Fetus in the Carpool Lane

The long debate about whether fetuses are human beings has now hit the carpool lane.

Ahwatukee Foothills resident Candace Dickinson stood by her contention that Arizona traffic laws does not define what a person is, so the child inside her womb justified her use of the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane on Interstate 10 near Phoenix.

On Nov 8 of last year, Phoenix police officer Sgt. Dave Norton stopped Dickinson's car after he found her vehicle driving on the HOV lane during rush hour. According to traffic law, sole occupant vehicles are not allowed to use the carpool lanes during morning and evening rush hours Monday thru Friday. The officer saw only one person visible in the car. When he asked Dickinson how many people were in the car, "she said two as she pointed to her obvious pregnancy."

Phoenix Municipal Court Judge Dennis Freeman used a "common sense" definition in which an individual occupies a "separate and distinct" space in a vehicle. Dickinson was fined $367 for improper use of a HOV lane, but she still believes she has the right to use the carpool lane. Even the officer who arrested her believed it would have been ridculous to have them carry pregnancy testors to find out if a female driver driving alone in a HOV lane during rush hour is carrying with child. The common sense idea of the carpool lane is to reduce traffic congestion.

So let's say if Dickinson's unborn child did count. She would have to pay for her fetus when going to the movie theatre. Let us get even more literal. If she comes to Cedar Point, the ticket person would charge her and her fetus for entering the park. Again, I have to throw this bit of ridculous news into the common sense trash bin.

Breitbart.com - Judge: Don't Count Fetus for Carpool Quota

Comments

Posted by: meka
Posted on: July 3, 2006 02:38 PM

even if a new born went to the movies or park or many other places they dont have to pay until they turn at least 2 years old. So get your facts straight.

Posted by:
Posted on: September 4, 2006 07:10 PM

The woman was right. The judge and cop are wrong. Case closed! That's the law so follow it! Ask your representative to try to rewrite the law if you disagree.

If the cop had any "common sense" he could SEE the woman was with child! No need for any "test".

And the hypocrites are quick to charge someone who harms a fetus as long as they get money.

Posted by: baby name research
Posted on: May 27, 2007 04:49 AM

Funny story. Thank you for the post.