[babydawn]

What do you think? Should cell phones be banned for those who are driving. And what is the difference between talking on a cell phone and talking to someone else in the car, or listening to the radio, or any of the other multi-tasking that goes on with many in their cars? Aren't those just as likely to distract? How far should the laws go?

[mama2riley]

The law in NY is it is illegal to use a handheld cell phone device. I still see people doing it all the time though, but my MIL did get pulled over for doing it when they were in town visiting. She got out of a ticket because she is from out of state, but I know that cops do watch for it. Many times I will see someone do something stupid on the road only to see that they are on a cell phone. I do think it's a fair law. It is legal to use a Bluetooth or headset so it's not like you can't talk at all. But my dh complains that if they are going to outlaw that then they need to outlaw drinking or eating in the car too because it is kinda the same thing. I guess as a parent driving around two small children I appreciate laws like that that are supposed to keep the roads safer, but not everyone follows the law (including myself at times), so I don't know if it does much good. There are other things that can distract from driving, I agree, but I don't think the law will really change anything - people just need to be more responsible when driving, whether its with a phone, the radio, food/drinks in the car, or conversing with a passenger.

[jadis]

The main thing with the cell phone is that it takes away the use of one hand, which not only affects how you drive but your reaction time. It's true, we can't legislate what distracts people- but the one-handed juggle I see people doing (I have actually seen people TEXT MESSAGE while driving) in my opinion is dangerous. It can only do so much- but I think it's necessary- when travelling I LOVE to see people getting pulled over for this. No law in Ontario yet, but they're talking about it.

For god's sake, if you REALLY need your cell phone while driving, shell out the 60$ and get bluetooth. I bought my fiance a GPS system for his bday, and his bluetooth is built into it. All he has to do is say answer call and it's all there, which at least leaves both hands open to drive.

[twinzplus3]

AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH DON'T GET ME STARTED!!!!!!!! I HATE it, HATE IT, HATE IT when drivers use their handheld phones and drive. The last several times that I've nearly been in an accident (and in fact the last two accidents we've had) have been with people who were talking on a cell phone and weren't paying attention to. . .um. . .the traffic lights! (you can hear me screaming from here in the background can't you!). As far as I'm concerned, if you cause an accident while you're on your phone--you should have your license suspended for a period of time.

[siageah]

I can tell the people who are talking on the phone whether I can see a phone or not. Infact there was research done, I believe, that showed that there wasn't any advantage to using a hands free phone over a regular phone when it came to driving ability.

Here is a study that mentions this:

http://www.forbes.com/forbeslife/hea...out533489.html

[mama2riley]

I was wondering that - if it really made a difference whether talking on a handheld or a headset. It seems like the hands-free driving is an issue with the law being in place in certain areas, but you're right, talking on the phone in general is a distraction and people do drive "worse" either way. Thanks for shaing that study siageah I am going to take a look.

[twinzplus3]

I have a theory though. Although I'm going to go read the study too. (I think I've seen it already and there was another one too that suggested that cell phones are no worse than people who drive when they're really tired, or while they're putting on make up, or while they're eating.

Anyways, back to my theory. . .I do kind of wonder if people who conscientiously drive with a headset vs a handheld are not in general, better drivers. Here is my line of thinking: If a person is conscientious enough to obey the law in this regard (if it is a law) they are likely also conscientious drivers. However, someone who thinks, "It's not a big deal, it's one phone call. . ." is likely a more sloppy driver.

Obviously there's not any research that I'm aware of that supports this theory. . .it's just a thought.

[pattiewrites]

Originally Posted by twinzplus3

I have a theory though. Although I'm going to go read the study too. (I think I've seen it already and there was another one too that suggested that cell phones are no worse than people who drive when they're really tired, or while they're putting on make up, or while they're eating.

.

These are all dangerous too! I also heard that hands free devices aren't much better than handheld. I've been nearly hit more times than I care to remember and each time the person has been holding a cell phone. Seriously, how hard is it to pull over? Do we REALLY have to talk on the phone in the car? It seems silly to me. I should add that I don't own one and I don't want one. If I'm out driving or at the park with my kids, I don't need (or want) to be reached.

[twinzplus3]

I used to be the same way. But I needed one for my job and dh needs one for his job. His is paid for by his company and mine was paid for by mine but now I just have it. I feel differently about having one on me if I'm schlepping 5 kids around. But I am one of those rare breeds of people who turn it off. (GASP)

[MissyChrissy]

I don't think talking on a handheld should be allowed (and like mentioned above, here in NY it's not). Near Cornell in Ithaca, NY the local police nail people left and right for driving while on their phones...it gets known really quick to simply not do it in that area. I know one girl who got 2 tickets in a week 'cause she thought the first one was a fluke!

I know the other things are distracting too...but you know the guy or gal who's chatting it up on her cell phone is also switching stations & swigging their morning coffee-they're doing everything BUT pay attention to the road.

Experts say that any one variable is manageable by most drivers. For instance, I can safely change my station in my car and that's ok. Two is often manageable as well...I can switch my station and stop for a sudden stopped car in front of me...but add a third aspect to those situations-chatting on the phone, and THAT'S when the accident will occur. And it doesn't necessarily have to be 3 things going on in one car-it can be three separate cars, but it's the same principle. You take the cell phone out of the equation, and that's at least one less risk of an accident.