the most dangerous times to make a call.

It's a real bad day when you get pulled over while calling 9-1-1. That or your lucky day...

 

[Jim1999]

In university a professor said many, many years ago, "For every law that is created, you will live long enough to regret." Proven true over and over again.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[Marcia]

On 3 occasions, I've seen people go through red lights or Stop signs while talking on cell phones. There was recently a very bad accident here -- the driver was on a cell phone.

Talking on cell phones while driving does cause injury and death.

I think laws are good - I think we need them for order in the society and restraint against the bad.

 

[billreber]

Marcia said:

I think that all states should have a law against using cell phones while driving. There is such a law in DC, but not in VA (not sure about MD). They've shown that talking on a cell phone while driving inhibits your reactions the same way alcohol does.

AMEN TO THAT!

Here in Washington State, they made a law last year that makes it illegal to use a cell phone IF you are holding it. It is legal to use one with a hands-free device (call that a Bluetooth or a headset). HOWEVER, they made it a secondary offense, which means you must be pulled over for something else before the cell phone law can be used.

Guess what! Nobody (well, I do. . . maybe I should say very few people) pays any attention to the law. They still drive along with a cell phone stuck to their ear, and as long as they are not speeding or wavering down the road, they do not get a ticket! THAT is a useless law!

BTW, the police and other emergency personnel are all exempt from the law, with the unwritten understanding that only official calls are covered by the exemption. I have heard of several "officials" who have been observed doing other personal "stuff" while talking on their cell phone and driving! When confronted, they are "always" doing official business.

Revmitchell said:

Yea, just what we need. A new law.

I totally agree! The Washington law proves how useless such a law can be. Perhaps they should double or triple fines if a cell phone (or any other distraction) causes an accident, regardless of who the driver is (ie;, no exemptions for police, etc.). But then our representatives and senators (at all levels) might get into trouble!

Oh, well! God is still in charge!

Bill:godisgood:

 

[Marcia]

Marcia said:



AMEN TO THAT!

Here in Washington State, they made a law last year that makes it illegal to use a cell phone IF you are holding it. It is legal to use one with a hands-free device (call that a Bluetooth or a headset). HOWEVER, they made it a secondary offense, which means you must be pulled over for something else before the cell phone law can be used.

Guess what! Nobody (well, I do. . . maybe I should say very few people) pays any attention to the law. They still drive along with a cell phone stuck to their ear, and as long as they are not speeding or wavering down the road, they do not get a ticket! THAT is a useless law!

BTW, the police and other emergency personnel are all exempt from the law, with the unwritten understanding that only official calls are covered by the exemption. I have heard of several "officials" who have been observed doing other personal "stuff" while talking on their cell phone and driving! When confronted, they are "always" doing official business.

Revmitchell said:



I totally agree! The Washington law proves how useless such a law can be. Perhaps they should double or triple fines if a cell phone (or any other distraction) causes an accident, regardless of who the driver is (ie;, no exemptions for police, etc.). But then our representatives and senators (at all levels) might get into trouble!

Oh, well! God is still in charge!

Bill:godisgood:

I don't get it. You seem to agree with me, then disagree.

I will say this: here in VA if it were a law, you would not get away with it much. They love pulling people over here. They would probably drive around looking at people to see if they were on cell phones.

Know what they do at rush hour? Police or Trooper cars station themselves at the end of ramps to catch cars with a single driver getting off of roads that are HOV restricted.

 

[LeBuick]

Here in Washington State, they made a law last year that makes it illegal to use a cell phone IF you are holding it. It is legal to use one with a hands-free device (call that a Bluetooth or a headset). HOWEVER, they made it a secondary offense, which means you must be pulled over for something else before the cell phone law can be used.

Guess what! Nobody (well, I do. . . maybe I should say very few people) pays any attention to the law. They still drive along with a cell phone stuck to their ear, and as long as they are not speeding or wavering down the road, they do not get a ticket! THAT is a useless law!

Don't worry, they're breaking you guys in slowly. Remember, this is how the seat belt law got started.

 

[Salty]

I think such a law would genuinely save lives, epecially if they made the fine big enough (around here, that would mean several hundred dollars because there are too many affluent people here who don't even sneeze at $100 or $200 fines).

Marcia, would you support a law that would require all drivers and passengers of vehicles to wear a helmet? Think about how many lives that would saved (and I am not being facetious)

 

[Revmitchell]

Marcia, would you support a law that would require all drivers and passengers of vehicles to wear a helmet? Think about how many lives that would saved (and I am not being facetious)

How about pads? What about making car illegal since they play such a huge role in the deaths of so many people? While we are at it lets outlaw airplanes, motorcycles, trains, and anything at all that plays a role in deaths. Where does it end?

 

[windcatcher]

The problem is extended conversations especially those that could get a persons stress level up.

<snip>
Also, it is legal to talk on a Hand-held phone will calling 9-1-1. Actually, that is one of the most dangerous times to make a call.
<snip>
I suppose we should also outlaw eating while we are driving - and while we are at it, outlaw radios and CD in vehicles ...

Salty

ps - did I mention I am a certified driving instructor?

I appreciate what you're saying and almost completely agree....... except for one thing: If a solo driver.......... reporting hazards on the road or someone driving erractically to 9-1-1, it is better than not making the call and having a less fortunate motorist meet with an accident, imo.

When I was driving a truck, having to double clutch and shift.... at highway speeds on I-12 heading west in La. before it ties back into I-10..... late at night came across what looked like metal ties... similar to railroad or I beams, fallen in the path of my truck. I keyed the CB mic and tried to alert any listening drivers and channel 9 which used to be the sos to hwy patrol.... No response. Had cell phone but no head set. Dialed a quick 9-1-1 and told the dispatch the encounter on the road of dangerous hazard to traffic. There was no place to make a stop to call..... They had not received a report before mine and were glad to take the call, would dispatch a trooper to strike flares and get a road crew for clean up.

It was no more distracting to me than having to glance at trip notes: Of course I'd many years of driving 'defensively' even before getting my CDL. I was alert to the surrounding traffic..... not just what was in front, had my open safety zones available, was able to slow down and dodge the debris with a loaded rig, perform my shifts, and keep at least one hand on the wheel and dialed that phone high in the vision of the road where my focus stayed on the road and my peripheral was used to dial. Maybe this doesn't make much sense.... but there may be occassions where an illegal use of cell phone is better that no call at all.

Normally I always turned my phone off before driving.... and it was off in this instance. Actually, the CB was more a distraction trying to change channels.... as I had to look up into the dark of the cabin to reach and dial.

After saying all this........ I should also add: I've avoided many accidents which some might say 'should' have happened because of observing other driver's behavior, expecting the unexpected, responding appropriately, keeping distance between myself and those in front..... even if it meant slowing down, knowing whats on both sides of my vehicle, and what is coming at me from the rear or following, and in any uncertainties or change in conditions..... slow down and prepare for control . Never had much time for listening to radio and no desire for talk. The mind copes best with one thing at a time and there's plenty to watch for on the road and enough to be conscious of if one avoids all unnecessary distractions. A driver should be honest in assessing his skill level and not test it...... but a driver who is tooo sure of himself is as likely or more likely to be dangerous than a driver who exercises caution and refuses to push his limits.

(This was one of 2 rare occasions where I used the cell while under the steering wheel of a moving rig. ....... I just cringe thinking of the possibility of loosing a steer tire at interstate speeds!) Thank God, I'm no longer having to drive a rig for a living...... It was the hardest 13 months of my life!

After saying all that....... I've seen some of the stupidest moves by truckers as well as regular motorist with a cell phone stuck to their ear. While its easy to say all drivers should be alert and keep their attention on their driving..... not all drivers are equal in health, ability or awareness, even when doing their best. That means to me that I owe all others to be the safe-one on the road who stays within her lane and makes careful and predictable moves, exercising caution not only for her own sake..... but for the sake of others who may not be as prepared for a defensive move if they face the unexpected.

I tend to agree..... no cell phones behind the wheel. I'd rather be fined or have to go to court and try to justify an emergency use of the cell phone behind the wheel (and why I hadn't prepared with headset) than to be in or witness an accident due to the inattention of a driver with a cell phone, or even worse, the cause of an accident.

 

[Marcia]

Marcia, would you support a law that would require all drivers and passengers of vehicles to wear a helmet? Think about how many lives that would saved (and I am not being facetious)

Has there been a credible study showing that wearing helmets saves lives in car accidents? I bet there hasn't.

However, they have shown that talking on the cell phone is the same as being slightly drunk as far as your attention goes. As I said, I have seen 3 people go through red lights or Stop signs while talking on their cell phones.

Also, just because a law making people wear helmets might be ridiculous does not mean it's wrong to make a law against talking on cell phones. That's a logical fallacy - forgot which one; I think it's called the fallacy of the Beard.