Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
DRUNK DRIVING HAS been a social taboo for decades, but New Jersey in the US has now added drunk droning to the statute books: outlawing the flying of unmanned aircraft after one too many drinks.
The law makes it an offence to operate a drone under the influence of intoxicating liquor, narcotic, hallucinogenic or habit-producing drug or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more.
Infractions can be punishable by up to six months in prison and a $1,000 (€815) fine.
The legislation, sponsored by Democrats in the state legislature, was signed into law by outgoing Republican Governor Chris Christie on Monday.
It also outlaws drones being flown in a manner that could endanger life or property, on or close to prisons, in pursuit of wildlife or interfering with a first responder.
“Drones have become increasingly disruptive, causing near-misses with aeroplanes, interfering with firefighter operations and being used to smuggle drugs and other contraband into prisons,” said New Jersey assembly member Annette Quijano.
Small remote-controlled drones range from being a toy to a sophisticated machine capable of performing acrobatic flights or shooting aerial footage.
It was one of more than 100 pieces of legislation signed by Christie on his last day in office before newly elected Democrat Phil Murphy, a former Goldman Sachs executive and US ambassador to Germany, takes office on Tuesday.
All drone activities within the United States must already follow Federal Aviation Administration rules and guidelines.
So far 40 states have enacted some kind of laws addressing drones, and threes have adopted resolutions, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
The Consumer Technology Association says total drone sales are expected to increase 20% to a record 3.7 million units in 2018, bringing in revenue of $1.2 billion (€980 million).
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
There needs to be an appropriate oversight/ complaints system in place for community palliative care. Whilst most have a good & caring experience that supports the dying person & leads to a healthy grieving process, not everyone has this & when it goes wrong, there should be someone to contact to address it immediately. Otherwise, it leaves many broken bereaved family members in its wake.
@Majella Beattie: agree with you wholeheartedly.
The palliative care teams I have seen are all heroes.
Absolute heros! And they need good support as well, and the recognition from society. “Palliative care” should not make people “fearful”. Affected individuals usually appreciate the support, whereas unaffected people shy away from the topic. Some may not have any spiritual understanding (despite their religion they may or may not have) or just sweep it under the carpet. Death is the only certainty in life. One can ignore it or be fearful, but it’s to be faced.
I think most of us think it’s “the end” when we hear palliative care
Had it mentioned in relation to a family member recently, and our reaction was fearful that yes, this is the end until explained that that may not be the case. There is an urgent need for education here as I think most would be of the opinion that it is end of life care
Surprised it is only half. While not everyone under palliative care is end of life, everyone referred there is very unwell. Of course there is a negative association with it.
Why don’t they just change the name of the group of people that specifically deal with end of life care. The words “Palliative care” sends shivers up and down every spine. You’re not going to change that.
have your say