Drivers on cell phones could face fines?

Question

This is going to be placed on the Arizona ballot in 2008! In my opinion, it is about time!! I am so tired of having to drive 15 miles under the speed limit behind someone because they are trying to talk and drive and I cannot get around them. I think this is probably the reason for my other pet peeve; those who forget they have indicator/turn signals too. How do you all feel about it?

Todvango: I agree that we do not want government controlling every one of our actions BUT for some, if there is no penalty they will continue to be just as inconsiderate as they can. We live in an "all about me" society. It has been my experience as of late, that most people could care less about others on the road (or for that matter in public in general). The items I cite above are only two of my gripes with inconsiderate people. I always think to myself "how would I be reacting to these people if I was not brought up right?" No wonder there is so much road rage. You are preaching to the choir.

I have received many great answers! Since I cannot pick just one, I am going to put it up for the vote.

Answer 1

(Sorry about that whole You go girl thing, that was as disrepectful as not using a turn signal.)

Outlaw cell phones? While we are at it, let's outlaw shaving while driving and putting on makeup! Even reading, I have actually seen people driving with a book! And eating... and drinking... those cause distractions too! AND CB radios... I mean come on, if you are going to outlaw cellphones, you need to outlaw CB radios too! Yeah, even adjusting your radio is a distraction, we need to outlaw them too! How about TV's and video players in the car, GIVE ME A BREAK! TV's? Video Players? Or those people tinkering with their GPS units. Those have gotta go too! No adjusting your air conditioning dials either, keep them eyes on the road! And kids in the vehicle, WOW, talk about distractions! Kids should be outlawed too! Kind to think of it... passengers should be outlawed!

Hmmm... at what point do you want government to not control every aspect of your life?

People, it's simple. Keep your eyes on the road. The ROAD is the number one priority. Cell Phones aren't the problem, it's the idiots that can't keep their priorities straight. You can handle the distractions properly if you can keep that in mind.

Edit: Distracted Driving IS a lead cause of accidents, ahead of drunk driving. (Ironically, the leading accident-causing distractions are things from OUTSIDE the vehicle, gawking at other accidents, for example.) However, I don't think any amount of laws are going to eliminate the distractions. That's the point I am trying to make. People need to learn to deal with them the right way. I personally really don't think the car driving down the expressway whose driver is talking on a cell phone but is staying in his lane and doing the speed limit is as dangerous as the guy whose got a drink in one hand and cheeseburger in another and is fishing for a dropped french fry between the seats driving down the boulevard.

BTW: Not using turn signals drives me nuts too. Again, there already is a law about that. Still, it doesn't change the fact that you'll still have those unsafe drivers on the road.

I admit, I am an oddball. I don't agree with the seatbelt law either. People should be intelligent enought to realize that that wearing a seatbelt can save your life without us having to make a law about it.

Answer 2

Some years ago there was a study that revealed there are more accidents and deaths through the use of cell phones than from drinking and driving.

There's a larger anti-drink-drive sentiment than anti-phone emotion so the information didn't get far.

The worst thing about talk and drive is you loose concentration and you don't know it. It is not possible to concentrate on all the parameters of driving while answering questions on a phone.

I'm surprised at todvango's answer, especially given his best answer ratio.

We have to legislate some restrictions. The problem with cell phones is people don't understand how it reduces their capabilities. And yes, I do believe it requires something besides a two by four between the eyes!

Don't belittle a serious issue. You are on track! We need micro-auditing. (Dibs on the new term!) Not forensic auditing.

Answer 3

Drivers using their phones has been voted one of the most annoying things for other road users. Phone use whilst driving has been proven to be dangerous. In the UK the law was changed at the beginning of March this year to add 3 penalty points onto offenders' driving licenses as well as a £60 ($118) fixed fine if caught using a phone whilst driving. I think this is reasonable, and I have since started using a hands-free kit which I think all drivers should use if they must use their telephones whilst driving.

Answer 4

I agree that cell phones should not be used while driving. There have been many studies done on this subject and with the number of accidents occurring due to cell phone use, it is now being compared to driving while under the influence. It is a serious problem and laws should be passed to make our streets safer.

On another note, there was one answer in which someone stated that they use their hands free set. While this may be better, it is still not ideal. In my opinion its not the loss of a hand that is impairing the persons driving ability but the lack of attention to the surroundings when engrossed in a conversation.

Answer 5

There is a city in my state that if a cop sees you on a cell phone they will pull you over and ticket you. It's crazy with those phones nowadays. I see people, drinking or eating, smoking and talking on a cell phone all at the same time. What about driving?? Also those people who don't use turn signals drive me crazy too. I always say, "well I guess they don't put turn signals in those fancy new cars." It drives me nuts and people say I have road rage, but really it aggravates me that more people don't have common sense.

Answer 6

I agree with you. You can't drive a car safely while talking on a cell phone. What is so freaking important that can't wait until you get to a regular phone? We got by fine without cell phones. I have one and I keep it in my car, turned OFF. I have it in case I break down or run out of gas, etc. Not to chat on while driving.
The turn signal thing bugs me, too, but less. People are just not very good or safe drivers.

Answer 7

Its a $190 fine in Australia, this come about after a man had just left the hospital where his mother had died, he rang his brother to give him the news and ran a red light, was hit by a heavy vehicle and was killed instantly,

and his brother heard it all.

Trouble is, getting the cops to enforce the law,
good news is if you are in an accident and can prove the other driver was on the phone, they are deemed responsible for the accident.

Answer 8

We've have such a law in NY. for three years. Very seldom do we ever hear of arrests or convictions. I've seen some wild gyrations while watching multitasking witless drivers cruise the highways.

Yea, I get more than peeved. I've felt like tossing quart sized watter balloons in the drivers laps as they frig with their cell phones.

Answer 9

The law is only good if it is enforced. We have a cell law in NY ($100 fine), but the police rarely pull people over . It's a joke.

Answer 10

I too am from AZ, and I hope they ENFORCE the law once it is in effect.
I do a lot of travel in and out of state, and I am sure that AZ is the worst for non use of turn signals....