I have talked on the phone in my car in private with no problem. I would rather have a private conversation in the car then a public one in a restaurant.
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Nationwide Hands free Cell Phone Ban for Drivers Urged
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Likewise, many people have driven while intoxicated "without incident."
Once again, this is simply putting your preference and convenience above the safety of others, for which there is no excuse.
A lot of people drive drunk and don't get into accidents, does that mean it's safe? Using a cell phone in a restaurant doesn't put people in danger.
By your logic we should ban cell phones where they are annoying but allow them where they are a danger to others?
once again, whats your point? you are very hard to follow in this thread
your argument is summed to this
1) cell phones arent the only distraction and thus to you, it should be either all or no distractions should be banned
2) you then spout off opinions that have nothing to due with the topic such as "lets ban phones in parks or restaurants because they are annoying/disturbing "and then give your preference on where you would like to talk......this has nothing to do with how cell phones create a hazard while driving
you have yet to disprove the studies that cell phones distract drivers to the same extent as drinking. its been proven. accept the fact
until then, i dont see your logic that it must be all or nothing for you to be ok with it. surely incremental steps are better than nothing at all? why are you against any measure that can save lives? if its because its not the only distraction then i ask...why does it matter as its a positive step in reducing accidents? if you say it inconviences you, i say the greater safety on the road for everyone supersedes your want of convenience
I have steering wheel audio controls, so I can change the radio without taking hands off the wheel. But in my old car where I didn't have wheel controls, I could change the radio without taking my eyes off the road, and I think most people can. It's not that hard, nor is it distracting. And neither is reaching for a soda....again, if you know where your cup holder is, you can reach for it, take a sip and put it back without ever taking your eyes off the road or losing concentration.
And I know the next argument from some of you will be "But taking a hand off the wheel isn't safe!" I drive a stick, what the hell am I supposed to do? Drive 30 miles each way to work on the highway in 1st gear?
What cities does your dad typically drive around so I know not to go anywhere near them?
No it won't, because people are still going to talk on their cell phones. There is no reasonable way to enforce these laws, much like the seat belt law. Chances are they will just tack it on to anything else they pull you over for - much like the seat belt law.
Talking on the cell phone, hands-free excluded, is a $75 fine here, yet I saw at least 30 people doing it today.
They should be banned!
Can not tell you how many times while driving, seeing people talking on phone or even worse texting. I like motorcycling and the thought of someone talking or texting any where near me scares the s*** out of me! They can wait to talk on the phone or text till they are at a standstill period! Don't see the need for right then and there.
Can not tell you how many times while driving, seeing people talking on phone or even worse texting. I like motorcycling and the thought of someone talking or texting any where near me scares the s*** out of me! They can wait to talk on the phone or text till they are at a standstill period! Don't see the need for right then and there.
At least you won't be speeding (although I suppose on a highway, less speed can be dangerous).
And despite the fact that it's "not enforceable," what percentage of the general population wear their seatbelt anyway?
Many people wear seat belts because they know there is a risk to getting caught without it. If that fear saves lives I'm all for it. The same would be true for cell phones.
Here in CT its illegal to use a cell while driving, everyone knows its hard to get caught (though thousands of tickets are given each year), but its been my personal experience with friends that often they will either not answer the phone or cut their conversation MUCH shorter in hopes to not get caught.
Also cannot forget its a great excuse to not answer for someone you dont want to talk to
I can't beleive this thread got me in trouble....
if the law acts as a detterent.....
i observe people speeding too, doesnt mean it should suddenly be allowed without consequences
There is tangibly safer about driving with a seat belt on, and I see your point, but I'm saying there are always going to be a good percentage of idiots on the road that will do what they want - law or not. I'd be willing to bet that almost every single accident caused by a cell phone distracting the driver would have still happened if there was a ban.
It may give people a warm fuzzy, but will be widely ignored, because there are that many morons behind the wheel.
How did you get in trouble?
In 2008, above 80% nationally, and even higher in areas with stricter (i.e. primary) enforcement. Link (PDF)
I do believe that makes your argument moot.
Granted, there are other "distractions"
but this distraction can vary in length, a whole car trip, and is a distraction that A LOT of people partake in. You can just sit and watch cars go by you and easily start counting that every third or fourth car contains a person on a cellphone.
If you need both of yours hands for whatever it is your doing, then your brain should probably be on it too.
but this distraction can vary in length, a whole car trip, and is a distraction that A LOT of people partake in. You can just sit and watch cars go by you and easily start counting that every third or fourth car contains a person on a cellphone.
If you need both of yours hands for whatever it is your doing, then your brain should probably be on it too.
My point is that it wont, not for the vast majority of people. People will just find creative ways around it, like radar detectors for speeding.
No it doesn't. I wear a seatbelt every time I get in the car because I've been in an accident (as a driver, and I was wearing the seatbelt then too), not because some law tells me to.
Also illegal in many places.
Beleive it or not but MANY people abide laws that cannot be easily enforced. And even if it doesnt stop it drastically, what harm is there in at least implementing it?
Well just to point out how it is done.
The legal age to drink is a state's right issue and the each state decides what the legal age is going to be. Just if they put it under 21 they lose a lot of federal funding.
Same principle would be applied here. Put the law in place or loose a lot of money.
Let's see:
And yet, contrary to your suggestion, the seat belt law does indeed save lives. You're comparing this proposed cellphone ban to very effective and life-saving legislation. It completely invalidates your argument.
Attachments
Where did I say the seatbelt law doesn't save lives? I just said it was essentially unenforceable, and generally tacked on when a driver gets pulled over for - let's say speeding.
Making something illegal can save save lives, but it takes more than just that.