Cell Phone Ban While Driving in ABQ...Your Opinion? (Santa Fe: crime, law)

[ABQLifer]

Personally, I'm against a proposed ban on this issue because there are other risky behaviors such as eating, drinking coffee, changing music on the radio, putting makeup on, etc. that contribute collectively to automobile accidents just as much as the distraction of the cell phone itself. I don't believe that passing one law is enough to effectively lower the number of accidents. Nor do I believe in passing multiple laws to address every conceivable risky behavior either. I do advocate safe driving however. Where does everyone else stand on this issue?

[ArrowThruTheMoon]

I'm pretty sure if the cop sees you eating or putting make up on (if appropriate) would caution you or give you a ticket. It's dangerous driving.

The big thing about enforcing using your handheld phone while driving, is that giving big fines are not enough. There has to be social pressure saying "It's not cool". Just like as it is with drink-driving... In the UK (where I've been for the last while) you get 3 points on your license (12 disqualifies) and a £30 fine. Which wasn't a big enough deterrent, and now they are talking about £1000 fine, but people use they cell phones less because other drives look at you with scorn and in most cases flip you off. I know I do!

IMHO if you are important enough people can wait for you to call them back when you arrive... or pull the hell over while you have to talk. One life is already too many to lose because someone "had to" make that call.

[finmqa1]

I'm totally for it. I'm sure Bluetooth will love all the new business!

[ABQLifer]

Originally Posted by ArrowThruTheMoon

I'm pretty sure if the cop sees you eating or putting make up on (if appropriate) would caution you or give you a ticket. It's dangerous driving.

The big thing about enforcing using your handheld phone while driving, is that giving big fines are not enough. There has to be social pressure saying "It's not cool". Just like as it is with drink-driving... In the UK (where I've been for the last while) you get 3 points on your license (12 disqualifies) and a £30 fine. Which wasn't a big enough deterrent, and now they are talking about £1000 fine, but people use they cell phones less because other drives look at you with scorn and in most cases flip you off. I know I do!

IMHO if you are important enough people can wait for you to call them back when you arrive... or pull the hell over while you have to talk. One life is already too many to lose because someone "had to" make that call.

"Dangerous driving" is definitely the point of the whole matter and I'm all for the social pressure approach. Besides, we already have existing laws for reckless driving that hold people accountable after a crime or infraction has been committed. I don't get too enthused about a law that promises to fine people (or worse) before they have actually exhibited dangerous behavior.

[greatdanes]

It's against the law to yak on a cell phone while driving in Santa Fe, but that hasn't stopped a lot of people I see every day in their cars. It's a real problem here. Passing the law has probably decreased the use of cell phones a little, and it's increased the city treasury quite a lot (all those tickets), but I don't know if drivers are any better. Still, in this area, the law is probably a good idea, and it would be in Albq. too.

[Gallit]

I'm all for a ban. It's to the point now where people aren't just talking on their cell phones while driving - they're text messaging, too!

[abqtj]

Originally Posted by greatdanes

It's against the law to yak on a cell phone while driving in Santa Fe, but that hasn't stopped a lot of people I see every day in their cars. It's a real problem here. Passing the law has probably decreased the use of cell phones a little, and it's increased the city treasury quite a lot (all those tickets), but I don't know if drivers are any better. Still, in this area, the law is probably a good idea, and it would be in Albq. too.

Are they enforcing it in Santa Fe? Last time up there I saw MANY people on their phones around the plaza area, some driving by cops, and no one seemed to care.

[ABQLifer]

Well, it's official--The Cell Phone Ban is here. What next? Perhaps a camera that takes pictures of drivers on their cell phones...

[EnjoyEP]

Originally Posted by ABQLifer

Well, it's official--The Cell Phone Ban is here. What next? Perhaps a camera that takes pictures of drivers on their cell phones...

What about only robots (not humans) are allowed to drive? How about reducing the speed limit to 10 miles per hour anywhere in ABQ city limits? How about no driving after sundown? I bet these would cut down on humans involved in accidents.

Yeesh...one of the City Councilors who sponsored this bill even admitted the he frequently spoke on his cell when driving, but that it was dangerous. So I say to him - why do we always need government to legislate somewhat practical, reasonable good behavior? If you think talking on your cell phone is dangerous...just put it away!!

[LLD]

I'm fine with the ban. Guess I need to get that hands free package now.