Almost Common Sense
It seems there's an attempt to infuse a slight bit of common sense into South Dakota laws. The lawmakers there have passed a bill (out of committee) that would remove drunk horseback riding as a crime -- and drunk bike riding.
Yes, it sounds stupid, but I actually know someone in Minnesota who got a DUI while riding a bicycle. That's right, hundreds of dollars in fines, community service, massively increased AUTOMOBILE insurance, police record, and all the associated stigma -- for drinking 3 beers and riding his bicycle. The new law would allow people to ride a horse or bicycle home when they're drunk (keep in mind these days "drunk" means you had as little as ONE beer with the moronic 0.08 BAC laws). And as a side effect, this might actually decrease "drunk" driving -- since before there was no advantage to riding your bike home -- you might as well drive you car -- the penalty was the same! This could also help businesses (since that's one of the primary purposes of government today). For example, I often consider going to the local pub for a beer. However, I realize that I cannot, because if I drink one beer and leave, I could get a DUI. Instead, I just buy a case and stay home. If I could ride my bike to the pub, have a beer, and then ride home without fear of worse punishment than committing murder because of a DUI on a bicycle, I could actually visit the pub more often. Sure, I might scratch up a knee on my way home, but government would have more of my money, so they'd be happen.
Comments
1
They key to driving after drinking is to avoid roads. That's why I take to back yards.
Posted by: Contagion at February 01, 2006 03:28 PM (Q5WxB)
2
I wonder if that applies to pogo-sticks?
If so, I'll have to start going to and from the tavern in my dog-sled. Mush!
If so, I'll have to start going to and from the tavern in my dog-sled. Mush!
Posted by: Stevin at February 01, 2006 04:04 PM (LfL8N)
3
I'll have to try that next time, Contagion.
And Stevin, it's still drunk driving if the DOGS are drunk, too.
And Stevin, it's still drunk driving if the DOGS are drunk, too.
Posted by: Ogre at February 02, 2006 01:29 AM (+Gl1m)
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