Cell phones and driving

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Another accident happened while one of the drivers was talking on his cell phone. No doubt an uproar is imminent and laws will be introduced outlawing talking and driving at the same time. Although I agree that "cell phone drivers" are aggravating, it is probably no more unsafe than changing the radio station, CD, shaving, putting on makeup, reading, drinking coffee, sodas, etc.

Nobody hates cell phones more than I do, and yes, I have one, and yes, I've answered it while driving. But believe me, the conversation last less than one minute.

The last thing I want is another law.

[C O D Y]

If the government doesn't protect you from yourself, who will?

I agree with you. The phones are not the problem.

[RonC]

Heck,

Here I am typing this reply on a wireless internet connection, watching a portable DVD, and cruising in my Viper. But I REFUSE to talk on my cell phone while driving. It's dangerous!


Seriously, with a handsfree device, it is pretty much safe. I hate extra laws like the rest of us but I would not be opposed to reqiring handsfree devices for possibly new phones being sold. However if the cell phone companies would do this voluntarily.....

Ron

[Neil - UK]

We've had such laws for about 3 years, not illegal to go hands free but the police will fine/points on license for dangerous
driving if caught holding a phone to your ear. I heard a women was prosecuted for brushing her hair while driving

[Bill 96 GTS]

I'd like to order a couple but only if they come in Blue to match the car. Also, do you have anything to handle coffee cups and hamburgers?

When will people decide we have enough laws??

[PaulB]

I personally think they should do the same thing for booger picking! Why just the other day, I was riding down the road minding my own business when..... a guy in a '70's pickup was riding beside me with his left forefinger buried to the 1st knuckle in his nose.... Ugh, what a sight.... Anyway, the deeper he got that rascal buried (I swear it looked like he was trying to scratch the bottom of his eyeball), the more he drifted towards me. Eventually, he got so close that I finally layed on the horn at which time he jerked the wheel to the left almost running up on the curb. Damned wonder he didn't jab his finger into his skull..

Point is, since nose picking can be a distraction, we should probably outlaw that too. I'm thinking 5 to 10 in Sing Sing!

Other distractions that should become a criminal offense:

Electric Razors

Maps

Solicitation of Smokey Reports

Pagers

Consumption of ANY beverage (since one has to tilt his head back taking his eyes of the road even if only for a moment)

With tongue planted firmly in cheek, I say, BAN'em ALL!

[John Stuttle]

Hey! That was me with the finger in my nose. It was not buried that deep, it is amputated to the first knuckle, so I barely had it in there!

ps: my wife has said the same thing. LOL

[Neil - UK]

perhaps our ban has something to do with not having minature
Japanese technology - UK phones

[PaulB]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by John Stuttle:
Hey! That was me with the finger in my nose. It was not buried that deep, it is amputated to the first knuckle, so I barely had it in there!

ps: my wife has said the same thing. LOL

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

John, sorry to hear of your amputation. I guess that really puts a damper on effective booger extraction, it being a knub and all. LOL

Tell your wife that we make a game out of those types of sightings. When my boys were younger, we'd catch someone in that mode and all stick a finger up our nose and honk to get their attention. We saw another finger more than once!

P.S. Nice truck. Especially liked that 'Goat Ropers Need Love Too' sticker!

[PaulB]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Neil - UK:


perhaps our ban has something to do with not having minature
Japanese technology -
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Neil, I can see that particular phone being a distraction!

[Bill 96 GTS]

If they do pass a law saying you can't talk on a cell phone while driving, how are they going to prove you were talking on it? Is electronic interception next? Is just holding it enough to be guilty? What if you are on hold.... is that distracting?
Let's all drive them crazy by driving around just holding it or something small like a phone up to your ear. Should be fun.


Cite people for the effect of their actions not the presumed cause.

[Joseph Houss]

Here's the actual ordinance for Marlboro NJ, the first township in NJ to institute a "Cell phone ban" while driving:

"No person shall operate a motor vehicle on any street or highway while engaging in any conduct defined as the 'use' of a mobile telephone, unless the operator maintains both hands on the applicable steering device."

...so "use" could mean, picking up, touching, listening to static, spinning it, etc. No proof is necessary that you were actually talking to anyone.

I betcha you'll soon see phones that are disguised as electric shavers, or maybe even fuzzy dice!