Should it be illegal to drive and talk on the cell phone? Why, and if so, what should the punishment be?

Question

Some people have been answering that it is already illegal. This is not true for ALL jurisdictions. It would be in some but not others. It depends on if the legislators have dealt with this issue or no. I do like the responses though and how people have real opinions about this topic.

Answer 1

illegal
loose your licence for at least a year
2nd offence 2 yrs
3rd offence for life
you ppl with head sets are crazy
never no way at all
have some one killed because a person was talking on the phone while driving

Answer 2

I don't understand why there is so much controversy around this issue. We all know that people who drive while talking on their cell phones are an inherent danger... but so are the people with a coffee in one hand driving stick, and the people trying to change the CD, or the women putting on make-up, or any number of distractions one could have while driving. Unfortunately, I don't think people are willing to acknowledge this until negligent driving touches their lives in a tragic way. I would be supportive of legislation to ban cell phone talking while driving. I suppose the punishment should be significant enough for people to take it seriously. Perhaps a hefty fine for the first few offences (hit people in their pocketbook, that always makes them pay attention), because if they're that terribly important that it's worth risking other people's lives for their phone call, then they can likely afford to pay a fine, right? Then maybe a license suspension or something along those lines?

Answer 3

Absolutely!!! Talking on a cell phone without a headset or Bluetooth is EXTREMELY dangerous!!! Even a 2way can be distracting. Another problem is even if the driver IS using a headset or Bluetooth, they might engage in an emotionally complex conversation which is also distracting and dangerous. Like learning that they've been dumped, fired from work, someone died, anything really. Hopefully automakers will start wiring car stereos to adapt to this growing epidemic. I drive a tractor trailer for a material supplier around Tampa FL and the number of sheer IDIOTS who do not look or are so engrossed in their phone call makes my job more stressful and dangerous!! People routinely pull in front of me while on the phone, my truck when FULLY loaded is a 75,000# weapon.... seriously, its large, heavy and hard to stop. I think fines should START at $250 and double with each offense, ending with license suspension.... its cheaper than the cemetery and costs less than being sued by the grieving family!!

Answer 4

Yes it should be illegal and it is in New York. I think $100 for the 1st then $250, $500, then start taking the license for a period of time. Seen too many people daydreaming while talking on the phone. Where did it go wrong with cell phones from getting something urgent to the person to just chatting away??

Answer 5

It should be illegal because you are being distracted, no matter how many people claim they can "MULTI-TASK" they are still taking a risk and putting other people in jeapordy as well, if you wanna talk then do it while your not on the road. and as far as punishment there should be some type of $500 fine or something. Down here in south texas you get pulled over and get a ticket for being on the phone and driving.

Now on the other hand if you have a head set or something hands free. Then I don't see a problem.

Answer 6

One accident is too many. I almost got hit by a driver who was talking on her cell phone and didn't notice that the lights on her side was red. They were people on the sidewalks running for cover. Fortunately our driver as well as the other driver traveling in the opposite direction was able to avoid a catastrophe. Yes, it should be illegal. Drivers should be more responsible by pulling over to use the phone, if they do not want it to be illegal. The punishment should be suspension of license.

Answer 7

Talking on a cell phone/text messaging while driving a car should be illegal all over. It's like chewing gum and walking at he same time some people can't do it. While you are taliking in the phone/messeging your focus is diverted from driving. The penalty for this should be $1,000. pull over to take or make a call.

Answer 8

It shouldn't be illegal, but the law passed in California and is already is illegal in New York. Instead people should simply have more sense and realize it is dangerous on many levels, from losing the use of your arm, to not paying attention. I simply will no longer do it. I don't care if there's a law or not. My goal while driving is to avoid accidents and stay alive, not keep my social life going.

Answer 9

It's definitely illegal to drive while talking directly on a hand-held
cell phone. It's because the driver of the car will be easily distracted and usually he or she ends up in an accident hurting someone.
The penalty is a fine which is compoundable at the police
station.

Answer 10

Good question! I don't think it should be illegal. What's the difference between speaking on a cell phone or talking to someone who's in your car? Or noisy kids, or loud music, for that matter? I have hands-free on my phone, which I use while I drive - I don't see what the difference is. I think maybe a test might be more appropriate, you know, to see how responsive people are when distracted, like on mobile phones.

Answer 11

yes, actually it is illegal to drive and talk on the cell phone. The reason why is because: People who are talking on the phone while driving are an accident waiting to happen. You have to pay more attention to the road, not your phone or who you are talking to. trust me you do not want to kill someone. Punishment is Jail time and whatrever else the court has in mind for you.