Urges restaurants to include warnings against use of mobile ordering features while driving.
Impact
If adopted, this resolution would not create new laws but would rather serve as a formal request to restaurants to adopt these safety measures voluntarily. By encouraging restaurants to integrate these safety features, the resolution aims to foster greater awareness of the risks tied to distracted driving, specifically regarding the use of handheld devices while on the road. The legislative intent is to leverage community engagement alongside business practices to mitigate potential accidents caused by distracted driving.
Summary
Assembly Resolution No. 82 urges restaurants in New Jersey that accept mobile orders to implement safety features, specifically pop-up warnings, alerting customers against placing orders while driving. The resolution highlights the increasing prevalence of mobile ordering, particularly as many consumers place orders using their cell phones while operating motor vehicles, thus contributing to the dangers associated with distracted driving. The context of this resolution is based on alarming statistics regarding motor vehicle fatalities linked to distracted driving, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reporting over 3,000 deaths due to distractions in 2020 alone.
Contention
Some points of contention may arise regarding the effectiveness of such voluntary measures. Critics might argue that warnings may not significantly reduce the incidence of distracted driving if consumers ignore them. Furthermore, there may be concerns about the responsibility of businesses in upholding consumer safety and whether the reliance on voluntary guidelines effectively addresses the broader systemic issues surrounding distracted driving. Line up against the legislation could call for stricter enforcement measures regarding mobile phone usage while driving rather than urging businesses for voluntary compliance.