Why Do Politicians Pass Such Stupid 'Public Safety Laws'?

Question

Above all, California takes first prize in this.

Why can't customers in a bar legally smoke, if there's a clear warning outside that it's a smoking establishment and all the employees agree to it?

Why am I required to wear a helmet when I ride a motorcyle? How is obstructing my peripheral vision and muffling my hearing suppose to make me safer?

Why should I, or anyone else, care if my neighbor smokes pot as long as he doesn't effect anyone but himself? It doesn't make sense to me that the Police waste their time on petty drug use.

In 2008, we legally can't hold a cell phone to our head while driving. How the hell will this be enforced anyway? It'll be my word versus the Police Officer's word -- and everyone knows who wins on that! Sounds like an excuse to pull someone over. I think I'll drive around with a brick to my ear to see what happens.

Why is someone who is 18 old enough to join the military, pay taxes and is considered an adult, but not old enough to drink?

Answer 1

For the smoking thing - people that want to breathe clean air are not causing the problem. Breathing is necessary for life. Smoking is a choice people make, and it pollutes the air others breathe. (Don't use the tired argument about driving a car, because for some people, that is also a necessity. Not everyone lives where they have public transportation that can get them to and from their jobs.) People who drive while holding a cell phone to their ear have proven to be a nuisance to others, I cannot tell the number of times I have almost been side swiped by some idiot drifting into my lane because they are on a cell phone and not paying attention to driving. And the police will probably have cameras in their cars as proof. I do agree about not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle, my uncle never wore one and he is fine. Plus, don't they cause massive neck injuries (in an accident) that usually leave the person paralyzed?

Answer 2

I agree on the smoking in the bar scenario. Would the state allow an all smoking bar?
Helmets do save lives, I know three people today that are alive because they were wearing helmets. It's legal to not wear a helmet in Florida, (which I find odd with all the bugs out there)
I have to give the pot thing more research. I don't smoke it, so I can't comment except for what I have seen advertised against it.
People who are on cell phones have a tendency to no longer pay attention to the traffic. This has been proven time and time again. Do be surprised if you get pulled over with that brick to your ear. Then getting a ticket for wasting the policeman's time.
There is tons of documentation in regards to the 18-21 age group drinking and it's ramifications. They are not mature enough to handle it. I lived in Michigan when our drinking age was dropped to 18 and the alcohol related deaths rose dramatically in that age group. It has since been repealed and is back to 21 years of age.

Answer 3

WOW - Your just brimming with pet peeves, aren't you?
Having a bad day?

Many public safety laws are passed "under the radar" by the constant work, money and pressure from special interest groups.

I live in a state where it is illegal to drive an automobile without wearing the seat belt - while helmets for motorcyclists are optional for the operator.......go figure.

It is illegal to smoke in any public location in this state - incl. restaurants, bars, stadiums, within 50 feet of hospitals, and on and on......Thanks to special interest groups like "A Coalition For A Smoke Free Maine," the state just recently passed a $2.00 (!) per pack tax on cigarettes! That's more state tax on a pack of cigarettes than on a pint of whiskey - again, go figure.

As far as what your neighbor does in the privacy of his own home - as long as it doesn't affect anyone else -I could care less.

Cell phones and under age drinking? It's my understanding that good and valid arguments can be made that these policies do indeed help protect the general public. Unfortunately, however, it seems that whenever a new law is passed, it seems to grow tentacles and invade every thing around it that is even remotely related.

Like the old saying goes, once they get their foot in the door............

Answer 4

Insurance companies and frivolous law suits. Get rid of lawers and it would solve this problem. Unfortunately it would creat more problems, so law makers have to take into account the lowest common denominators (dumbest people) when making laws.

Answer 5

yes there are a lot of contradictions and inadequacy in life and all we can do is either help change the law or live with it and change our way dealing with situations