Political Dogs: Cell Phones and Driving (Again)

Cell Phones and Driving (Again)

by Steve
11/25/2005 08:23:00 PM

This time, it's Tony Long, who writes for Wired, who asks the question, "Why is it that only a handful of states have made it illegal to talk on the phone while driving?"

The answer? Because cell phones don't drive cars Tony.

Tony first explained that he wrecked his motorcycle trying avoid a collision with a car. The person driving the car was in front of him, and just slammed on the brakes for seemingly no reason at all. He observed the driver holding a cell phone to her ear, and figured that had to be the reason.

So, when does someone slam on the brakes based on something they hear on the cell phone? Who knows!

The problem with legislating responsibility is that only responsible people abide the law. How do you create a law that converts irresponsible idiots into responsible citizens? They tried to solve prostitution by making it illegal, but did that stop people from turning tricks?

There's an old saying about guns: "If they outlaw guns, only outlaws will have guns." That means that only the law abiding people will abide by a gun ban, and since when are we threatened by law abiding people?

Making it illegal to use a cell phone while driving a car will only protect us from responsible people, and those aren't the people we're having problems with. It's the people who don't give a f*** and the people who don't know s*** that we have to worry about.

I'd like to tell Tony that the American Automobile Association actually did a study on car accidents caused by driver distractions and found that adjusting the radio/CD player accounted for nearly 8 times more accidents than cell phone use.

But then again, I doubt he's reading this. Perhaps the lady driving the car was fumbling with her stereo. Maybe he ought to speak out against car stereos?

6 Comments:

I don't know what the answers are. It would be great if some kind of preventive solution could be found. But trotting out stupid shibboleths like "if guns are outlawed..." is not at all helpful.

By Anonymous, at 12:41 PM, December 02, 2005
I think cell phones should not be used without a handsfree headset while operating a motor vehicle. I have had so many close calls with careless drivers here in my area in SoCal. 90% of them are women and or teens who are in large SUV's and/or MiniVans. Not a care in the world attitude while driving, they feel safe in thier vehicles and could care less for fellow motorists. I had one tailagte me less then 2 ft off my bumper, honking the horn and yacking away on her tele. She passed me illegally and ended up rear ending a truck in front of me. It's time to stop the driving with phones to thier ears.

By Anonymous, at 12:41 PM, December 02, 2005
There are always going to be distractions while driving- whether it's a cell phone, kids, radio, other drivers, whatever. People, in general, cannot handle doing so many things at once. I feel that cell phones should be used only in an emergency situation while on the side of the road or while using a hands free set. The problem is not going to go away anytime soon so as a driver it is your responsibility to drive a car- forget the phone conversation until a later time.

By Anonymous, at 1:07 PM, December 02, 2005
Although most vehicles today are more intelligent than the limited person behind the wheel, they do not yet drive themselves. Tom

By Thomas A. Voight, at 2:23 PM, December 02, 2005
What a shame that a 17 year old can kill a person on a bicycle while driving and using cell phone text and get only one year maximum penalty by law, which he probably wont get. What a shame that too many adults are equally as irresponsible. Americans have become too mean, selfish and ignorant. Why does a child have a phone? Why do parents allow this? Why are adults just as bad?

By Anonymous, at 5:22 PM, December 02, 2005
When you talk on a cell phone your cell phone company keeps records of the number you called, the time it calls started, and the time call finished.

In any vehicle accident these records should be requested by a lawyer (and you will need one)
This proves negligence, and endangerment of life and property. Also have a cell phone equipment brought as evidence

Most of the time it’s not a hands-free cell phone.

Ask for a jury trial, and fry they ass!

And is far as the kid get killed on the bicycle, why didn't the D.A. ask for vehicular manslaughter?

By Anonymous, at 3:53 AM, December 03, 2005

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Cell Phones and Driving (Again)

6 Comments:

Previously on Political Dogs