Patrick's blog

Both hands on the wheel, please

Michigan is attempting to pass legislation that would fine or even jail motorists for watching porn on their vehicle's DVD player if it can be seen by other motorists.

An excerpt from the article linked above:

State Sen. Alan Sanborn, R-Richmond, said he introduced the bill after a mother called him to complain about an incident last year.
The woman, who declined comment for this story, told the senator that she was stuck in traffic on Interstate 96 in the Detroit area with her two children when she noticed the car in front of hers was playing a pornographic movie.
"At first, I thought it was ridiculous," Sanborn said. "Then I started thinking about it and became outraged that a person would have to be subjected to that as a captive audience.
"Parents have a right to teach their kids about the birds and the bees, rather than getting a play-by-play from the car in front of them."

I'm shaking my head as I re-read this now.

I have two young children. In that situation, I would:

a) switch lanes and move so that my kids couldn't see the video, or
b) if that wasn't possible, simply tell my kids not to look (this controversial tactic is also known as "parenting")
c) accept that people do, in fact, have a right to watch such videos
d) marvel at the idea that people actually watch porn while they drive - who knew?

By the way, Senator, when will you introduce your bill banning suggestive bumper stickers? Just wondering.

posted by Patrick @ 9:02 AM