Google Reader While Driving?
Minnesota, being slightly to the right of California politically, recently passed a law banning text messaging while driving. While the intention is fine, I think this particular law is absurd since the state already has laws banning inattentive driving. Why should particular inattentive practices be singled out?
With that in mind, Greg Swan attended an event put on by the Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association (MIMA) that covered dealing with work overload and the web called Too Much Information? Surviving Data Overload.
Here is what Greg realized while at the event:
Exactly. It goes to show how absurd this particular law is when someone can conceivably drive with their knees while changing playlists on their iPod with one hand and browsing the latest posts to hit their Google Reader on their smartphone with the other.
It looks like your local calendar would be fine, but the Google Calendar is not legal.
I recommend Instapaper to pre-cache everything that you want to read while barreling through neighborhood streets...
Sec. 38. [169.475] USE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE.
Subdivision 1. Definition. For purposes of this section, "electronic message"
means a self-contained piece of digital communication that is designed or intended to
be transmitted between physical devices. An electronic message includes, but is not
limited to, e-mail, a text message, an instant message, a command or request to access
a World Wide Web page, or other data that uses a commonly recognized electronic
communications protocol. An electronic message does not include voice or other data
transmitted as a result of making a phone call, or data transmitted automatically by a
wireless communications device without direct initiation by a person.
Subd. 2. Prohibition on use. No person may operate a motor vehicle while using a
wireless communications device to compose, read, or send an electronic message, when
the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic.
Subd. 3. Exceptions. This section does not apply if a wireless communications
device is used:
(1) solely in a voice-activated or other hands-free mode;
(2) for making a cellular phone call;
(3) for obtaining emergency assistance to (i) report a traffic accident, medical
emergency, or serious traffic hazard, or (ii) prevent a crime about to be committed;
(4) in the reasonable belief that a person's life or safety is in immediate danger; or
(5) in an authorized emergency vehicle while in the performance of official duties.
um... words fail me...
1. Posted by: Aaron on July 17, 2008 11:56 AM:
It should be noted that, if I understand the law correctly, it is legal to use Google Reader if it is an application on your mobile device that is independent of the browser. If you are using a web browser and driving, that, I believe is considered not legal. I am positive, though, that checking my calendar is legal.
Or doing crossword puzzles for that matter.