Research based

Reader comment on: NPR on Auto Cellphone Ban
in response to reader comment: MIght also go ahead and ban drivethrus at fast food.

Submitted by ben (United States), Dec 15, 2011 13:57

My point has always been that we should use research to determine which rights to restrict and by how much. If I see a study that is well conceived that shows people on cell phones are no more likely to crash than those without, then talk away. Would those on the other side ideologically make the same choice if the evidence points the other way? The extreme right in our country right now has no need for facts. Whether it is global warming or health costs, the far rights selectively chooses the facts that may support an ideological view even if those facts are vastly overwhelmed by the facts that would refute their views. I think ultimately this is the root problem of our dysfunction politically, that we cannot agree on some basic facts.

If munching on fast food raises the risk of crashes significantly, then we should ban the practice and start writing tickets for it. My right to drive safely without being sideswiped by a Big Mac eating hummer driver is more important than that Hummer driver's right to eat a warm meal rather than sitting in McDonald's or taking it home.

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