Cell Phones?

Question

In what State of the US, is it Illegal to use Cell Phones While driving ??

How many of you use the Hands Free Cell Phone while driving ?

Those of you who drive not using the Hands Free Cell Phone, do you find it takes away from your concentration from driving and avoiding an accident ?

What % ( percentage ) , do you think Cell Phones cause Auto Accidents ??

Thank You

Answer 1

People who believe using a cell phone while driving is just basic multi-tasking and doesn't affect their driving are sadly deluded. Every person who talks on a cell while behind the wheel should be forced to watch a video of him/her self. It absorbs enough of your attention that your reactions, unbeknownst to you, are slowed. It only takes a fraction of a second delay at 60 mph to kill or be killed. We will never know what percentage of accidents are caused by cell phone use, but you can call any police force you want, and find traffic officers that have attended accident scenes and found cell phones on the floor, TURNED ON, and sometimes STILL CONNECTED! Nobody sees the driver throw it there, but there is no other explanation. I will not use the cell phone in traffic, or on the highway, except in emergency. Twice I have used it while driving to call police.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

I saw this question last night and was hesitating if I even wanted to try and tackle it. Partially because you ask 4 questions and it would tale alot of work and be a LONG answer, and partially because my stance on this subject is not the popular one. Anyway, here goes...

Question 1...

Nearly 15 states have either enacted or are considering enacting cell phone legislation of some sort.

For example, Arizona prohibits bus drivers from using a cell phone while operating a bus. Florida has a specific law concerning cell phones with head sets, stipulating that the head set allow outside sounds to be heard through at least one ear. New Jersey does not allow drivers under age 21 with a learner’s permit to use a cell phone while driving. New York’s law, enacted in 2001, has been the most extensive. This state forbids drivers from talking on hand-held cell phones while operating a vehicle, despite numerous studies that indicate the risks really aren't any different from hand-held phones and hands-free phones. Most recently going into effect, California will also ban the use of non hands-free cell phones from inside a moving vehicle starting July 1st, 2007.

http://www.irmi.com/Expert/Articles/2003/Olson05.aspx
(Excellent Article BTW)

Question 2...

I couldn't tell if you meant for this to be a poll or based on published statistics. I myself do not use a hands free device although I used to when I had my first car phone nearly 15 years ago which was a suitcase sized unit installed under my seat.

I would think it's safe to say without researching that a large majority of cell phone users do NOT use hands-free devices, but the percentage of users is increasing either because of legislation, personal preference, or both.

Question 3...

Like I stated, I have used hands free devices in the past and I presently do not use them. I have tried the newer ones, but wasn't impressed. Many many reports are showing that any risks that can come from 'in-the-car' cell phone use are not necessarily reduced by the use of a hands-free device. Despite these reports, there is still a push to enact laws making this requirement. I liken this to the push to add seatbelts in large school buses, even though there are numerous studies that show there is no real safety improvement and could even make things more dangerous for the kids, but that's another topic.

Question 4...

Here's where I know few will agree with me.

0%.

Accidents are caused by the driver breaking existing safety laws. Lane violation, running a light/stop-sign, speeding, reckless operation, etc. etc. I might agree that the driver may have allowed himself or herself to be distracted and that was a contributing factor, but the cause of the accident would be breaking another law. Distractions can happen from 100's of different sources including passengers and distractions from outside the vehicle. Want an interesting fact? Most distractions occur from outside the vehicle! A sign that grabs your attention, a person on the side of the street, focusing too long on another vehicle... it's true!... check it out...
http://www.drivers.com/article/423
(Check out the chart showing distractions... cell phones are like less than 2%!)
According to that study, the LEADING cause of distractions from inside the vehicle? Adjusting the radio! Where's the push to ban radios?

To summarize, I have been using cellular communications from inside my cars for nearly 20 years. I wreck all the time! JK... I have (knock on wood) never been involved in an accident on the road in well over a million miles. (I have backed large trucks into a few things in parking lots and loading areas before, but I sure wasn't 'on the phone'.) I travel all over my state on business and the cell phone has allowed me to stay productive and in-touch with my customers. That being said, if I am in the city, in heavy traffic, or in any other situation where I feel the cell phone could be a problem, I hang up or tell the other person to wait a minute or two. Just as I'd expect that passengers would shut-up while a driver is dealing with the same.

Consider taking my cell phone poll...

http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-jMjuQCwldKI7Imwa_ZLqmg--?cq=1

Sorry for the long answer, but you DID ask 4 questions!

Let the thumbs downing begin...

Answer 4

I am not sure, but I know that in California I believe it may become a law soon that people cannot use a cell phone while driving. I hope so, have you ever driven behind someone who was on a cell phone? They drive too slow! What is so important that they cannot wait?

Answer 5

Jersey had a hand free law but not really enforced.
I do not know the answer to your question, but it is getting dangerous out there. too many people talk and not concentrate on the driving.

Answer 6

you have to be 19 or over in most states. hands free is better, its like youre talking to someone i the car. i actually drive alot better when im on the phone because i know i need to concentrate more. i dont think people talking on phones cause accidents, its like if they drop it or arent paying attention

Answer 7

I do not use a hands free phone, but i do use the phone when driving regularly.

It does not effect my driving at all. I also can walk and chew gum at the same time.

Cell phones do not cause accidents. Failure to control the vehicle causes collisions.