Canada to outlaw iPods in the car for youngsters?

I have to agree with this proposal. The UI of an iPod is designed to be looked at intently, and is definitely not compatible with other activites that require the user's attention.

On earphones and driving: totally stupid. But I would go further to say that the same logic applies to the ludicrous stereo systems some people have in their cars. If the volume is so loud that it drowns out everything outside, how is it any different than wearing headphones? I won't even mention the noise pollution aspect!

The notion that a car is a place of entertainment is proof of the lack of patience, imagination, and ability to be alone with one's thoughts in people today. If your commute is that long, smarten up.

The Swedish version of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, called VTI (Road and Transportation Institute - www.vti.se, swedish and english versions available) has reached similar conclusions from their tests. Basically: Our cognitive capabilities can't handle safe driving and e.g. talking in a cell phone or using a digital device.

Also: Young drivers are over represented in the number of accidents on roads today, that's probably why there is a call for age limits.

We HAVE Big Gulps, but they're measured in these strange things called millilitres.

Most States in the US have laws against "distracted driving". Obviously, it's up to the Cops and the Courts to decide if you were "distracted" while driving by your phone or your iPod or whatever.

Also, in Wisconsin it is illegal to have any display or screen (like TV or DVD) in the front seat.

Yes, i think driving with earphones or talking on a cell phone is like playing russian roulette. Not only younger driver but everyone. Distractions in a car is a killer, few week ago in Montreal a man... http://tinyurl.com/qewk5

We have 7/11s in Canada, but I think our 'big gulps' are smaller than the US version. Like, *only* 1/2 a litre of pop or something.

I find walking with headphones on dangerous enough, and I would never thing of driving with them. I should have said that I listen to my iPod through my stereo. People listen to music in their cars, and this practice isn't going to end anytime soon. Headphones while driving is illegal, and for very good reasons. Banning listening to an iPod through a car stereo is ridiculous.

It should be noted that while this is a National initiative, it will be up to the individual Provinces to institute it as legislation. Some Provinces, like BC, have already publicly stated that they have no interest in implimenting this as law. I'm highly skeptical that this idea will fly for most Provinces.

E.

Guys, I sincerely don't want to incite any kinds of arguments here, but these kinds of laws are considered for people's protection.

I had three friends in high school murdered in a car accident by a kid who was driving with headphones on because 'he thought he could handle it.' Cars are two-ton machines moving at anywhere from 1 - 80 mph (or kmph, if you will), and these laws are set not only for your protection, but for the protection of others as well.

Assuming things is what murdered my friends and countless others. I urge you to reconsider your attitudes towards topics like this, and to talk with your friends about them as well.

I'm 19, I live in BC, and my iPod is the only thing I listen to in my car. What I wanna know is if this craziness eventually becomes law, how do they plan on enforcing it? For cellphones and DVD players, it may be obvious, but I dont drive around with my iPod stuck to the window for everyone to see. I think it's important to mention too that this isn't the government proposing law, this is the CAA - analogous to AAA in the states - recommending stuff. Also, the CAA is a national organization, but traffic laws are up to each individual province. I'm not the least bit worried - but even if this ever gets all the way to the rule books - it wont stop me from doing it.