Be careful out there

[olekzap_imp]

Here in California they passed a law to legalize "recreational use" of marijuana. I used to smell it frequently at intersections coming out the windows of cars, but now I am smelling it more. I take a walk during my lunch break every day and I smell it in the park I walk through, and on public streets. I'm not sure what the law is concerning public consumption, but it really scares me when I ride now to think about how many more idiots there are out on the road driving half-stoned. A friend of mine has friends in Washington (husband and wife) who sold their motorcycles because the state of Washington legalized pot. That was good advice above on how to live longer while riding a motorcycle.

No offense but that's a little ridiculous.

[Elevenminusoneblade_imp]

funny story: today I'm driving home from work. I'm holding my phone in my right hand. Just holding it, promise. I pull up next to a police cruiser in the turn lane and, realizing I may be mistaken for someone texting/etc, I drop my hand down out of view and sheepishly look over toward him as I'm passing...and he's looking down and typing on that big laptop that they all have mounted at the center consol! You're totally distracted! um, I mean, good afternoon, officer.

[the Ferret]

Around here, the majority of leo I see driving are talking on their cell phones. You are allowed to talk on a phone here, you just can't text.

[Chapomis_imp]

I don't mind letting other drivers know that because they are on their phones that they are distracted. The most I ever do is shake my head if they happen to make eye contact. Is it bad to embarrass people into refraining ? We need a new hand jester for "get off the phone and pay attention !". Something slightly politer and less angry than the 3rd digit.

[Rocky_imp]

Here, it's illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving or even waiting for a traffic light, but the law may as well say the opposite it's flaunted so much.
Punishment is not nearly severe enough.
I don't live in a huge, intense metropolitan area like many of you do, but among our 400,000+ we have plenty of crazies and inattention while driving.
Fortunately, I can clear the city fairly fast and find sanctuary on country roads.