Should Drivers Hang Up? State Officials To Weigh In

[vta]

YES!



Link (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130104833)


Highway safety officials from the 50 states meeting this weekend in Kansas City, Mo., will decide whether to recommend banning all cell phone use by drivers.

Such a ban would include handheld and even hands-free devices.

"I think it's prompted by concern that, regardless of law, any type of cell phone use while driving is dangerous. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Carnegie Mellon and a whole host of other entities have shown that just because you're hands-free there's no safety benefit to that," says Jonathan Adkins, spokesman for the Governors Highway Safety Association. More than 5,000 highway deaths were attributed to distracted driving last year.

Adoption of the resolution wouldn't be binding; each state legislature would need to act. But there is clearly some momentum behind the notion of banning or restricting cell phone use in cars. Eight states and the District of Columbia now ban handheld cell phone use; 30 states ban texting while driving.

Automakers say they're doing what they can to keep drivers' hands on the wheel. Louis Tijerina, a senior technical specialist with Ford, says the company's onboard computer system called SYNC is aimed at helping drivers avoid fiddling with navigation and music systems.

[big dog cowboy]

Highway safety officials from the 50 states meeting this weekend in Kansas City, Mo., will decide whether to recommend banning all cell phone use by drivers.
That should take all of 5 minutes.

[Faerluna]

At minimum, you should be required to have a bluetooth headset if you are on the phone while driving.

I really don't see any difference in that and talking to another person in the car with you. For me personally, anyway.

[Cythim]

At minimum, you should be required to have a bluetooth headset if you are on the phone while driving.

I really don't see any difference in that and talking to another person in the car with you. For me personally, anyway.

The difference is the person in the car has situational awareness and you will not feel obligated to pay more attention to them and less to the road.

[rkell87]

ban hand held use? ok
texting? yeah duh it is worse than talking cause you have to take your eyes off the road.

hands free use? no way in hell. you cant tell people they can not talk on the phone at all. plus it would be silly because you couldn't enforce it unless you ban the devices that enable you to do so.

and don't give me the safety speech because drinking and driving has been proven to kill more people this month than the article says cell phone distracted people were killed all of last year.

[SaltwaterServr]

ban hand held use? ok
texting? yeah duh it is worse than talking cause you have to take your eyes off the road.

hands free use? no way in hell. you cant tell people they can not talk on the phone at all. plus it would be silly because you couldn't enforce it unless you ban the devices that enable you to do so.

and don't give me the safety speech because drinking and driving has been proven to kill more people this month than the article says cell phone distracted people were killed all of last year.

Two studies out of England and Germany last year showed that a person engaged in a conversation has statistically the same level of driving impairment as someone legally drunk. The major difference of course is that a person on the phone starts drifting into another lane they have the ability to clear the mind and pull back into the correct lane.

[rkell87]

Two studies out of England and Germany last year showed that a person engaged in a conversation has statistically the same level of driving impairment as someone legally drunk. The major difference of course is that a person on the phone starts drifting into another lane they have the ability to clear the mind and pull back into the correct lane.
link?

id like to see the method used to to scientifically prove this as i don't believe you could conclusively prove that

[ChldsPlay]

and don't give me the safety speech because drinking and driving has been proven to kill more people this month than the article says cell phone distracted people were killed all of last year.

I'm not sure what point you're trying to make hear? That drinking and driving is worse? Yeah, probably. Good thing it's illegal then huh?

[CanadianCowboysFan]

they just banned hand held here in February but of course the irony is you often see the fuzz driving with a hand held.

I don't have a blue tooth as I think they look ridiculous so if I have to call, I look around, make sure the fuzz isn't around then use speaker phone.

[Warick]

At minimum, you should be required to have a bluetooth headset if you are on the phone while driving.

I really don't see any difference in that and talking to another person in the car with you. For me personally, anyway.

^^^^^ This ^^^^^

It is annoying when you are driving down the highway, and the car next to you swerves in your lane, you honk at them, they ignore you, then you pull up next to them they are texting. That and people who drive 45 on the highway in the fast lane because they are talking on the phone.

A lady I work with was rear ended a few months ago by some kid that was too busy texting to notice her. She just bought the car too.

I agree that banning blue headsets is going a little overboard though.

[SaltwaterServr]

link?

id like to see the method used to to scientifically prove this as i don't believe you could conclusively prove that

Google is your friend.

The experimental design would be exceptionally simple.

1. Control group. Asked to answer any series of questions, perform some controlled tasks, or drive on a closed course without any impairment at all.

2. Alcohol: Same tasks, questions, or driving while at a certain level of blood alcohol level.

3. Phone: Same thing while maintaining a conversation which would include them having to respond to questions while on the phone.

Very simple. Scores on the questions, timing on the controlled tasks, or mistakes while on the closed course are then weighed against the mean of the unimpaired. Standard regression model to find the statistical significance and measure the number of standard deviations from the mean.

IIRC, hands-free didn't make one bit of difference. If your mind is elsewhere, it's elsewhere.

[Faerluna]

The difference is the person in the car has situational awareness and you will not feel obligated to pay more attention to them and less to the road.

When I'm on the phone, the person on the other end knows I'm driving, so they have as much situational awareness as someone in the car.

I don't need an "in person" passenger to help me navigate the car because it suddenly becomes monumentally difficult with the addition of their person to the passenger seat.

For me personally, and I'm guessing anyone that can at least walk and chew gum at the same time, it's no more distracting than billboards or store marquees.

There will be bad drivers that can't drive period, but that should be up to the person individually. You should know your limits with regards to anything going on while you drive, but don't punish me because Mr./Ms. Tiny Brain can't speak and pay attention to the road at the same time.

[Eskimo]

This thread reminds me of the days when people used to think they could drive just fine when intoxicated with alcohol.

Driving is a privilege and not a right. People need to drive responsibly. I'm in the medical field and I do have to take some calls right away but I just pull over on the side of the road and then take the call.

I do know up here there is legislation against doing distracting activity when driving (texting, cellphone, eating, drinking). Right now hands-free calling is still being allowed, unfortunately.

[jimmy40]

When I'm on the phone, the person on the other end knows I'm driving, so they have as much situational awareness as someone in the car.

nothing personal but that's the silliest thing I've ever heard.

[Faerluna]

nothing personal but that's the silliest thing I've ever heard.

So I'm supposed to depend on the person in the car to tell me how to drive as we speak? How is the passenger being aware of being in the car affect the manner in which I drive in the least?

I don't think it's silly at all.

[vta]

This thread reminds me of the days when people used to think they could drive just fine when intoxicated with alcohol.

Driving is a privilege and not a right. People need to drive responsibly. I'm in the medical field and I do have to take some calls right away but I just pull over on the side of the road and then take the call.

I do know up here there is legislation against doing distracting activity when driving (texting, cellphone, eating, drinking). Right now hands-free calling is still being allowed, unfortunately.

Hand held has been illegal in Jersey for some time now, but it gets ignored and I can't imagine why. At first, an officer wasn't allowed to pull someone over for it, it had to be incidental, but then it changed to an offense worthy of being yanked to the side of the road for, but it still isn't being enforced and people are doing constantly.

And even if they're not swerving or being erratic, their lack of attention to how they're slowing down and causing others to get angry and pass them on the right is enough for this to be problematic. Traffic is rough enough without them, and allowing this to continue is just plain dumb.

I'm sure some op-ed as an after effect concerning an incident of 'road rage' will force some to take it seriously, but until then no one is.

(And sorry Mods for the infraction in the initial post, this topic does hit home and I do express my feelings on it pretty abrasively.)

[jimmy40]

So I'm supposed to depend on the person in the car to tell me how to drive as we speak? How is the passenger being aware of being in the car affect the manner in which I drive in the least?

I don't think it's silly at all.if you think a person talking to you on the phone has as much situational awareness as someone riding in the car with you your clueless. Like I said that is the silliest thing I've ever heard.

[Faerluna]

if you think a person talking to you on the phone has as much situational awareness as someone riding in the car with you your clueless. Like I said that is the silliest thing I've ever heard.

The person on the phone knows I'm driving my car.

The person in the passenger seat knows I'm driving my car.

Don't get the confusion.

:confused:

[Teren_Kanan]

I drive with one hand, regardless of what I'm doing with the other. I Often ride with a passenger. I never rely on a passenger to um.. assist me in driving in any ways, to do so is moronic.

I see no difference from a good drivers perspective. I can drive with one hand and talk to a passenger, but I can't drive with one hand and talk on the phone?

Obviously driving takes precedence. If I'm in high traffic, merging, turning, whatever, the person on the line gets to **** cause I'm busy, there are even times when I simply put the phone in my lap. But if I'm driving down the road in a clear lane they can bite me, I'll use the phone all I want.

I'm with Fae on this. Don't punish me because people are idiots and pay more attention to their conversations than driving.

[ChldsPlay]

The person on the phone knows I'm driving my car.

The person in the passenger seat knows I'm driving my car.

Don't get the confusion.

:confused:

The person in the car can see what's going on around you and adjust how they carry on the conversation (when to shut up and let you concentrate more, etc.) the person on the phone can't.

Of course, I hate drivers that have to turn and look at the passenger every time they say something to them. They're 2 feet away, look at the damn road.

[Bob Sacamano]

I drive with one hand, regardless of what I'm doing with the other. I Often ride with a passenger. I never rely on a passenger to um.. assist me in driving in any ways, to do so is moronic.

I see no difference from a good drivers perspective. I can drive with one hand and talk to a passenger, but I can't drive with one hand and talk on the phone?

Obviously driving takes precedence. If I'm in high traffic, merging, turning, whatever, the person on the line gets to **** cause I'm busy, there are even times when I simply put the phone in my lap. But if I'm driving down the road in a clear lane they can bite me, I'll use the phone all I want.

I'm with Fae on this. Don't punish me because people are idiots and pay more attention to their conversations than driving.

That's the problem. Far too many drive stupid when they are on the phone. It would be impossible to differentiate between those who drive and talk responsibly as opposed to those who do so irresponsibly.

[trickblue]

they just banned hand held here in February but of course the irony is you often see the fuzz driving with a hand held.

I don't have a blue tooth as I think they look ridiculous so if I have to call, I look around, make sure the fuzz isn't around then use speaker phone.

The Fuzz?

Far out man... that's righteous...

[Teren_Kanan]

That's the problem. Far too many drive stupid when they are on the phone. It would be impossible to differentiate between those who drive and talk responsibly as opposed to those who do so irresponsibly.


Exactly. Which is why you don't implement the law. The trend of taking away liberties because people are stupid is a crappy way to fix a problem.

[CanadianCowboysFan]

The Fuzz?

Far out man... that's righteous...

I figured "pig" would be deleted ;)

[Signals]

The Fuzz?

Far out man... that's righteous...
groovy!

[Cythim]

The person on the phone knows I'm driving my car.

The person in the passenger seat knows I'm driving my car.

Don't get the confusion.

:confused:


You claim to be smart yet you cannot figure out the differences in talking on the phone and talking to someone sitting next to you. :rolleyes:

[rkell87]

I'm not sure what point you're trying to make hear? That drinking and driving is worse? Yeah, probably. Good thing it's illegal then huh?
i don't know the point I'm trying to make hear either, but i do know the point I'm making here.

you don't have to be drinking in the car to be affected by alcohol, but you don't ban alcohol consumption. you don't ban all phone use in cars because some people are not responsible enough to handle it. just like you don't ban alcohol consumption cause some people are not responsible enough to not drive drunk.

[arglebargle]

Pretty sure that a number of studies have pretty much shown that people talking on cel phones while driving have impaired abilities. Some were reported to be at the level of drunken drivers. IF this is the case there's no justification for leaving it legal, just because it is conveniant.

Numerous times I have had to avoid an ijit on a cel phone, driving on oblivious to situation and conditions.

On the other hand, years ago I saw a show were they talked about a study where the drunk drivers that were tested were hard drinkers who regularly drove. They drove much better than the usual subject, a non-drinker who has to force down three or four shots. One of the things the show said was, you won't see this mentioned much, as it goes against the commonly held idea.

Of course, I nearly got into a bad wreck on the highway late one night due to a drunk who fell asleep, his car sitting on I-10 in the middle of the New Mexico desert.

[Bob Sacamano]

i don't know the point I'm trying to make hear either, but i do know the point I'm making here.

you don't have to be drinking in the car to be affected by alcohol, but you don't ban alcohol consumption. you don't ban all phone use in cars because some people are not responsible enough to handle it. just like you don't ban alcohol consumption cause some people are not responsible enough to not drive drunk.

This doesn't make any sense. Alcohol consumption isn't illegal. Just in the car. Just like they aren't trying to outlaw cell phone usage. Just in the car.

[Faerluna]

You claim to be smart yet you cannot figure out the differences in talking on the phone and talking to someone sitting next to you. :rolleyes:

As other people in this thread have noted, it's obvious what I'm saying.

I'm sorry that you fall into the category of the people that see there's a difference and need to be told/need to tell people what they can and can't do with regards to talking on a bluetooth while driving because of some perceived (or perhaps real, for some, read: you) mental deficiency.

[Teren_Kanan]

Pretty sure that a number of studies have pretty much shown that people talking on cel phones while driving have impaired abilities. Some were reported to be at the level of drunken drivers. IF this is the case there's no justification for leaving it legal, just because it is conveniant.

Numerous times I have had to avoid an ijit on a cel phone, driving on oblivious to situation and conditions.

On the other hand, years ago I saw a show were they talked about a study where the drunk drivers that were tested were hard drinkers who regularly drove. They drove much better than the usual subject, a non-drinker who has to force down three or four shots. One of the things the show said was, you won't see this mentioned much, as it goes against the commonly held idea.

Of course, I nearly got into a bad wreck on the highway late one night due to a drunk who fell asleep, his car sitting on I-10 in the middle of the New Mexico desert.

Yes but those studies involve actual involved conversations on a course set up for distractions. In the studies there is no "Hold on I'm in traffic" or just straight up ignoring the person on the other end while you maneuver.

No one is arguing that they can have a deep conversation in bad road conditions and traffic while on the phone having a serious discussion. Person on the line takes a far far back seat to my driving safety when i drive. If i'm not in a clear lane of road they are getting very little attention. Are most drivers like this? No they are morons. But I'm tired of being punished because other people are irresponsible morons.

[Faerluna]

Yes but those studies involve actual involved conversations on a course set up for distractions. In the studies there is no "Hold on I'm in traffic" or just straight up ignoring the person on the other end while you maneuver.

No one is arguing that they can have a deep conversation in bad road conditions and traffic while on the phone having a serious discussion. Person on the line takes a far far back seat to my driving safety when i drive. If i'm not in a clear lane of road they are getting very little attention. Are most drivers like this? No they are morons. But I'm tired of being punished because other people are irresponsible morons.

Bingo!

[rkell87]

This doesn't make any sense. Alcohol consumption isn't illegal. Just in the car. Just like they aren't trying to outlaw cell phone usage. Just in the car.
it makes sense, read it again, put your ivy league education to use

[Bob Sacamano]

it makes sense, read it again, put your ivy league education to use
:laugh2:Please do America a favor

and never leave Texas.

[rkell87]

i don't know the point I'm trying to make hear either, but i do know the point I'm making here.

you don't have to be drinking in the car to be affected by alcohol, but you don't ban alcohol consumption. you don't ban all phone use in cars because some people are not responsible enough to handle it. just like you don't ban alcohol consumption cause some people are not responsible enough to not drive drunk.

:laugh2:Please do America a favor

and never leave Texas.
do me a favor and never come to texas

[Bob Sacamano]

do me a favor and never come to texas

Oh believe me. I won't.

[rkell87]

Oh believe me. I won't.
no desire to ever see your fav team play at home?

[paladin78749]

A quick scan shows over 6 million accidents in the US last year.
Perhaps it would be a good idea to just drive while your driving?

It's a radical notion, I know.

[vta]

A quick scan shows over 6 million accidents in the US last year.
Perhaps it would be a good idea to just drive while your driving?

It's a radical notion, I know.

+1. The guy who had the accident also thought he had it under control too, that's why it's called an accident. Unintended consequences.

Too much looking for luxury and frivolity while simply in transition.

[Cythim]

As other people in this thread have noted, it's obvious what I'm saying.

I'm sorry that you fall into the category of the people that see there's a difference and need to be told/need to tell people what they can and can't do with regards to talking on a bluetooth while driving because of some perceived (or perhaps real, for some, read: you) mental deficiency.

Yes, mob mentality rules. Having other morons agree with you doesn't make you right. There is distinct difference between talking to a passanger and talking on a phone. It has zero to do with intelligence and everything to do with natural tendencies. Experts agree with me while all you have is a personal anecdote.

[VietCowboy]

Yes but those studies involve actual involved conversations on a course set up for distractions. In the studies there is no "Hold on I'm in traffic" or just straight up ignoring the person on the other end while you maneuver.

No one is arguing that they can have a deep conversation in bad road conditions and traffic while on the phone having a serious discussion. Person on the line takes a far far back seat to my driving safety when i drive. If i'm not in a clear lane of road they are getting very little attention. Are most drivers like this? No they are morons. But I'm tired of being punished because other people are irresponsible morons.

I think there was a study done where they looked at participants in their everyday driving, and many people were multi-tasking like crazy (i.e. putting on make-up while driving in addition to cell phone use). Obviously the more stuff you are doing, the higher your risks. It makes sense why those "baby on board" cars also get into more accidents. Usually, the parents are attending to their probably fussy child and aren't as attentive to the road.

[jimnabby]

Person on the line takes a far far back seat to my driving safety when i drive. If i'm not in a clear lane of road they are getting very little attention. Are most drivers like this? No they are morons. But I'm tired of being punished because other people are irresponsible morons.

This is exactly the argument that all the irresponsible morons I know use.

[jimmy40]

The person on the phone knows I'm driving my car.

The person in the passenger seat knows I'm driving my car.

Don't get the confusion.

:confused:if the person in your car is a blind, deaf mute, then yes you're correct, the person on the phone would then have more situational awareness.

[Dallas]

What state officials? :lmao2: Someone might want to call the state legislature. They are the only ones who make the laws. It certainly isn't a bunch of blowhards from DOT sitting around trying to keep me off my OnStar phone.

Hand held use against the law - YES! I am all for that.

Putting your make-up on going down the road? YES!

Texting while driving - Durrrrr - YES

Messing with your MP3 player while driving? Pull me over and cite me, but don't think for a second Im going to not use my bluetooth or Onstar because some law says for me not to.

How do you enforce such a thing?

Cop: I saw the defendent talking BY HIMSELF in his car, sir.

Judge: Sir, is this true?

Me: Yes your honor, I was just belting out the new Kanye song.

INNOCENT !!! :D


Seriously! Do you even know how many cops drive down the road on his/her cell phone or LAPTOP in his/her cruiser?

Don't get me started. ;)

[Faerluna]

Yes, mob mentality rules. Having other morons agree with you doesn't make you right. There is distinct difference between talking to a passanger and talking on a phone. It has zero to do with intelligence and everything to do with natural tendencies. Experts agree with me while all you have is a personal anecdote.

Case in point.

[Cythim]

Case in point.


Indeed.

[Teren_Kanan]

This is exactly the argument that all the irresponsible morons I know use.


Exactly the argument that more people need to stick to. Not having that argument is the reason why every year a little bit more of our liberties are taken away.

Alcohol consumption is the cause of more deaths (and I don't mean consumption while driving, I mean consumption in general) than phone use while driving. Why not just ban alcohol? Lets just start banning things that morons are irresponsible with. Screw the people who are responsible about things.

Overall 100,000 deaths occur each year due to the effects of alcohol.


5% of all deaths from diseases of the circulatory system are attributed to alcohol.
15% of all deaths from diseases of the respiratory system are attributed to alcohol.
30% of all deaths from accidents caused by fire and flames are attributed to alcohol.
30% of all accidental drownings are attributed to alcohol.
30% of all suicides are attributed to alcohol.
40% of all deaths due to accidental falls are attributed to alcohol.
45% of all deaths in automobile accidents are attributed to alcohol
(Sources: NIDA Report, the Scientific American and Addiction Research Foundation, and the CDC)

100,000 deaths. That's more than a statistic. That is 100,000 individuals with faces. 100,000 individuals with lives not fully lived. 100,000 individuals grieved by mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and children. Every year.

We could very likely save 100,000 + people a year by banning Alcohol. So why not do it? It'd save FAR more people and reduce car accidents by FAR more than banning cell phone use during driving.

[paladin78749]

I've lost too many loved ones to accidents
Seeing how driving is the most common task that we do that puts OTHER'S at risk I fail to see why anyone would want to be at less than maximum 100% focus.

Hang up the phone and drive

[Dallas]

Indeed.


Just wanted to let everyone know that I talked the entire 25 minutes on my bluetooth headpiece this morning, all the way to work.


Not 1 time did I ever leave my lane or get brake checked. :D



I might try a text tonight otw home. I'll keep you all posted.

Wish me luck. If you don't hear from me soon....send help...im probably stuck on the side of a mountain here in Alaska, cuz I couldn't get out of it's way, cuz my GF and I were discussing Taco Bell and Dexter and Weeds.

[baj1dallas]

I wish they would. But they don't have the guts.

[ChldsPlay]

Exactly the argument that more people need to stick to. Not having that argument is the reason why every year a little bit more of our liberties are taken away.

Alcohol consumption is the cause of more deaths (and I don't mean consumption while driving, I mean consumption in general) than phone use while driving. Why not just ban alcohol? Lets just start banning things that morons are irresponsible with. Screw the people who are responsible about things.

Overall 100,000 deaths occur each year due to the effects of alcohol.


5% of all deaths from diseases of the circulatory system are attributed to alcohol.
15% of all deaths from diseases of the respiratory system are attributed to alcohol.
30% of all deaths from accidents caused by fire and flames are attributed to alcohol.
30% of all accidental drownings are attributed to alcohol.
30% of all suicides are attributed to alcohol.
40% of all deaths due to accidental falls are attributed to alcohol.
45% of all deaths in automobile accidents are attributed to alcohol
(Sources: NIDA Report, the Scientific American and Addiction Research Foundation, and the CDC)

100,000 deaths. That's more than a statistic. That is 100,000 individuals with faces. 100,000 individuals with lives not fully lived. 100,000 individuals grieved by mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and children. Every year.

We could very likely save 100,000 + people a year by banning Alcohol. So why not do it? It'd save FAR more people and reduce car accidents by FAR more than banning cell phone use during driving.

Neither driving, or talking on your phone while you drive, are rights. They are privileges. They are not guaranteed liberties.

And your alcohol argument is stupid. Being under the influence of alcohol and driving IS illegal, so whatever point you're trying to make has no legs at all.

[Teren_Kanan]

Neither driving, or talking on your phone while you drive, are rights. They are privileges. They are not guaranteed liberties.

And your alcohol argument is stupid. Being under the influence of alcohol and driving IS illegal, so whatever point you're trying to make has no legs at all.

Please read my whole post before you respond perhaps? My post wasn't about driving drunk, at all. It was about the deaths that drinking causes in general, even if they are non vehicle related.

Neither Drinking alcohol, getting drunk, or doing things while drunk are rights. They are privileges. They are not guaranteed liberties.

Yet those things cause far more deaths a year than talking on the phone while driving.

You want to make the less dangerous one illegal, and not the other? Please explain.

The argument here is, people want to outlaw cell phone use while driving for the reason that it "Saves lives". We can get a long fine without talking on the phone while driving.

The exact same applies to alcohol. If we banned it we could "Save lives". We can get along fine without drinking alcohol.

In the end. When I'm driving down an uncrowded highway in a straight line, I can talk on my phone without putting myself or others at risk. I don't want that taken away because others choose to use their phone at 4pm during rush hour, or in tight neighborhood streets where kids have the possibility of running out in front of them.

[rkell87]

Please read my whole post before you respond perhaps? My post wasn't about driving drunk, at all. It was about the deaths that drinking causes in general, even if they are non vehicle related.

Neither Drinking alcohol, getting drunk, or doing things while drunk are rights. They are privileges. They are not guaranteed liberties.

Yet those things cause far more deaths a year than talking on the phone while driving.

You want to make the less dangerous one illegal, and not the other? Please explain.

The argument here is, people want to outlaw cell phone use while driving for the reason that it "Saves lives". We can get a long fine without talking on the phone while driving.

The exact same applies to alcohol. If we banned it we could "Save lives". We can get along fine without drinking alcohol.

In the end. When I'm driving down an uncrowded highway in a straight line, I can talk on my phone without putting myself or others at risk. I don't want that taken away because others choose to use their phone at 4pm during rush hour, or in tight neighborhood streets where kids have the possibility of running out in front of them.

bingo

[CanadianCowboysFan]

Exactly the argument that more people need to stick to. Not having that argument is the reason why every year a little bit more of our liberties are taken away.

Alcohol consumption is the cause of more deaths (and I don't mean consumption while driving, I mean consumption in general) than phone use while driving. Why not just ban alcohol? Lets just start banning things that morons are irresponsible with. Screw the people who are responsible about things.

Overall 100,000 deaths occur each year due to the effects of alcohol.


5% of all deaths from diseases of the circulatory system are attributed to alcohol.
15% of all deaths from diseases of the respiratory system are attributed to alcohol.
30% of all deaths from accidents caused by fire and flames are attributed to alcohol.
30% of all accidental drownings are attributed to alcohol.
30% of all suicides are attributed to alcohol.
40% of all deaths due to accidental falls are attributed to alcohol.
45% of all deaths in automobile accidents are attributed to alcohol
(Sources: NIDA Report, the Scientific American and Addiction Research Foundation, and the CDC)

100,000 deaths. That's more than a statistic. That is 100,000 individuals with faces. 100,000 individuals with lives not fully lived. 100,000 individuals grieved by mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and children. Every year.

We could very likely save 100,000 + people a year by banning Alcohol. So why not do it? It'd save FAR more people and reduce car accidents by FAR more than banning cell phone use during driving.

one could argue that in reality, they have lived a full life, they just died younger than most others.

[Teren_Kanan]

one could argue that in reality, they have lived a full life, they just died younger than most others.

Touche salesman.

[jimnabby]

Alcohol consumption is the cause of more deaths (and I don't mean consumption while driving, I mean consumption in general) than phone use while driving. Why not just ban alcohol?

Um, are you serious?

Nobody is suggesting that cell phone use be outlawed, only cell phone use WHILE DRIVING. Guess what? Alcohol is treated EXACTLY the same way. Drink all you want - just don't get in a car while under the influence.

[VietCowboy]

Please read my whole post before you respond perhaps? My post wasn't about driving drunk, at all. It was about the deaths that drinking causes in general, even if they are non vehicle related.

Neither Drinking alcohol, getting drunk, or doing things while drunk are rights. They are privileges. They are not guaranteed liberties.

Yet those things cause far more deaths a year than talking on the phone while driving.

You want to make the less dangerous one illegal, and not the other? Please explain.

The argument here is, people want to outlaw cell phone use while driving for the reason that it "Saves lives". We can get a long fine without talking on the phone while driving.

The exact same applies to alcohol. If we banned it we could "Save lives". We can get along fine without drinking alcohol.

In the end. When I'm driving down an uncrowded highway in a straight line, I can talk on my phone without putting myself or others at risk. I don't want that taken away because others choose to use their phone at 4pm during rush hour, or in tight neighborhood streets where kids have the possibility of running out in front of them.

Guns kill a lot of lives too, but we have a constitutional right to bear arms. Given that prohibition was introduced and repealed, it is also legal to sell and consume alcohol.

The issue at hand as several people here have stated, is while driving. There are plenty of safety laws in place to lower the risk to the public, and I do not see why introducing a law preventing cell phone use is any different than instituting headlights at night, wearing seat belts, or not driving while drunk. All of these laws have been put into place because research has shown it reduces the risk.

[CanadianCowboysFan]

Guns kill a lot of lives too, but we have a constitutional right to bear arms. Given that prohibition was introduced and repealed, it is also legal to sell and consume alcohol.

The issue at hand as several people here have stated, is while driving. There are plenty of safety laws in place to lower the risk to the public, and I do not see why introducing a law preventing cell phone use is any different than instituting headlights at night, wearing seat belts, or not driving while drunk. All of these laws have been put into place because research has shown it reduces the risk.

actually a recent study shows that banning the use while driving does nothing to prevent accidents, especially texting because now we hide our phones and text between our legs etc

I just put the phone on speaker phone and actually it is probably worse because I have to bend my head to see the key pad to dial.

Having sex while driving is probably worse but not sure that has ever been banned ;)

[VietCowboy]

actually a recent study shows that banning the use while driving does nothing to prevent accidents, especially texting because now we hide our phones and text between our legs etc

I just put the phone on speaker phone and actually it is probably worse because I have to bend my head to see the key pad to dial.

Having sex while driving is probably worse but not sure that has ever been banned ;)

IDK, I read the same study, and came out of it that if it's a lot better enforced, then there could be a reduction in accidents.

In addition to public safety, drinking and driving laws also allow for harsher punishments. If someone is proven to have been using the phone during the commission of a crime or accident while driving, then having a law in place that bans it use will allow for harsher punishments as well. I am all for that.

[Seven]

ban hand held use? ok
texting? yeah duh it is worse than talking cause you have to take your eyes off the road.

hands free use? no way in hell. you cant tell people they can not talk on the phone at all. plus it would be silly because you couldn't enforce it unless you ban the devices that enable you to do so.

and don't give me the safety speech because drinking and driving has been proven to kill more people this month than the article says cell phone distracted people were killed all of last year.

It isn't a safety speech. It's in addition to drunk driving. Simple math.

[rkell87]

It isn't a safety speech. It's in addition to drunk driving. Simple math.
what do you mean by this? getting rid of talking in the car is in addition to getting rid of drunk driving? how are we getting rid of drunk driving