Cell Phones and Driving

[DiznieB]

What are your thoughts?

GET OFF THE PHONE?

ONLY SOME PEOPLE CAN HANDLE IT?

DOESN'T BOTHER ME?

[RogueAngel]

LoL Mine would be get off the phone. Think it's very dangerous. Similar to driving while reading, looking at a map, and the one thing I NEVER got, putting on makeup.

[La Artista]

I would say put the phone down.

I have been guilty of it though. However, I keep it very short because I'm not good at talking on the phone and driving. I've only done it a couple times.

One thing that bothers me is that I CANNOT turn with one hand. So if I'm on the phone, I either have to try to turn with one hand and risk crashing into something or put both hands on the wheel and the phone between my ear and shoulder. But then I wouldn't be able to talk and it'd probably fall on the floor and then I'd have to fumble around on the floor for it and not pay attention to the road and I'd end up hitting something anyway lol. Can you tell I've thought this through several times? lol

[April]

I use my headset and even with that, I keep it short. But I see a LOT of people that have no business being on the phone while they're driving.

[Demona]

It's recently been made illegal in Britain.

http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_rdsafety/documents/page/dft_rdsafety_025216.hcsp

"In a new regulation that came into force on 1 December 2003, it is a specific offence to use a hand-held phone, or similar device, when driving. The penalty is a £30 fixed penalty or up to £1,000 on conviction in court (£2,500 for drivers of goods vehicles, buses or coaches). Drivers still risk prosecution (for failure to have proper control) if they use hands-free phones when driving."

[kingclick]

Keep it short. No actual conversations on the phone. If you MUST talk. Pull over.

[April]

Keep it short. No actual conversations on the phone. If you MUST talk. Pull over.

My mom does that. If I call her and she's driving, she'll answer it and say "Let me pull over and call you right back."
Of course, she also makes sure I have a bag in my trunk containing jumper cables, a gas can, snow boots, a blanket, a coffee can with matches in it....lol

[sarah]

its been illegal here in australia for some time now and a law i would never ever break.
you still see the odd person on their phone. which really makes me mad.

[kingclick]

One thing I forgot to say....

We have had laws against driving while distracted ever since cars were in existence. I don't think we need another law specifically for Cell Phones.

[Demona]

One thing I forgot to say....

We have had laws against driving while distracted ever since cars were in existence. I don't think we need another law specifically for Cell Phones.

Perhaps not, but unless you have a very public campaign making clear that cell phones come under this law you'll still have problems with dangerous behaviour while driving.

Also, I don't know to what extent 'while distracted' is open to interpretation. A specific law banning use of hand held phones while driving is not.

[kingclick]

Demona,
Does that mean we should enact a law restricting make-up application while driving? Or eating burgers?

[mom2burgess]

I say GET OFF THE DAMN PHONE! of course I also say put your makeup on before you leave or after you get to where you are going, and eat at the resturautn or wait until you get home.

[Jai Witch]

To answer this question, I will quote the bumper sticker on my car...."HANG UP AND DRIVE!"

[Riesy]

Oh no.... I am my own corner on this one I see. I think that it is different to each person and situation.

Driving in the snow or in bad weather: GET OFF THE PHONE!

Driving to work and trying to fighure things out for the day: GET YOUR CONVERSATION STARTED, FINISHED AND THEN HANG UP.

But here is me: On the phone almost the whole time I am driving, one hour each way and usually walk into work on the phone. I have a headset and use it all the time. i think that as an adult, I know my limits and use them. If the weather is bad, the phone gets shut off or the calls go straight to voice mail.

[Mabel]

Oh no.... I am my own corner on this one I see. I think that it is different to each person and situation.

Driving in the snow or in bad weather: GET OFF THE PHONE!

Driving to work and trying to fighure things out for the day: GET YOUR CONVERSATION STARTED, FINISHED AND THEN HANG UP.

But here is me: On the phone almost the whole time I am driving, one hour each way and usually walk into work on the phone. I have a headset and use it all the time. i think that as an adult, I know my limits and use them. If the weather is bad, the phone gets shut off or the calls go straight to voice mail.
Agreed.

[MooMur]

I have to say get off the phone while driving. I have almost been hit numerous times walking across the street because someone was too busy yapping on the cellphone to make sure they should turn right on the red light.

Honestly, I can't believe the number of people I see talking on their cell phones, while they are driving. It really amazes me if you want the truth. I see much more of these people, than people who are eating or putting on makeup. Have to say, I have never seen someone put on makeup while driving.

[April]

An acquaintance of mine just got a ticket about a month ago. She was going 80 in a 60 AND putting on make up. Scares me to think she and I use the same roads.