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Move To Outlaw Vehicle Surfing And Photography
(Arizona) - A veteran state lawmaker is hoping the threat of losing a driver's license gives teens a reason not to engage in the hazardous stunt of "vehicle surfing."The proposal by Rep. Bill Konopnicki, R-Safford, would make it illegal to stand on or hang onto a moving vehicle. Violators would be subject not only to a $500 fine but would automatically lose their license for two years. That same penalty would apply to the driver of the vehicle. But HB1003 goes even a step beyond that: It also would make it a crime for anyone to photograph, videotape or digitally record the event. He said these people are just as guilty of creating the hazard because they are part of a scheme to eventually upload the scene to YouTube, the popular site where people can post videos of their activities for all to see. Konopnicki said if no one were taping the "surfing," many teens would not try the stunt. That also was the assessment of Mike Teleff, spokesman for the Peoria Police Department. His agency investigated an incident in September in which a 16-year-old girl was injured after she fell off the hood of a friend's moving car and ended up being run over. Firefighters had to use air bags to lift the Ford Taurus off the girl. While no one was videotaping that incident, Teleff said that may be more the exception than the norm. "A lot of times that's why they're doing it, to put it up on YouTube," he said. Teleff said extending the liability to the photographer is "a perfect thing to do." A search of YouTube on Wednesday found more than 100 videos from across the country of people trying to vehicle surf. As worded, it also would make criminals out of news photographers, TV videographers and even anyone on the street who just happened to see and record the event. Konopnicki said that isn't what he intends. "Obviously, we're going to have to amend it and fix it," he said. Teleff said the legislation "fills a gap" in the law. He said the police officer who investigated the September incident is preparing to cite the motorist for reckless driving. But Teleff said it's still unclear what laws, if any, the surfing teen broke. "It's kind of dicey how you handle the passenger," he said, as the reckless driving law specifically deals with how people operate a motor vehicle. Konopnicki said this measure would not make it illegal for individuals to ride in the open bed of pickup trucks. Posted by: Anonymoose 2008-12-26 |
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