'Nanny State' Debate: Drinking Coffee While Drivin
Post# of 50673
There's major pushback against a proposed New Jersey bill that would prohibit motorists from eating, drinking and grooming while behind the wheel.
The anti-distracted driving law would hit citizens with a $200 to $400 fine for the first offense, $400 to $600 for the second and $600 to $800 for the third, as well as a 90-day license suspension and points on the license.
On "Outnumbered" today, the panel debated if this is an example of the government overstepping its role and acting as a "nanny state."
Dagen McDowell argued that this is different than New York City outlawing large-sized sugary beverages or California's ban on cooking with trans fats.
She explained that someone who is operating a vehicle while distracted poses a threat not just to themselves, but to other citizens.
"Anything that distracts you from driving should be illegal," she stated.
Meghan McCain, on the other hand, called this proposed bill "absurd."
She said it's just a way for the state to generate easy money from citizens, much like red light cameras, and it actually has nothing to do with safety.
"It is all about raising money," Melissa Francis agreed. "This is about giving them license to give anyone a ticket so that they can raise money ... It's the quickest way to put money in the coffers."
Watch the "Outnumbered" discussion above, and let us know what you think in the comments.
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