TedJan 13th, 2009 - 08:13:11

Here comes the rationalizations!

Here come all the posters rationalizing that it's their God-given right to yak it up on a phone while trying to pilot a 1,500 pound vehicle, and that everything else everyone does in a car is causing all the accidents.

All I know is that I've had half a dozen near-collisions over the last year, and countless in previous years, with inconsiderate jackasses intently focused on talking on a cellphone and driving as a sort of casual afterthought. Hand-held or hands-free, it's dangerous to talk on a cell phone and drive. We all know that. But so many are pathetically addicted to it. I hope laws are passed to outlaw them entirely from drivers; hell, I live in California, a complete nanny state as it is, and with the worst drivers in the world. So outlaw them already. But if not - I would hope that all those who yak on the phone and drive somehow plow only into each other, brick walls, or telephone poles. Let them take each other out and leave us safe drivers the open road.

Report this comment

TJZizJan 13th, 2009 - 17:20:25

I would have to say that maybe cell-phone use should be totally banned while driving, however you have to admit that there are many things people do in cars that are an equal distraction. So maybe the argument should be do we also ban satellite radios, specifically those that are like DVR'S, because those are way more of a distraction then regular FM radios, and what about the DVD players(the ones that pop out of the in-dash faceplate), not to mention stereos that are so loud you couldn't hear an ambulance if it was practically on top of you. And what about the Ford cars with the Microsoft sync and voice operated features, how dangerous is that stuff? Should the MO for safety always just be ban it, or should more research be done? Personally, I'm not on the road that much to really care, it just seems like there are an increasing number of distractions now and maybe more than just cell-phones should be examined.

Report this comment

M.GarzaFeb 18th, 2009 - 09:11:09

Wait a moment, a phone is a private and public thing. It's private in that we coordinate our affairs, & we MUST coordinate our affairs, schedule pick-ups with the kids, or have emergencies brought to our notice, & these are things our lives cannot do without- given that technology has so allowed us to do so.

It's public, too. Various studies point to 4x the probability of a driver on a cell phone getting him or herself into a traffic accident simply because of being on the phone. Sure, and a relatively recent study from the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis highlights the potential cost businesses would face with nationwide ban on cell phones on the road: it's in the billions. Hm, and in what state is the economy? Really, before another drastic/desperate piece of legislative restraint is passed there should be more thoughtful study & consideration of alternatives.

Report this comment