Community Corner
Distracted Driving...What Can You Do While Behind the Wheel?
Drivers are taking their focus off the road, and the state is now even considering a fine for cyclists. But what counts as "distracted" and how do you define "driving?"

The definition of "distracted driving," although a fairly new term, has been quickly expanding. Initially, it meant cell phone gabbers. Then texters. Now, it could mean anything from applying lipstick to changing a CD. According to distraction.gov, "distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving."
That includes:
- Texting
- Using a cell phone or smartphone
- Eating and drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Grooming
- Reading, including maps
- Using a navigation system
- Watching a video
- Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player
This means from every A to every B, we not only regularly pass drivers indulging in at least one of these activities, but we are more than likely participating in a "distracting" activity ourselves. Drinking coffee, for example, counts as a distraction. So does changing the radio station. So too does chatting away to our passengers.
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Cyclists are also being looped in on distracted driving regulations, with proposed legislation in California that would fine cyclists $20 for talking on their cell phones.
What do you think drivers and riders should or shouldn't be allowed to do?
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