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Drivers on phones ‘as bad as drunks’ — During any given day I see swerving drivers yakking on the mobil phone. How about a nice $500 fine? A bigger question is why do some people feel the need to be on the phone 24/7? What is wrong with them?
People who talk on mobile phones while driving are as impaired as drunk drivers, a new study indicates.
Furthermore the results related to hands-free phones as well as handheld phones.
The study was carried out by a team of researchers at the University of Utah. Its findings back up earlier research carried out by the same team, which found that hands-free mobile phones are just as distracting as handheld phones because it is the conversation itself, not just the physical holding of the phone, that distracts drivers.
I am sooooo sick of cell phones where ever I go someone is on one.
I also agree the worst drivers are on the cell phone.
Most laws we really don’t need.
Government makes laws because people are stupid.
Governements way of saying hey stupid wake up.
The main problem with fines against cell phone use in a vehicle revolve around enforcement. The officer has a difficult time proving that the person was actually *using* the cell phone or that the object they had in their hand was a cell phone. That is why there is no fine (unfortunately) for women doing their lipstick or hair in rush hour traffic or mom’s futzing with their kids. Sure the officer can write the ticket, but when it gets to court he/she has to prove you were using your cell phone. If we always believe the cop, we have the problem of cops being able to cite anyone for cell phone use regardless of guilt. If we always believe the driver, then the law is entirely unforceable and we are back to square one.
#22, easy fix. Most police have cameras in their cars now. All they need do is tape the offender applying make-up etc. Confiscation of the make-up for evidence would help too. As for cell phone use, either confiscate the phone for evidence OR get the phone number. If the offender claims that they were not on the phone then a check of phone records would contradict the testimony. Perjury is a felony while most traffic offenses are misdemeanors.
It is my understaning as related to me by my father back in the 70s that the original drinking and driving law, at least here in Illinois, was focused on any beverage in the drivers hands. And when the issue of drunken driving came to the fore, the first law they could apply was the broad any beverage law that was refined to be spacificly related to intoxication.
Seems like the framers of the original law were on to something if it is the case.
As far as smokers go, the insurace companies know the base facts, and they charge drivers more if they are smokers because if your hand is on a smoke it is not on the wheel.
I want to third comment 14 by Mark. Most drivers think that because they have a licence they have good skills at driving. All a licence says is you passed basic competancy. As well most folks feel they are entitled to the license, a car, and now a cell phone because they are all status symbols. If they only knew. The only status I am concerned with behind the wheel is getting to my destination in one piece and in the same vehicle I started out in; not an ambulane, squad car, or cab because someone had to take a call