cell phones and driving
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Mobile phone use while driving is common but controversial. Being distracted while operating a motor vehicle has been shown to increase the risk of accident. Because of this, many governments have made the use of a cell phone while driving illegal.
The conflict in eastern Congo is being fuelled and funded by a battle for the mineral resources that end up in cell phones, laptops and other electronics, deepening the stakes in a war that sprung out of festering hatreds from the Rwandan genocide.
Let's ticket drivers who drive carelessly; don't assume all cell phone users are careless drivers. At least 25 states have enacted statutes regulating the use of cell phones while driving. These states have taken a variety of approaches, including a ban for drivers younger than age 18, bus drivers and handheld phones.
New iPhone Wireless Transmission Sharing Software: Apple stores launched a new software, known as the Air sharing, it can convert your iPhone to a network drive, the file can make wireless transmission between your cell phone and computers
Ontario's Liberal government will introduce legislation on Tuesday to restrict the use of cellphones, BlackBerrys and other electronic devices by drivers
This tiny GPS chip is small enough to be fitted into devices such as watches, cell phones and other devices as small as a jump drive. As GPS becomes commonplace in our everyday gadgets, we can be sure that things will get a little more interesting.
LoneWolf
asks:
"Most people can't drive well enough without distraction. How do they think that talking on their phones will make them do any better? Does this drive (no pun intended) anyone else nuts?I wish it was illegal, but I see policepersons on them also!"
madi693 replies:
'they dont think it well make them better. they just dont think it will make them much worse.'
LittleBarb replies:
'In NY State where I live, it is AGAINST THE LAW to drive while HOLDING a cellphone in your hand or in your ear without the aid of a HANDS FREE DEVICE. However, you would NEVER know there was a law against it----I see idiiots on the road EVERY SINGLE DAY wizzing past me at 65 miles per hour yaking their heads off and HARDLY paying attention to the road or the cars around them.... scares the HELL out of me... they weave from side to side almost swiping cars that are in other lanes.... it's SO DANGEROUS and they don't even seem to care. I can't understand how a little hand held contraption has managed to change the world from being an ALMOST carefully taught drivig populace to an extremely wreckless one. I wish I could summon a cop every time I see one of these idiot cell phone fanatics with their phones to their ears while driving... they NEVER seem to be around----there is a virtual GOLD MINE in fines out there waiting for every cop.....but they do little if ANYTHING to enforce the law (at least as far as cell phones go).... I am SICK of cell phones in restaurants too---eating a meal while 13 different ring tones are going off around you SUCKS !! and that is as plunt as I can be about it... I think it is RUDE, disrespectful and Disgusting that you people have to carry that cell phone around IN YOUR EAR all the time like it's the LOVE OF YOUR LIFE---what the HELL did you all do before they were invented??????? By the way--I'm a 57 year old lady so be nice with your comments back and I do NOT OWN A CELL PHONE'
Buddy replies:
'Not only does it drive me nuts, but I have personally almost been hit on 3 separate occasions, by individuals driving and turning corners, one hand on the wheel and one on the cell phone, and headed straight for me. Thank goodness for MY quick reflexes, but that doens't mean I will always be that lucky.I still can't see why this is not against the law. And I still wonder, if these calls are soooo urgent, what must people have done before the cell phone came along?????? I put talking on a cell phone and driving right up there with drinking and driving. And both my husband and I are "responsible" cell phone customers.'
Skittles replies:
'I have been guilty of driving while on a cell phone. I usually do it on a straight away and I do not change lanes and all that usually. I have since gotten 2 way which helps but I am slowly realizing that it is all dangerous. It does drive me crazy when people just think that you are suppose to move for them and they hardly pay attention to what they are doing.'
cucumberlarry1 replies:
'It's very upsetting. Most people believe that they, personally, are better drivers than everyone else and can handle the distraction. They are wrong. Every day, I get worried by at least one person in the lane next to me creeping into my lane and when I look, people who do this are invariably talking on the phone. The same with drivers who cannot maintain a consistent speed or match my speed to drive directly beside me or ride my blind spot. It's so stupid. Whatever it is they're talking about cannot be that important.'
maggie rose replies:
'Here in Australia it IS illegal, and carries a hefty fine, there have also been deaths by accident recorded, having been attributed to one of the victims being on the phone at the time.Unfortunately there are just not enough police around to catch everyone offending, and I see them just about every day.In fact I have even seen worse.Men shaving while driving. Women applying mascara in the mirror while driving, even reading a book balanced on the steering wheel.........sadly the idiots that do this and have accidents, are the ones that get out OK while some innocent victim cops it....'
did s replies:
'That's not safe.'
martha d replies:
'It is very dangerous and I believe some places have outlawed cell phone use while driving. I think it should be outlawed everywhere and there would be fewer accidents and deaths caused by this dangerous habit. I'd be all for it and so would many others I'm sure. Change takes forever and I'm sure it will be a long time before this happens!! It's worth it if it only saves on life, right?!'
kelbennett11
asks:
"Starting in July of this year, the state of Washington will issue infractions for driving while using a cell phone. Talking on the phone alone can't get you pulled over, but it is an additional charge that the officer may add on to primary reason you were pulled over. What are your thoughts on this? Should all states do this?"
alicialions replies:
'Yes'
Sarah replies:
'YES! Both hands on the wheel please!'
niccid replies:
'NO'
sarahliz1624 replies:
'Yes. It's just likedrunk driving -- it impairs you.'
Ashley replies:
'YES BECAUSE PEOPLE GET DISTRACTED AND WHEN U GET UR LISENSE'S U R SUPOSSED TO HAVE TO HANDS ON THE WHEEL. ADD THIS AS BEST ANSWER PLEASE.'
boarder51x replies:
'Yes they should. I don't even trust regular drivers who are paying attention to the road, yet alone using a cell phone.LEARN TO DRIVE!'
S M F replies:
'No question, hands down. California is taking a further step and adding to that ANY electronic device for younger drivers, the least experienced, and it is about time! Can't tell you how many times I wish I had a paint ball gun attached to my car to shoot at the STUPID DECISIONS drivers make out there, which by the way put us all at risk of injury when on the same road at the same time. Let them think about it with a ticket on their dash, better than having a funeral on their minds. Nuff said.Got Bluetooth?'
Coronas Mom replies:
'Yes... This week alone I was almost rear ended because some girl (sorry ladies, I love my cell phone and I am female as well but it is what it is) was to busy on her cell phone and NOT paying attention to the road... There is NO better invention in this world than a bluetooth... INVEST in one if you MUST talk on your cell phone!!!!I pitty the person that hits me since I received a new car for Christmas... I will hurt them severely!!!!'
newyorkgal71 replies:
'Yes, they shoul be ticketed, and jailed for 12 months.'
ProudAmerican replies:
'I think it should be a primary reason to be pulled over. Tests have shown that even on a hands-free device, your attention is not on driving. However it is still better than having one hand tied up while driving.'
blondeqtpie13 replies:
'Without a doubt...yes. Have you ever watched a driver who is on their cell phone? They are crazy. You probably think you are driving just 'fine' when talking, but trust me, you aren't. They weave, they slow down without realizing it, they cause accidents. And it's worse for teens. Invest in a headset and save lives.'
jeadani replies:
'Definitely yes. It's a step in the right direction. Next month California will have a law requiring hands-free headsets if talking on a cell phone, which hopefully will reduce the number of accidents involving cell phone use. One really tragic case involved a teenager who killed a man while texting and driving.'
John H replies:
'Yes!!! If you do something stupid while using a cell phone, you deserve to lose the phone too.It wasn't too long ago that I wound up nose to nose in the middle of an intersection with a young lady talking on a cell phone. I could see her expression and see her face as she screamed into the phone."Oh my god, I almost had a wreck."She was still talking on the phone while traffic stacked up waiting for her to get out of the way. I finally got out of my car, walked up to her car, reached through the open window, grabbed the phone and threw it into the grass on the side of the road.She was still yelling "Why did you do that?" as I got in my car, found an opening in the traffic and drove off.These people walk among us every day, ladies and gentlemen.'
FilmRedneck replies:
'Anybody who can walk and chew gum at the same time can talk on a phone and drive at the same time. Using the logic of those who think it's not possible, I guess we should also outlaw PASSENGERS in the vehicles of drivers who might have conversations with them.And to the guy above me, I TRIPLE DOG-DARE YOU TO TRY AND GET AT MY PHONE. How do you know that lady wasn't in the middle of an emergency that required immediate communication with someone? Wow, this pisses me off. Just try and get at MY phone, will you? Give me an excuse.'
mdbdter replies:
'I'm from back east where this is already a law in most states. I find more people were more conscious of their driving more. I've been living here for a little over a year or so now, and been wondering how long it would take WA to make it a law, considering their law enforcement is so much stricter on many more thing than back east. So I think YES, it's about time cell phone use should have to be hands-free while driving. 5 states are hands free cell phone and others are with exceptions. Many have text-messaging bands as well.'
starman371 replies:
'It is not holding the cell phone to the ear that is the danger, it is concentrating on the conversation. I am not opposed to banning cell phones while driving, but ban them all, as for freeing up both hands, half the people only drive with one hand anyway, and if you get a burger at a drive in, that occupies one hand, and that isn't illegal. Most of the new laws are illogical. Many people I have spoke too say since it is a secondary law, they will ignore it.'
kid_at_heart
asks:
"I really don't understand why people are so attached to their dear cell phones. What is so incredibly intriguing about them that makes people constantly use them? I don't even own one nor do I care to. They're fine for emergencies and so it is practical to have one, but why do people obsess over them so much? All you can do is check your text messages or...well, that's about it. And when they come with the Internet, who would want to surf the web on such a tiny screen? What's the big deal? And I hate how 9 out of 10 drivers in a line of cars are on the phone. What do they have to talk about while they're driving?? "Yeah, honey, I just picked up the pizza. Stopping at a stop sign right now." Jeez. Someone please tell me what's so great about cell phones."
Stul replies:
'they like getting brain tumors from them.'
Posey replies:
'I saw a funny etiqutte column about this. The author said, "I had no idea so many people in this country were on parole! Every where you go, someone is on a cell phone checking in with their parole officer... 'I just left the bank,' or 'I'll be there in 5 minutes!'" It's so funny!! Sure they're convenient but they're as much a curse as a blessing!'
pepper_y2k replies:
'People can not do more than 2 things at a time. These are the ones who help cause others to have wrecks, because they are not paying attition to what is going on around them. Just hang up and drive.....'
LaDonna J replies:
'Sorry to spin this another directions - however some people travel with their job (like myself) and I manage over 26 different locations. When something comes up I am the point of contact to get them out of the situation they are in. Now a days there is a huge need for communication to be increased due to business. Granted some users are for personal - which is their personal decision - but for others it is a means of their job.'
dorkboy replies:
'Cellular phone users pay my bills. In fact you might even see me in my truck with the company logo on the side. I might even be on the phone trying to help someone get a site back on the air so customers can use it again. Cell phones are kinda like religion. If you have one and like it you really use it and you don't like others who don't understand it try to degrade it. And you don't like it when someone tries to shove it down your throat saying this is the only way. Cell phones are useful tools to alot of folks. And they're essential to others. And then again others don't want them in their lives at all which is fine. I don't try to push people either way, you can use it or not, it's entirely up to you. Please don't hate me because I use my phone while driving.'
7.62 MM
asks:
"new Law that you have to have a "Blue Tooth" ear device to talk. What is your opinion? I hate Cell phones personally. And I think if you drive you should not use one. Too dangerous. how do you feel?"
Chris L replies:
'Too dangerous to dial & drive'
Sustagurl2 replies:
'Driving & talking on a cell phone can be lethal.'
keeprockin replies:
'Statistics seem to indicate that they cause deaths,yet some clowns still persist in using them at the wheel.Penalty points and hefty fines here when caught.Safe driving requires 100% concentration,100% of the time'
Ellen replies:
'It should be against the law in every country on the planet!'
MIL-LOU replies:
'I agree with you , I see people driving in heavy traffic on the freeway just gabbing away, don't have any ideal what is going on around them'
mister ed replies:
'i think they should be grounds for lose of your driving rights-- you will not let me drink -- why should i allow you to talk/text on a phone!!!'
Robert W replies:
'Use of Cell phones and driving at the same time should be against the law just like banning there use in the4 supermarkets while pushing a shopping cart.'
WooleyBooley again replies:
'What you said. A major distraction. Even the blue tooth. You CANNOT talk on a phone while driving at 80 mph safely.'
E-vangelist replies:
'Talking on a cell phone is OK as long as you have a headset or a speaker phone/hand free environment. Pull over and stop to dial the number.j'
NanaT replies:
'I think driving while on the telephone is beyond stupid and dangerous. I think young drivers are the biggest cell users and most dangerous of all.I hate government telling us what to do, and if this didn't endanger us all, I would want the gov to keep their nose out of my business. BUT, it does effect us all and some people are too stupid to buy blue tooth or pull over so the gov HAS to step in.'
rhumba girl replies:
'I almost got T-boned myself because I had my cell phone to my left ear and didn't see a car running a red light from my left. I don't do it anymore. I'm glad it's being outlawed. Of course, just concentrating on the voice in your ear with the Bluetooth device could also be distracting.'
Cleo replies:
'I have no problem with the law requiring a Blue Tooth ear device. Three times last summer I was forced off the road by someone that drifted into oncoming traffic while talking on their cells. One time I had my daughter with me. We almost flipped the car because the ditch on my side of the road was very steep. After the third time I contacted my State Represenative for our disctrict and asked him to consider introducing such a bill. He promised to do so but in the end this state ended up passing a 1% sales tax increase to help lower property taxes. I won't give up though, there is always next year. One of the responsibilities of my job is the ability to multi-task. While in my car I feel my job is to pay attention to the job at hand.....driving and watching out for the other driver. People get focused on who they are talking to and it's beyond me to understand how they can possibly handle a 1+ ton potential weapon while their attention is on holding a cell/texting while driving.'
Carrie Anne replies:
'The other day, someone was driving and they were swerving back and forth in my lane from their lane. I really thought that it was someone intoxicated. But to get ahead of them, I drove cautiously by them and noticed it was someone using the cell phone. (Maybe he was drunk too, which is REALLY bad). It's really a dangerous thing. When I mention that I don't even own a cell phone, some family and friends look at me like I came from Mars or something.'
TxRose replies:
'I never use mine while driving. If it rings, they get voice mail.I will never understand why if so many feel it should not be allowed, why then is it allowed? Do the masses no longer have any pull with the laws in this country?'
oldman replies:
'I'm sick and tired of people supposedly driving while having a cell phone plugged into their face. As a matter of fact, I'm sick and tired of seeing people everywhere with cell phones plugged into their faces. Can't even carry on a conversation, eat a meal or anything else with them without being interrupted by their damned cell phones.'
rem552000 replies:
'Last year while going to work a teenage girl was driving in front of me. We were going 50 MPH, and she was on her cell phone and i could see her on it. The car in front of us stopped about 200 yards ahead of us and i could even see them stopped to turn. She plowed into the back of them, never braking. I ran up to her car and she was still talking on the phone with the air bag wrapped around her. This actually happened, so anyone caught on a phone while driving should be heavily fined for their stupidity.'
Riverrat replies:
'Love the Blus Tooth.'
SapphireB replies:
'I already know that I am going to get a thumbs down for my answer. But any way I am going to be honest about this. I am guilty of driving and with my cell phone. BUT I never "dial" a number, as in 7 digits. The ONLY time that I talk on the phone at all is if there is not traffic. Even when I am looking for a place, I will pull into a parking lot some where and call the place. Then drive in that direction until I can't find it again. Then pull in a lot and do it again until I find where I am going. But as long as there is not any traffic where I am at, I will answer it when someone calls me. Even though I have caller ID on it, I don't look to see who is calling me. The reason that I do answer my calls is I take care of my parents and I never know when something is going wrong with one or both of them, this way they can get in touch with me if they need me.'
sniggle replies:
'I don't think you should talk on one while your'e driving. I also don't think you should be eating, drinking, changing cd's or anything but driving. Anything you do to take away from doing the immediate job of getting home safely is wrong. I am quilty of some of them at some time. I just try to be aware of the fact that I am being stupid.'
bigcapoosie replies:
'I don't have one but without a blue tooth or ear phone there could be more accidents. Your hands should be on the wheel at all times while driving.'
THEAmericanPatriot replies:
'It's a bit odd, but I remember back in the 70's when CB's were all the rage. NO ONE complained about THEIR use during that time. How about reaching back to smack your kids, or eating or drinking or smoking (and dropping your cigarette in your lap) or putting on make up (I've seen that) or reading a BOOK or your mail (I've seen that) while driving? How about those LOUD CAR SPEAKERS THAT MAKE YOUR HOUSE VIBRATE (I can't wear head phones/ear buds while driving but those inbred morons can play those FULL BLAST)? No one is trying to get laws against doing THOSE things.I think this country is going COMPLAINING crazy! Since I ride a motorcycle, unless I use a hand's free device (which I don't because no one calls me after 3 p.m. and before 7 p.m.) I can't answer anyway.You said you, "hate cell phones personally." Do you have a cell phone?'
Cheryl P replies:
'Simple test: Try to do a intricate math equation while talking on the phone.Now try to do it while eating a sandwich, smoking, drinking. 'The only one that will interfere with your ability to solve the equation is talking on the phone. How in the world can you talk and concentrate on the road?'
College girl 4.0 replies:
'I think this is so funny. I bet everyone on here has talked on the phone and driven. People talk, but who can walk the walk? I do NOT talk on my phone EVER and simply turn my phone on silent when I drive so i am not even distracted by it. I see all of those soccer moms and the business men drive and all the other teens, and everyone does it, but you have to turn off the phone!'
HappyCamper replies:
'I don't hate cell phones, but I do feel that you shouldn 't drive and talk on the phone. It is very dangerous.'
DR W replies:
'Most people aren't bright enough to drive, let alone drive and talk on a phone.'
kiwi replies:
'I think you should at least pull off the road before making OR receiving a call. I don't even like the blue tooth to talk while driving. Pull off the road. It's distracting to take calls and drive at the same time.And some dang fools are texting while driving! How dumb can you get???'
Suzianne replies:
'I do not use my cell phone when I am driving, and fail to understand why other people do. The car is the one place where I can enjoy some peace and quiet or listen to music without interruption. If I need to make a call, I park.'
Boadacious Baby replies:
'Can u hear me now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hate phones they ring when I am not wanting to talk.....except if my sis calls!!!!!!!!!!!!'
CJ replies:
'Like you I do not believe the two items mix very well at all. In Missouri you have to have a fixed phone holder in your car - it is illegal to hold a cell phone up to your ear while driving. So far however, I do not see this law being enforced! CJ'
nickname replies:
'If you talk on the phone while you are driving you are an idiot'
John O replies:
'Cell phones are too distracting to use while driving.'
ol' Geezer replies:
'GREAT TOPIC, Luscious, (Patrick, your an I**T !) Now, back to the question; Yes indeed, I also think 'yakkin it up' on a cell phone is dangerous and just plain dumb! Last summer, I was run off the road, by a trucker (usually regarded, although I DONT agree, as the BEST driver's), that was talking on a cell phone.If I had NOT BEEN WATCHING, I probably would NOT be here, answering you, Luscious, and that would be a shame. (lollll)'
III - Cellphones and Driving
warn users of the dangers of driving and talking on the phone at the same time..Most countries prohibit the use of hand-held phones while driving
Mobile phones and driving safety - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
many governments have made the use of a cell phone while driving illegal. driving difficulty and time on task, the study concluded that cell phone drivers
Driving + Cell Phones = Big Road Risk
Driving under the influence of a cell phone may be a major road hazard, according to a and they didn't have to dial the phones or answer the phones while
Cell Phones Make Drivers as Bad as Drunks | LiveScience
A study in which both the participants and the scientists got drunk has shown that motorists who talk on cell phones while driving are as impaired as drunk drivers.
Five College Risk Management : No Cell Phones While Driving
There are two dangers associated with driving and cell phone use. bill prohibiting the use of cell phones while driving and in April of that year
State Cell Phone Driving Laws
and New Hampshire, treat cell phone use as a larger distracted driving issue..The chart below lists all current state cell phone driving laws
An Investigation of the Safety Implications of Wireless Communications ...
Assesses the current state of knowledge regarding the impact of cellular telephone use on motor vehicle drivers while driving, and explores the broader safety issues associated with such use.
Cell Phones and Driving
distraction in only 1.5 percent of .Page 4.Cell Phones and and visible signs of this phenomenon, cell phone use while Cell Phones and Driving
GHSA Issues: Cell Phones and Distracted Driving
Drivers should not use cell phones or other .Cell phone use is one of many distractions that may prevent drivers from focusing on the complex task of driving
New Cellular Phone Laws Effective July 1, 2008
Vehicles enhances traffic safety through the testing and monitoring of drivers; protects identity by ensuring text messages while driving is unsafe at