I will be the first person to praise the convenience of a cell phone. I like being able to carry it with me wherever I go, having it available in emergency situations, and still have the control to turn it off when I don’t want to be available. (I may be the last person in America who can do this, though.) The one place I don’t like using it, however, is while I’m driving. It makes me nervous to see how many people on the road, especially highways, are talking away as they dodge in and out of traffic. In most states it is illegal to drive with headphones on, so why should it be all right to talk on a phone?
Many other countries have made it illegal to talk on a hand-held cell phone while driving, including Australia, the United Kingdom, and China. I think the United States needs to follow suit. There are enough distractions on the road without adding a phone conversation. Pass the phone to a passenger or have the patience to wait for your next stop. If not, you or someone else may be using that phone to call 911.
You are so right about this Jeanette, but I must admit I’m one of those people who use the cell phone and talk and drive all at the same time. It’s dangerous I know. But there are times when it can’t be helped. Because of my job, I’m on the road a lot. I have clients that I may need to talk to during those rides. Unfortunately, it’s the nature of my business. Nonethesless, because I know it’s dangerous I should at least make an effort to change my behavior. So I will be purchasing a hands-free ” head-thingy”. After all, if I’m not a part of the solution, then I’m a part of the problem.
Comment by rmcartwright — March 19, 2008 @ 9:22 pm
I feel a little unsure about the cellphones and driving issue. I know common sense tells me that it may be easier to get distracted and have an accident if people are using their cell phones while they’re driving, but do you know if there is any actual evidence that this is true? I’m not really sure where to look, but I’d be curious to know if more accidents are caused by people when they’re on the phone than when they’re not.
Comment by James — March 19, 2008 @ 11:34 pm