Distracted Driving

Here in Nevada, there was a law passed recently that has been on the books in California for a few years now.  This law makes it illegal to drive while talking on your cell phone if you're holding your phone.  This is to cut down on the number of accidents due to "distracted drivers."  Ok, makes sense, right?  Sure, it's good to be safe.  But here's the problem.  We all know that cell phones are not the only source of distraction on the roadways.  So when drivers continue to be distracted even when not on their phones, what's next?  Eating?  Ok, let's abolish all drive-thrus.  What about business signs?  Billboards?  Freeway signs?  What about the ultimate distraction, children?  If we're trying to cut down on driver distraction here in Las Vegas, maybe the entire Las Vegas Strip should be shut down.  That's a five mile run of constant distractions.  So, let's see.  We have no cell phones, drive-thrus, billboards, business signs, freeway signs, children in the car, and the Las Vegas Strip.  But wait, I almost forgot radios.  What about those?  They may not always distract you, but what about when you can't find a song you like so you're constantly changing stations?  Or what if you find your favorite song and you're singing it at the top of your lungs?  Don't laugh, you know you do it.  So no radios either.  Ahhhh, a nice relaxing, distraction-free drive.  Sound extreme?  Have I gone too far?  Perhaps, but here's my point.  When you take away one freedom for the "public good" or in the name of safety or security (I'm looking at you, Patriot Act), where does it end?  It doesn't, that's my point.  Someone will always say, "It's a good start, but we need to go further/do more.  We need to ....."  The slippery slope is best avoided by never starting down it.  Use your own good judgment, keep your freedoms.  You know what's best for you better than anyone else.  Don't let anyone, especially the government, tell you different.