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Of Cars, Classrooms, and Bad Ideas: Page 2 of 2

In the car, LaHood would punish passengers that could
benefit from mobile connectivity to keep drivers "safe".  I personally have broken New York's law by
calling in dangerous debris on a major highway to help keep other drivers out
of danger (pulling over was not an option in the shoulderless construction
zone). Even if the Transportation Secretary finds a way to impose a Cone of
Silence on drivers as it relates to cell phones, he won't find a technical
solution to people shaving on the way to work, watching movies or reading the
paper while they drive, or putting on make-up at 70 MPH (I've witnessed all in
the last week on local highways).

To those instructors that ask for an on/off switch for
wireless in the classroom: think about the silliness of your request, and
realize that Wi-Fi is just one of many distractions. Self evaluate for how you
can be more engaging, and remember that monotone voice and boring content will
cause even the best student to take their mind elsewhere. Manage the classroom,
and let students who don't pay attention suffer at grade time. I have less guidance
to offer Secretary LaHood, but I do know that he's barking up a hopeless,
expensive, ill-thought out tree. Perhaps the fix includes better new-driver
training or required continuing education, stiffer penalties for existing laws,
or some other low-tech procedural tweak. One thing is certain- using technology
to deny drivers the use of their mobile phones will never work.