Quote:
Originally Posted by kalimus
So you don't see any difference is a person who takes a second to change a radio station or make a U-turn any different than a person who drives drunk? Why not just take the radio out of the car completely too? Listening to talk radio and music takes attention off the road. So does talking to passengers.
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Honestly, no...if you killed someone by being inattentive, whether it's from alcohol or changing the station...what difference does that make to the person you just killed?
I'd be the first one to say go after drunk drivers. I've always said penalties aren't stiff enough.
Accidents happen, and...our current system seems to think that's ok. Accidents mainly happen due to inattentiveness, and most people get a slap on the wrist, even when they kill someone because of that.
Look, I'm just saying that there are other ways to approach the issue of not being able to immediately determine if a person is high on a drug that might stay in your system a while. And, that system could also work to force people to ALSO be more attentive at the wheel. Driving is a priveledge, not a right. Have I been inattentive? Yes, one of my two accidents was caused by me, because I didn't see a car, even though I looked in that direction.
IF I had killed someone by doing that, not only would I feel guilty as hell for doing it...but I believe I would deserve to be penalized for it. Right now, you can and do get charged for involuntary manslaughter...but most people don't serve very much time for that.
As far as company drug testing, many companies already have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to drugs. I have no problems with that. There are also companies that could care less...and even let you drink on the job.