National Safety Council calls for nationwide ban on cellphone use while driving

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Pinachina @ Jan 13th 2009 3:46PM

I have to say, for the amounts of times I, as a pedestrian and biker, have gotten run down by people turning or even running lights while on their cell phone, it's a law I can approve of. I drive too, but even with my phone obsessed self, I have the decency in the name of other lives to pull over whenever I get a call. And I'm extremely confident in my reflexes too! I feel like there are ACTUAL PEOPLE in those cars, and outside of these cars, and we should be aware of everything around us. Music is background, and can keep you awake, but doesn't demand as much from your mind as a phone call can. I notice that when I did take a call, other senses would cut out and that I wasn't as aware of things around me.

Don't even get me started on text messaging while driving.. Dumb dumb DUMB!

Neutral

opinions @ Jan 13th 2009 5:26PM

Running people down and running red lights is already against the law. Enforce reckless driving laws that are already on the books. Penalize people for driving dangerously, regardless of the cause.

The objection here is to giving police the power to pull you over for any use of a cell phone, not just dangerous use of a cell phone. As a parallel example, changing CDs while driving is perfectly legal until you run a red light. Why should we treat cell pones differently? If the answer is "because lots of people do it", then perhaps we need to get the word out about the dangers and preach personal responsibility. Teach your kids (and parents) the dangers of driving while distracted and don't let your rights slip away through reactionary legislation.

Neutral

Pinachina @ Jan 13th 2009 6:22PM

The problem with the teaching people responsibility is that it won't come fast enough. Around where I live (DC Metro area), you deal with getting run down by an idiot on a cell phone every day. A few weeks ago, I saw a woman run a red with her cell phone plastered to her face as she nearly gets T-boned on both sides AND almost runs down a bunch of school kids crossing the road. I mean, that's just stupidity, but what about all of the asshats who turn corners and nearly plow into me? Glad I have great reflexes, or I'd be without legs by now!

Why not a more standardized driving school curriculum? People do need to be re-educated, but no matter what, there will be people who will be hard headed and just do it anyway. Why not just have cops stop people (assuming they are actually around anytime that ISN'T crunch time at the end of the month) and warn them, as opposed to take their money? Something! I'm just tired of seeing the same thing over and over again.. Someone or myself getting run down by a driver who's on their cell phone.

I try and tell my friends to not text and drive, and they always say "I assure you. I got it!" as they swerve in and out of lanes. I've gone as far as punching the phone out of their hands because of the thickheadedness behind it. I'm trying to be heard, but it's REALLY hard, believe me.

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