Ban cell phone use when driving? (Austin: safety, eat, vehicles)

[benthere542]

The NTSB says we should, and I agree. It's getting worse out there too - every time you get on the road these days half the drivers are on their cells and driving like drunks!

[AustinSpartan]

Going to have to agree with this. Not only from a safety standpoint, but also from a traffic efficiency standpoint.

This is another stab at Perry's stupidity, where he indicated this would be micromanaging adults. Apparently the NTSB is just a group of overreaching control freaks.

[Misty Rose]

It's illegal in WA to use a hand held device while driving. You can use a hands free, but it's a primary offense if you're caught talking or texting while driving.

[AustinSpartan]

My favorite are the Darwin award winners that place the phone above the steering wheel so they can read while they drive.

What I don't understand is why these people cannot wait for a red light. There's plenty of 2 minute long stop lights in this city.

[JayBrown80]

I thought it was already illegal to text or talk while driving? Was I wrong?

[MtnLion512]

Originally Posted by JayBrown80

I thought it was already illegal to text or talk while driving? Was I wrong?

Yes, it is not illegal in every state. According to this there are 9 states where cell phone use while driving is a primary offense. Texting banned in 35 states. Looks like TX has some of the more lenient laws:

State Cell Phone Use and Texting While Driving Laws

[hoffdano]

Originally Posted by wag more bark less

Yes, it is not illegal in every state. According to this there are 9 states where cell phone use while driving is a primary offense. Texting banned in 35 states. Looks like TX has some of the more lenient laws:

State Cell Phone Use and Texting While Driving Laws

Mobile phone calls are NOT illegal while driving in most states. If you look at that chart most of the states have no restrictions at all, and most that have restrictions relate to teen drivers or drivers of state owned vehicles.

Texting has more bans and Texas is included.

I favor a texting ban, as we have already. I also support mandatory hands free use. I would like to see that put in place and enforced before the next leap is taken to a total ban.

[AustinSpartan]

Originally Posted by hoffdano

Mobile phone calls are NOT illegal while driving in most states. If you look at that chart most of the states have no restrictions at all, and most that have restrictions relate to teen drivers or drivers of state owned vehicles.

Texting has more bans and Texas is included.

I favor a texting ban, as we have already. I also support mandatory hands free use. I would like to see that put in place and enforced before the next leap is taken to a total ban.

Agreed. A total ban does not make sense as using hands free is no different than talking to other passengers.

[Austin97]

Originally Posted by AustinSpartan

Agreed. A total ban does not make sense as using hands free is no different than talking to other passengers.

The data is inconclusive. But some studies suggest that cell phones are worse than passengers.

Mobile phones and driving safety - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[motherofthree]

It's not just the cell phones either. I did a little test the other day. I was at a red light to make a left turn. When the light turned green, I watched what all the drivers were doing as they passed me while I waited to turn.

Out of 7 cars:
3 were on the phone
1 was eating a sandwich
1 was putting on eye makeup
1 was turned around toward the kids in the back seat
1 was driving with 2 hands on the wheel looking forward