thought driving ban in times of corona driving for fun despite pandemic – why not?
measures to slow corona infection rate allow car driving – in most states even without important cause. So in theory, joyriding is allowed. But are they also morally justifiable? A comment.
The corona pandemic is forcing governments all over the world to take countermeasures, some of them drastic, including strict curfews. In addition to almost completely restricting the freedom of movement of entire companies, however, countries such as south Korea or sweden are also adopting more sophisticated strategies, in some cases with the help of modern technologies.
Whether driving a car for fun is allowed is clearly regulated in germany, but inconsistently by federal state. Where exit restrictions apply, such as in bavaria, saxony and the saarland, berlin, brandenburg and saxony-anhalt, even leaving the house/apartment is sometimes only allowed with a valid reason. this then usually also concerns driving a car. if you don’t want to break the law, you don’t have to worry about joyrides there – even if that seems absurd. finally, there is no risk of contagion in the car or on the motorcycle. On the contrary: in public transport it is higher.
Thought driving ban because of corona?
All the more reason for car enthusiasts to spend their time elsewhere, without socializing, on car or motorcycle excursions. Because in most federal states, the federal government’s guidelines do not prohibit joyriding by car.
But is that appropriate when elsewhere in hospitals people are fighting for their lives and the highly stressed medical staff is struggling with? my opinion: the fact that there is joy and sorrow at the same time in this country does not justify the prevention of fun. Meaning: if you don’t harm others, you should be able to do what you like. This is a cornerstone of our social order. The minimization of suffering is generally considered to be ethically valuable. Minimizing pleasure, distraction, relaxation is not one of the good deeds.
Corona regulations aren’t just good for us
anti-corona measures have consequences that harm people, possibly even costing lives: for weeks now, experts have been warning of a blatant increase in domestic violence under such conditions. The economic consequences of the restrictions will ruin quite a few livelihoods. Then it’s a matter of weighing up, opting for the lesser evil. minimizing suffering therefore also means thinking early about countermeasures against the corona measures: if apps with movement data help with smart distancing, does it make sense to accept the insecurity of one’s own data (anonymized) for this, when we are constantly making them available to the big internet octopuses for a bit more convenience??
But the most important thing: measures against the spread of the corona virus must be effective, otherwise they do not justify the resulting restrictions – and are not understood. driving aimlessly through the area may be pointless. A ban also because it does not reduce the risk of infection.
Driving yes, speeding no
What, apart from all the arguments against joyriding (CO2 emissions, sport is healthier, etc.), are the main reasons for this?.), now strengthened against "unnecessary car journeys speak: when accidents with injured people occur, the already pressured medical staff is challenged. That’s why I would agree with my colleagues from motorcycle: bikers should leave their bikes behind. The risk of accidents and injuries is much higher on two wheels. And, of course, the following applies to all motor vehicle journeys: traffic violations are always prohibited, and careful and prudent driving is always advisable.
Those who don’t want to miss out on a ride in their oldtimer or convertible, for example, even in times of corona and beautiful weather, should also be aware that this purposeless ride may have to be purposeless. Because wherever there are too many excursionists, we run the risk of violating the no-contact rule, spreading the corona virus or catching it. And this is exactly what all our efforts should continue to be directed against, please.
Conclusion
in germany about 2 people die every day even without corona.000 people, even if we don’t count them in live tickers. Nevertheless, most of the other 80 million federal citizens simply go on living and would still do anything possible to save human lives – if it can be proven to be helpful.
this is exactly what we should do now: keep our distance, contain contagions and still stick together. But also – if we want to: take a spin in our favorite vehicle, relax, recharge our batteries for all that needs to be done.