Cell phone use while driving?

Question

What are peoples personal opinions on whether cell phones use of any kind should or should not be banned while driving? What is your reason in choosing for or against? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Hi Sandi,

Most are quick to say, "ban the phones!", so I'll stick my neck out here and talk about both sides.

Here's the issue... distracted drivers are the leading cause of accidents seconded only by alcohol related crashes. But do we need more laws to restrict personal freedoms even more?

Let me ask you this... Is a cell phone all that more distracting than a CB Radio? How about conversations with other passengers? Eating? Drinking? Adjusting your Radio/GPS/Air Conditioning? How about fooling around with a blackberry or PDA? Really THINK about that for a minute. Good grief, I have seen people trying to read a map while barreling down the expressway! Honestly, which do you think is more dangerous?

Now think about this...

Would it be fair to say that at least 1 in 5 drivers talk on a cell phone while driving nowadays? Are there a lot of poor drivers on the road? Is it safe to say that 1 in 5 poor drivers talk on a cell phone while driving? (Do you see where I am going with this?) People see poor driving, then people see the poor driver with cell phone, so they conclude that the poor driving the fault of the phone. It's the same way with accidents when the poor driver was talking on the phone. It's really not the phone's fault anymore than the car's fault that the driver is a doofus!

My state has no such law and that will probably change someday soon. However, no amount of laws are going to remove all of the distractions that driver's face or remove "bad drivers" from the highway. To be a good driver, you have to put the priority of the road ahead of everything else. Is it possible to talk on a phone, to a passenger, or to ONSTAR, while driving safely? I would actually say yes for most people. For those that can't handle it, then they need to be smart enough to limit thier own distractions without us having to pass a law about it. If they aren't smart enough, do you really think another safety law on the books is going to make any difference?

Answer 2

Most people cannot drive well enough without the cell phones, and a car or SUV are very dangerous things. No one ever multitasks as well as they think they do, so I honestly believe that you shouldn't be allowed to make phone calls while driving. But with everyone having the need to be in touch at all time more recently, the youngest drivers on the roads already have a cell phone before they can drive. It's a shame. Driving, alone, used to be enough for most people.

Answer 3

2

Answer 4

I think having a head set is the best thing. 2 years ago I got hit by a lady while she was talking on her cell phone. Worst is she was in the turning lane and had a red light. Luckily I wasn't hurt bad and neither was my son. But there is just bad drivers out there to begin with and then add a cell phone is not good. Some people can handle it some can't.

Answer 5

I've nearly gotten hit by people using cell phones while driving. Driving is the first and only responsibility and people on cell phones behind the wheel are asking for a crash. Pull over and make your call.

Answer 6

It is my observation that people using cell phones while driving too often clearly do not have their full attention on the road. When this happens, then their convenience becomes a hazard to my safety. And I do not appreciate it. The same is true of people eating, doing make-up, or disciplining kids while driving.

Answer 7

Seeing as how I was nearly broadsided yesterday by an oblivious woman yakking on her cell phone, I am 100% in support of banning cell phone use while driving. Of course, it is already illegal where I live and that didn't stop that ***** from using hers. Such laws are useless unless they are enforced.

Answer 8

I see little problem, if it's with a headset. Talking isn't the problem with this method, it's dialing and answering. What is so important that someone has to drive with one hand at 70mph in a 55 mph zone, whipping in and out of traffic while the windows are down, the stereo up and the windows down?

I've seen this type of nut in town and I hope the squirels get him.

Answer 9

never talk on a cell phone unless it's like bluetooth that is raising your risk of a car crash.

Answer 10

I think it should be totally BANNED...it gives rise to the horrible Road accidents.