The opinions represented in this article do not necessarily represent those of the staff of CUIndependent.com nor any of its sponsors.
The Honorable Members of the Colorado Senate
Colorado State Capitol Building
200 E Colfax
Denver, CO 80202
Re: House Bill 1094—Proposed Amendments to Section 42-4-239, Colorado Revised Statutes
Dear Senators:
I understand that the Colorado Senate is considering whether to vote on Colorado House Bill 1094, concerning wireless telephone proscription for drivers. If enacted without the following amendments, the bill will be missing vital elements in regards to distractions while operating motor vehicles. I urge you to reject the proposed legislation to include the succeeding revisions.
In addition to the restriction of cell phone devices, the first article should incorporate the prohibition of:
a. Books On Tape: definition-any audio tape or cd recording of a soothing voice reading novels, self-help series, bestsellers, special interest titles, etc.
i. Additional charges will occur in the case of an infraction involving “classic” novels, which require advanced concentration. A comprehensive list (i.e., the Age of Innocence, several Virginia Woolf titles) can be found on file at the state House.
b. Children: definition-young people under the age of 12 engaged in the acts of yelling, crying, throwing toys/food, breathing on siblings, etc, that require reprimand in the form of the driver making a full turn towards the rear of the vehicle to engage the offender in an “evil eye” or “swat.”
i. Alternate definition-boyfriend assuming the role of “backseat driver.” In this case, both parties (driver and passenger) are ticketed and fined.
c. Singing: definition-from the perspective of the ticketing officer, anything that resembles a more animated adaptation of a cell phone conversation, sans cell phone. Addendum: Talking to oneself also applicable as an infringement.
Conclusion: The enacting of House Bill 1094 devoid of the above amendments would only penalize a partial representation of hazardous activities. By passing the bill, the state Legislature would be approving a weaker version of a document that could potentially prevent a majority of motor vehicle accidents. Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully Submitted,
Stacy Parkinson
Contact CU Independent Columnist Stacy Parkinson at Stacy.parkinson@colorado.edu.
