What many of you fail to grasp (for whatever reason) is that no one is attacking mobile ham radio use. This is about distracted driving. What difference does it make wether it is a cell phone or a microphone? Some have whined that ham radio should be distinguished from cell phone use. That sort of logic is what a teenager would use on his parents, trying to manipulate them to get what he wants.
My wife and I were recently involved in a serious accident that was caused by a distracted driver. I have learned that we are just part of a growing trend of people getting hurt in car accidents because of someone failing to direct his/her attention to the road. Yes, cell phone use is a major cause, and ham radio use is seldom a cause.
Be that as it may, I agree with the recommendation that portable electronic devices should not be used by someone who is operating a motor vehicle. Just banning cell phone use would be a silly, and reckless move, when in today's society there are so many portable electronic devices that are available, and are being used in the auto.
There are some people who just don't like to be told what to do. They don't like to be told to wear a seat belt, they hate a background check when they purchase a gun, they whine about their "rights" whenever there is common sense legislation passed in the interest of public safety. These personalities have a bloated sense of entitlement, and selfishness.
I hope distracted driving laws banning portable electronic devices are passed in every state. I am an active Amateur Radio operator, and this will in no way take any fun from my hobby. I'm not the only one on the road, and I owe all my attention to the road for the sake of the people I share it with.
