Lawmakers in Lawrence, Kansas will soon vote on a proposed law to restrict usage of cell phones by drivers. It would be the most strict legislation of its kind in the country. Other cities that have cell phone laws on the books still allow drivers to use a hands-free unit, the Lawerence proposition has no such exception. Proponents say research shows it's not the action of holding a phone that distracts drivers, but the actual conversation they are having.
Mobile carriers are obviously opposed:
“We would certainly oppose a complete ban,” Jamie Hastings, director of government affairs for T-Mobile USA, previously told the Journal-World. “We think there are distractions just as great. I suppose if you also want to ban McDonald’s coffee and kids in the back seat, then we wouldn’t oppose it.”
Is it really necessary to allow handheld cell phones in cars? Even if there were the slightest possibility of causing accidents on the road, why take the chance of permitting this, especially in light of the insufferable boors who subject other drivers to the real risk of an accident.
Cell phone (ab)users: unconscious, disrespectful, discourteous and obnoxious. Public transportation and areas; doctors' offices; theaters; restaurants; checkout lines; just about everywhere. In their own dream world walking in the street, or "driving" their cars. Their business, everyone's business. Unable to bear silence or be by, or with, themselves for a moment. Totally oblivious to---and inconsiderate of---their neighbors.
Motorists using handheld cell phones while driving should be subject to heavy penalties. If they want to risk their own lives, fine. But I, for one, am not willing to be a victim of their stupidity.
Emanuel Molho,
New York, NY
A Total BAN on all cell phone use in a car is a terrible idea. I agree with a ban on hand held devices, however, using a hands free kit to conduct a conversation is no different than holding a conversation with a person in the passengers seat.
Drivers applying make up, listening to stereos so loud as to not hear anything else, shaving, and eating breakfast during a morning commute scare me far more than anyone have a hands free cell phone converation.
I agree with banning cell phone use while driving. Problem is that everyone does it! Even the local cops can be seen talking on the cellphone while driving. It's rediculous. And as far as eating on the car... dont do it! Thats just as dumb as using the cell phone. Your concentration is elsewhere, when it should really be on the road. Just my .02...
I don't think it's a bad idea to ban hand held cell phone use while driving. As a motorcyclist, I'm perhaps more sensative to drivers' actions as I must drive very defensively for survival. I've lived all over the world and the US drivers' could use some focus. I frequently see drivers' weaving, driving erratically, turning without signals, darting into traffic, etc. In many of these cases, the driver is so intent on the conversation that they are in sort of a trance and don't see anything around them. The cell phone seems to have taken over our lives...I see people on the phone in the car, exiting and in conversation for hours...with brainless chitchat. While this activity has invaded our lives, generally, to curtail it somewhat while you are operating a 2,000 lb piece of equipment so you can concentrate on driving does not seem too much to ask.