Do people really need to talk on the phone while operating a motor vehicle?

Question

Cell phones are cool and convenient, but why can't people just drive their cars without having to blab on the phone constantly? Who are they talking to that's so important? I would guess it's either their husband or wife, boyfriend or girlfriend, a friend or someone they're doing business with. When you're driving, it's not your "free time". You're driving. Traffic is bad. The people that gab on the phone hold up traffic, they're driving slower than the flow of traffic, they are less safe because they aren't paying attention, they don't use turn signals, and they can't really make a proper turn with only one hand. Of course, if a call is necessary, why don't they don't pull to the side of the road and talk? Everyone is so selfish on the public highways. Does there have to be a law before people will hang up the phone and drive?

Answer 1

Oh my god, I feel the same way. It wasn't that long ago cell phones did not exist. I don't think you should be on the phone when your in a store, driving, and especially in the drive thru of your local fast food restaurant. Its just rude. I have been in more close calls on the road because of people being on the phone. It should be against the law!

Answer 2

There was yet another car accident today right outside my workplace. It's really an awful sound. I hear that sound several times a year, same stupid intersection. People drive fast and if they don't know that intersection and continue to go straight ahead, they're going into a one-way street the wrong way. Anyway, the last thing people should be doing is talking on a cell phone while driving. That's exactly the kind of distraction that can get you into a situation like the one I've just described.

They are passing laws, where you have to have a "hands free" car phone, but I still don't think that solves the "distraction" issue.

Answer 3

I totally agree with you! In fact, the message on my cell is, "If I don't answer it is because I'm either sleeping or driving. I will call you back." My husband is the same way. He is a fireman/emt and he sees more traffic fatalities due to people not paying attention than for any other reason. I think there does need to be a law that says you can't drive and talk on the phone. In fact, the military base here makes you pull over to talk.

Answer 4

They just passed a law to go into effect in January 2007 in North Carolina or teenagers 18 and under - if they get caught talking on a cell phone while they are driving, it is an automatic fine - I am not sure how much per incident but I think this is a wonderful idea. I have a 17 year old who drives a manual vehicle and I am constantly on his case about talking on the phone and driving. I think there will be more laws similar to this to come in the future.

Answer 5

No, I think they should only talk on cell phones on the road in extreme emergency's. It is just ridiculous, and they look so stupid when they are on the phone in their car. Myself I try not to talk on the cell while I'm driving believe or not it is not safe to do so. My daughter had an accident because of talking on her cell while driving not paying attention to the car in front of her,traffic stopped and she did not know it so she had to make a sudden stop when she relized traffic stopped then someone hit her from the back because she stopped to late for the car behind her to stop in time. The law should be stricker for this requiring people to pull off the road to hold conversations while driving(like take their phone from them instead of writing them a ticket)they will get tired of buying new cell phones.

Answer 6

Most military bases have a "law" stating no driving while talking on a cell phone without using a hands free device. Everywhere should adopt this law. Driving while talking on a cell phone is a distraction and I am sure everyone has had someone cut them off or something while driving and looked over and saw the idiot on the cell and thought well that explains it.

Answer 7

No, people do not need to talk on the cell phone while they are driving. It's very dangerous and could be fatal. Even with an earpice you can't keep your mind on the road which is where it should be. I feel your pain. What did people do years ago when there weren't any cell phones? wait till they got home and could make a phone call or use a payphone.

Answer 8

I have an hour commute each way from work. In the morining I listen to Stephanie Miller and in the Eveing I talk to my sister who lives in another state. I use my hands free system.

I essentially have 2 jobs and no time to communicate with family and friends. The hour drive give me a chance to catch up and still be a good friend and family member.

If traffic is KRAZY I get off the phone and give it all of my attention.

Answer 9

I agree.... a lot of people can not master each device seperately, so when they get behind the wheel and start talking, its a dangerous combination. Its against the Law in NY State and more northeastern states are following suit.
If you've ever seen the episode of "MythBusters" on the Discovery channel, they tested cell phone drivers versus drunk drivers and the drunks were actually better drivers in their controlled test. (Please don't use this as an excuse to drive drunk)
Even with hands free technology, people still engage themselves in either emotionally complex phone calls. Very dangerous situation being a distracted driver.

Also, who's dumb idea was it to put computer moniters with GPS in the dashboard? Good in theory, bad in practice!!

Answer 10

No, I don't think no one should talk on a cell phone while driving a car, etc. it is very distracting and it takes your mind off the traffic and your surroundings.

Beverly Smith