who else thinks there should be a national law???

Question

recently dekalb co. ga. implimented a law that states. if you are involved in an accident and are talking on the cell phone it will be a 500$ fine!! i personally think this should become a national law, just like dui has become. laws are unfortuantely implimented because people are too selfish or stupid to do the right thing. and since the ntsb recently completed a study that said cell phone use while driving is equally or more distracting than driving under the influence of alcohol. dont you all think its high time we got serious about making the roads safer?? it may be your child that you save from the negligence of idiots that just cant seem to hang up and drive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Yes, I think this is one issue that should be addressed at the federal level.

Many people who use cell phones while driving do so safely, and a fine such as the one you are writing about would not affect them. It would affect the careless people, who believe that commuting is the perfect time to multi-task by applying makeup, eating breakfast, talking on the phone, and jotting notes, all while barrelling down the freeway at 60 mph.

In all seriousness, you don't even have to pay extra anymore for a cell phone that has hands-free features, so the fumbling about while dialing, etc, should not be an issue. And if you are so distracted with your conversation that you are unable to drive safely, you shouldn't be yakking on the phone in the first place. Cell phones are great, but like all things, they should be used wisely.

P.S. And really, what is so important that it cannot wait a few minutes? If I am in heavy traffic and my phone rings, I just let it ring. And I know many people whose workplaces have told them that if they are out driving, and a call comes from the office, they should just let it ring and return the call when they get off the road. Nothing on a phone call can possibly be worth an accident.

Answer 2

It will need to start at the state level just like the DUI laws. At least that way we keep it away from the feds who need to worry about more serious stuff, like being re-elected.

The information is coming in to prove that the use oof a phone while driving is too much a distraction to continue allowing. When it is more distracting the being anebriated, something has to be done.

Some people don't seem to make the realization that they are endangering others by talking on the phone. They aren't smart enough and have to be told.

Answer 3

Well, if it helps, I only agree with answers I agree with, not just to get 2 measly points. I am saddened some little kid has no doubt gotten run over by a distracted, emotionally-charged driver screaming on a cell phone. The horror and misery for that victim, not to mention all of his or her family and friends, far outweighs the "right" of that motorist to use a cell phone while driving. In my opinion. And how many times is this repeated every day across the Country? I don't even want to know.

Answer 4

it is illegal to talk on a mobile phone without a handsfree in australia. People are fined as well as losing points off their licence even if they are not in an accident but just caught talking into a handset.
I think it sucks and its just another way of bringing in revenue because the fines are very high and they set up little traps to catch people doing just that. Perhaps the accident law is a better one. Not all people lose control just because they are talking on the phone and besides, its ok to put on lipstick or light a cigarette why not use a phone? Its down to the person driving to stay focussed on the task at hand and mobiles are just one way of distracting the driver. Because of this law, everybody here has a handsfree set up in the car and there are just as many accidents because it seems the problem is not the hands on the wheel but the conversation itself.. can't that distraction occur whilst talkin to the kids in the back seat? I don't think the law is in safety sake but just another way to take money from people using the roads.

Answer 5

I work as a limo driver, and therefore, by law, cannot use a cell phone while driving unless it is handsfree. But I see idiots every day in Boston and on the Pike talking on thier phones, swerving all over the place. I saw one guy one day actually reach across his car, no hands on the wheel, while he got a pen and paper out of the glove box. Interesting note here, he was on the Mass Pike, going EIGHTY MPH!!!

I agree cell's should be illegal unless handfree.

Answer 6

I agree but only because I was rear ended by a guy talking on his cell. Apparently he didn't see the red light and all the stopped cars. But it gets worse the car wasn't his, he had no license and no insurance. When he hit us it rammed us into a rent a center moving van.. So yes make it a law possibly even charge jail time for multiple offenses

Answer 7

I agree. I'm in Oregon and I completly agree with you. That if they are driving and talking on the cell phone, and get in an accident. they should be fined, no questions asked. I'm surprised they haven't made this into a law already.

Answer 8

Good idea, except driving regulations are set by each of the fify states (our city or counties). The Dept. of Transportation could regulate this on highways, but the states must take the initiative. I'd push your legislators to pass a state law first.

Answer 9

Cell phones are just another way of terrorist easily ruining our country.I mean what is soooo important to talk about? Why are people trying to behave and look like Hollywood puppets? I think they are all insecure and should go back to sucking on pacifiers.
fine should be $750.

Answer 10

No. I don't agree . There should be fines for stupid . All it takes is one stupid person to run over a child . Why is it worse if they own a cellular phone ?Fine people for talking ? What is this , Cuba ?What's next ? A fine for burping ? There's enough laws as it is , Thank you very much .