Coffee, a.k.a. God’s gift to man, is one of very few things that gets us through mornings. For a buttload of people, nothing jazzes up the morning commute quite like a blazing hot cup of joe. But that very same buttload of people could possibly be in for one rude, rude awakening if they live in Jersey. A new bill currently under consideration in the state Legislature would end eating and drinking behind the wheel as part of a campaign to reduce distracted driving.
The proposed bill “Prohibits operator of motor vehicle from engaging in distracted driving,” and would ban “any activity unrelated to the actual operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that interferes with the safe operation of the vehicle on a public road or highway.” So not only would your coffee get the boot, but so too would just about everything else besides your undivided attention. So it’s a no on coffee, but how about cawfee, as it’s known to Jersey folk? Also, doesn’t coffee consumption count as an activity critical to the operation of a motor vehicle? It seems unsafe to allow a bunch of sleepyheads behind the wheel.
Proposed penalties for the offense become more severe when it’s repeated. A fine “between $200 and $400 for the first offense, $400 to $600 for the second and $600 to $800 for the third, as well as a 90-day license suspension and points on the license,” will be issued to those who violate the bill. So it’s time to start sucking down your coffee with a straw long enough to reach your cup holder.
Don’t get us wrong, we’re all about keeping drivers safe — especially in New Jersey where everyone drives like they’ve never seen a car before, let alone driven one. And it’s commendable that the state wants to influence the grim statistics reflecting distracted driving — 3,100 fatal car crashes in 2014 — but we’re also concerned that this bill could make matters worse. Won’t the scurry to hide snacks and drinks when we see a cop be even more distracting than if we weren’t penalized?
Plus, this is bound to have a crazy negative influence on businesses. Between small coffee shops which see the most foot traffic between 6 and 8 a.m. and drive-thru chains like Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks, it seems like this law could do a lot of harm.
(Via USA Today)
