First of all…I’d like to know how they sort that data. For example, not every accident a cell phone user gets into is caused by the talking on the cell phone. They just happen to be using the phone when the accident occurred. I can think of a few types of accidents where it wouldn’t have mattered one bit. But, because the person was on the cell phone it gets listed as a cell use caused accident. Say, a deer runs in front of the car…fat chance you’ll avoid that accident cell phone or no cell phone.
Second, the artcile has this quote:
“There are over 100 million people engaged in this behavior,” Ulczycki said.
This is probably the majority of all drivers considering this is about 1/3 of ALL americans (child, adult, and elderly). If such a large percentage of drivers use cell phones, is 6% truly a significant number total accidents? Yes..Yes..Yes.. you can argue that any number of accidents is to many for a preventable cause. But, what next? Test ALL drivers at every license renewal and take away the persons license at any age for any failed part of the test? Nearly ALL of you would lose your license. But, it could save my life.
Well, just throwing that out for conversations sake. Yes, I occassionally talk on the cell while driving and always use a bluetooth headset. I do try to avoid it most times though. I will also add that I see more people driving recklessly without using cell phones and I do spend a lot of time on the road.
Is banning the use of a productivity device really the best way to solve a problem?
Thousands of auto-accidents occur daily with a number of contributing factors to each loss. Instead of banning a device that fuels a portion of our economy, how about looking for solution to the problem?
Possible solution:
How about making DMV exams more difficult to pass? i.e. test for the proficiency of multi-tasking – some people CAN successfully do two things at once! Do we really need to punish those who are capable of doing this safely?
While were on the topic of poor driving, how about we also test people on their reaction time as well? I have seen many drivers that either A. for some reason can’t even get their car above 50 mph on the freeway (Speed limit 65, and driving in the left lane?!) or B. can react and control their vehicle to a proficiency that allows them to avoid loss.
Cell phones in the hands of drivers don’t kill people, ignorance does. Paying attention to what is going on around you and avoiding tailgating can save many more lives than any ban.
Instead of telling everyone what they can and can’t do, why don’t we look for solutions to problems? Avoiding the problem simply won’t make it go away…
Are you serious? Read the article. They are not limiting a freedom to protect you from yourself, they are limiting your freedom to protect ME from YOU. Wake up, I don’t want to drive with self centered, arrogant idiots thinking they are so important they can endanger myself, my family or my friends. Again, think man, think. Or better yet, leave the country if you don’t like it.
You are right! What were we thinking abolishing slavery?!?!?!? Back to prohibition!!! And women voting??? What has this country come to?!?!?!?!?!
Drastic times call for drastic measures, not that banning cell phones while driving is that drastic.
And if the only time you can catch up with family, friends and your life is while driving in a car, talking on a cell phone, perhaps you shouldn’t have made work a higher priority than family & friends.
We all somehow survived before cell phones. I’m sure we can pull through this.
I agree. You don’t have the right to endanger others through your inattention to the primary duty, driving. Driving is not your right. By the way, I didn’t say the law would work, just that I think cell phone usage when driving is self-centered and foolish. I’m more importtant than the well being and property of those sharing the road with me. Typical of our me culture.
I agree with banning hand-held cell phone usage, but how is the cop going to give me a ticket when i use a bluetooth? all i have to do is end the call when i see bluelights. I am a woman driver with 2 kids to keep up with. If i have to pull over every time my phone rings,i will never get anywhere.
Are you telling me that keeping up with YOUR two kids is more important than possibly endangering the lives of others? So typical for the average American today, it’s all about me. Like I said, self centered.
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First of all…I’d like to know how they sort that data. For example, not every accident a cell phone user gets into is caused by the talking on the cell phone. They just happen to be using the phone when the accident occurred. I can think of a few types of accidents where it wouldn’t have mattered one bit. But, because the person was on the cell phone it gets listed as a cell use caused accident. Say, a deer runs in front of the car…fat chance you’ll avoid that accident cell phone or no cell phone.
Second, the artcile has this quote:
“There are over 100 million people engaged in this behavior,” Ulczycki said.
This is probably the majority of all drivers considering this is about 1/3 of ALL americans (child, adult, and elderly). If such a large percentage of drivers use cell phones, is 6% truly a significant number total accidents? Yes..Yes..Yes.. you can argue that any number of accidents is to many for a preventable cause. But, what next? Test ALL drivers at every license renewal and take away the persons license at any age for any failed part of the test? Nearly ALL of you would lose your license. But, it could save my life.
Well, just throwing that out for conversations sake. Yes, I occassionally talk on the cell while driving and always use a bluetooth headset. I do try to avoid it most times though. I will also add that I see more people driving recklessly without using cell phones and I do spend a lot of time on the road.
Maybe we should all just live in a padded cell from birth to death! Then we won’t hurt ourselves or anyone else!!
Is banning the use of a productivity device really the best way to solve a problem?
Thousands of auto-accidents occur daily with a number of contributing factors to each loss. Instead of banning a device that fuels a portion of our economy, how about looking for solution to the problem?
Possible solution:
How about making DMV exams more difficult to pass? i.e. test for the proficiency of multi-tasking – some people CAN successfully do two things at once! Do we really need to punish those who are capable of doing this safely?
While were on the topic of poor driving, how about we also test people on their reaction time as well? I have seen many drivers that either A. for some reason can’t even get their car above 50 mph on the freeway (Speed limit 65, and driving in the left lane?!) or B. can react and control their vehicle to a proficiency that allows them to avoid loss.
Cell phones in the hands of drivers don’t kill people, ignorance does. Paying attention to what is going on around you and avoiding tailgating can save many more lives than any ban.
Instead of telling everyone what they can and can’t do, why don’t we look for solutions to problems? Avoiding the problem simply won’t make it go away…
Are you serious? Read the article. They are not limiting a freedom to protect you from yourself, they are limiting your freedom to protect ME from YOU. Wake up, I don’t want to drive with self centered, arrogant idiots thinking they are so important they can endanger myself, my family or my friends. Again, think man, think. Or better yet, leave the country if you don’t like it.
You are right! What were we thinking abolishing slavery?!?!?!? Back to prohibition!!! And women voting??? What has this country come to?!?!?!?!?!
Drastic times call for drastic measures, not that banning cell phones while driving is that drastic.
And if the only time you can catch up with family, friends and your life is while driving in a car, talking on a cell phone, perhaps you shouldn’t have made work a higher priority than family & friends.
We all somehow survived before cell phones. I’m sure we can pull through this.
I agree. You don’t have the right to endanger others through your inattention to the primary duty, driving. Driving is not your right. By the way, I didn’t say the law would work, just that I think cell phone usage when driving is self-centered and foolish. I’m more importtant than the well being and property of those sharing the road with me. Typical of our me culture.
I agree with banning hand-held cell phone usage, but how is the cop going to give me a ticket when i use a bluetooth? all i have to do is end the call when i see bluelights. I am a woman driver with 2 kids to keep up with. If i have to pull over every time my phone rings,i will never get anywhere.
cheli,
Are you telling me that keeping up with YOUR two kids is more important than possibly endangering the lives of others? So typical for the average American today, it’s all about me. Like I said, self centered.
How do you think the telcom companies will lobby here??
How do you think the telcom companies will lobby here??