What do you think of Laws against driving while on the cell phone?

Question

I have to say that I'm just a aggravated as the next guy when I see someone driving badly because they are paying more attention to their Cell phone conversation than they are to their driving. HOWEVER, I do not like laws that try to regulate this. I have seen that they have even come up with studies that talking on a hands free is dangerous. What about talking to the person next to you. Will they make that illegal? If they are going to do this then they need to make it illegal to eat while driving, they need to make it illegal to change your CD or radio station while driving. Even if they make a law that all a driver can do while driving is drive, then how do you enforce a law to stop them from daydreaming? If someone is driving bad it's called careless driving. There is already a law for that. A bad driver is a bad driver and a good driver is a good driver. There is no reason to step on others' driving freedoms, if it's not going to help anyway. What do you think?

They invented cell phones for convenience, for use anywhere. They weren't invented so we would have to hide in a closet to use it because there are so many laws against them that we can't use them elsewhere.

Answer 1

if it causes a traffic hazzard or you crash a car while talking on one the penalties increase

Answer 2

It has been proven that Cell Phones, even the "hands free" models distract the driver and increase the accident rate.

According to the NBC Nightly News People on a cell phone break 9% slower. They have aired several reports on the problems of being on a cell phone and driving. Some states have enacted laws that teenagers cannot use a cell phone in the car, when they are driving.

Statistics were never collected about people on the CB Radio, but I am sure they cause similar problems.

Enforcement: Traffic cameras are common, include a lower camera with a zoom lens and you can catch offenders that way. You can also use Traffic Light Cameras. The police can observe cell phone users, behind the wheel, just as they observe speeders. A cell phone should be in its holster or in a purse while driving. If a person is pulled over and the cell phone lies next to them, then they could be given a ticket for that. Traffic Fines are a big part of a town's budget, for some towns it is the most important part. Enforcement won't be a problem.

Answer 3

Considering I had a close friend die in just that situation. I'm all for the laws trying to end it. Yes accidents happen. But doesn't mean that it's right to put other people in danger just because it's you're so called right to do whatever you want while driving. Some studies show that talking on the cell phone while driving can be just as dangerous as driving intoxicated. Is it the driver's right to drink a few beers before getting behind the wheel too. I'm sure my friends mom would agree with me. She had to bury her 19 year old son.

Answer 4

I personally glare and send my voodoo at anyone I see driving on their cell phone. I have yet to see someone who can be a good driver and talk with an arm holding a phone blocking their view! I don't agree that it should be illegal to talk on a hands free, that's a hell of a lot better than driving with half of your vision cut off! But on the other hand if the person doesn't have the ability to change a radio station or cd while driving, then they really don't need to drive.

Answer 5

I have been on the phone with 2 different friends who were in traffic accidents while speaking with me. I was in an accident because of a cell phone. I was nearly creamed in a parking lot by a twit who ran a stop sign because she was holding her phone to her ear.

I don't think it is the conversation that is dangerous, it is the distraction of holding the phone up when driving that is bad. That, and fishing it out of a pocket/purse, dialing it, etc...while driving. Its madness I say!!! At the very least the law should ban all drivers from holding a phone. Make it possible to only use a phone that is hands free.

Answer 6

The law appears to be working in the UK. Insurance companies performed an investigation and found that cell phone users are more likely to cause an accident than a legally drunk driver!

Although you may doubt that being on the phone distracts you from driving, it has already been proved by in-depth studies that cell phones are a serious distraction to drivers.

I can personsonally spot cell-phone users from a mile away. They are always swerving and changing lanes without indicating.

Answer 7

I agree, hands free should be enough. I wish it was illegal for people to talk on cell phones and drive but, it just ain't gonna happen. Trucker's have been using CB radios for years and there is no mass move to make them illegal. I just really don't know what is so important that people have to be on their cell phones all the time. Hands free, I thought was the best solution so you can keep your hands at 10 and 2 and now you say that hands free isn't safe either. Whatever happen, people will continue to find distractions in their cars.

Answer 8

I agree in part.

I do believe that talking on teh phone while driving creates a dangerous situation, but I don't think regulation is reasonsble. I do believe, however, that it should be a factor for consideration in lawsuits.

If someone is involved or responsible for an accident because they are more concerned with the conversation as opposed to the safety of others on the road, then they should be liable in Tort law. Not as a violation of specific law, but as a varying circumstance in recklessness or negligence for jury consideration.

Answer 9

Idiot drivers are why we have laws. Some people have no common sense. When I started using a cell phone while driving I noticed that my concentration on driving wasn't so good so I stopped on my own. A lot of people like that don't have enough sense to do that and thats why some laws are made.

Answer 10

There is saying - "Monkey with a gun". I think the person that talks on the the cell phone and driving is more like a "monkey with a hand granade and the safety ring has been pulled off"!!!
I have been in accident when I have been hit by a person who was driving and talking at the same time.
It is better and safer for all not to talk while driving - stop for a ferw minutes and talk.

Answer 11

Yes, this is a tough issue. Although it may be a risk to drive while on the phone, is it really worth regulating. Eventually you will only be able to talk on the cell in your own house. There needs to be a line, but if people are being killed or injured( and there is evidence to support it) then I think the law should be in effect.