Cell phone use while driving?

todvango

Hi Sandi,

Most are quick to say, "ban the phones!", so I'll stick my neck out here and talk about both sides.

Here's the issue... distracted drivers are the leading cause of accidents seconded only by alcohol related crashes. But do we need more laws to restrict personal freedoms even more?

Let me ask you this... Is a cell phone all that more distracting than a CB Radio? How about conversations with other passengers? Eating? Drinking? Adjusting your Radio/GPS/Air Conditioning? How about fooling around with a blackberry or PDA? Really THINK about that for a minute. Good grief, I have seen people trying to read a map while barreling down the expressway! Honestly, which do you think is more dangerous?

Now think about this...

Would it be fair to say that at least 1 in 5 drivers talk on a cell phone while driving nowadays? Are there a lot of poor drivers on the road? Is it safe to say that 1 in 5 poor drivers talk on a cell phone while driving? (Do you see where I am going with this?) People see poor driving, then people see the poor driver with cell phone, so they conclude that the poor driving the fault of the phone. It's the same way with accidents when the poor driver was talking on the phone. It's really not the phone's fault anymore than the car's fault that the driver is a doofus!

My state has no such law and that will probably change someday soon. However, no amount of laws are going to remove all of the distractions that driver's face or remove "bad drivers" from the highway. To be a good driver, you have to put the priority of the road ahead of everything else. Is it possible to talk on a phone, to a passenger, or to ONSTAR, while driving safely? I would actually say yes for most people. For those that can't handle it, then they need to be smart enough to limit thier own distractions without us having to pass a law about it. If they aren't smart enough, do you really think another safety law on the books is going to make any difference?

The Mr. Pine

Most people are fine with them. I avoid it if I can.

Richard

Seeing as how I was nearly broadsided yesterday by an oblivious woman yakking on her cell phone, I am 100% in support of banning cell phone use while driving. Of course, it is already illegal where I live and that didn't stop that ***** from using hers. Such laws are useless unless they are enforced.

Walter G

I've nearly gotten hit by people using cell phones while driving. Driving is the first and only responsibility and people on cell phones behind the wheel are asking for a crash. Pull over and make your call.

demon

never talk on a cell phone unless it's like bluetooth that is raising your risk of a car crash.

exslidergirl

I don't think they should be used while you are driving. Becuase it is a very unsafe practice.

â™«â™¥Sweet â™¦Nâ™¦Simpleâ™¥â™«

I think it should be totally BANNED...it gives rise to the horrible Road accidents.

dee g

I think having a head set is the best thing. 2 years ago I got hit by a lady while she was talking on her cell phone. Worst is she was in the turning lane and had a red light. Luckily I wasn't hurt bad and neither was my son. But there is just bad drivers out there to begin with and then add a cell phone is not good. Some people can handle it some can't.

rann_georgia

I see little problem, if it's with a headset. Talking isn't the problem with this method, it's dialing and answering. What is so important that someone has to drive with one hand at 70mph in a 55 mph zone, whipping in and out of traffic while the windows are down, the stereo up and the windows down?

I've seen this type of nut in town and I hope the squirels get him.

Tom K

It is my observation that people using cell phones while driving too often clearly do not have their full attention on the road. When this happens, then their convenience becomes a hazard to my safety. And I do not appreciate it. The same is true of people eating, doing make-up, or disciplining kids while driving.

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