FL needs a cell phone law!!! (Palmetto: home, neighborhood, college)

alexei27 · 03-23-2010, 05:46 AM

Wow...

Let me start by saying I live on Long Island and drive into NYC regularly. I am here for a month (3 weeks already). I cannot believe in 3 short weeks how many accidents (and near misses) I have seen from people talking on cell phones.

Just this morning (on the Palmetto) this woman was gabbing on her phone...passed me...changed lanes with no blinker and side swiped another car.

2 days ago...another person on their phone was looking over her shoulder to the right...changed lanes to the left and went onto the shoulder and hit a piece of debris on the road.

I can sort of accept the speeding and non-use of blinkers, but I have never seen so many problems from talking on the phone while driving.

Does anyone know why there are no call phone laws here? Not enough dead people yet? Thats what it took in NY...

giz2000 · 03-23-2010, 06:32 AM

I feel the same way...

AJ4VS · 03-23-2010, 08:56 AM

i agree 100%!!! I drive 200 miles per day here in FL. The things I see is incredible!

tmozer · 03-23-2010, 09:13 AM

We have strick cell phone in car laws in NJ, including a texting band. From what I see, it has had no effect! I even see the cops talking on their cell phones while patrolling.

I think that all vehicles and cell phones should have a chip installed that only allows you to use the cell phone if the vehicle is in park. Calls could still come in, but if you wanted to answer you would have to pull over and put the car in park.

Anyway, if you pass by me while driving and talking (or texting) on your cell phone, read my lips: "Stick the cell phone up your a$$ and drive!".

AJ4VS · 03-23-2010, 09:19 AM

that reminds me of a bumper sticker I saw recently..it read "hang up and DRIVE!"

plain, simple, and to the point...i love it! :-)

doggiebus · 03-23-2010, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmozer

I think that all vehicles and cell phones should have a chip installed that only allows you to use the cell phone if the vehicle is in park. Calls could still come in, but if you wanted to answer you would have to pull over and put the car in park.".

I don't think that a chip like that is such a good idea. For example what if someone couldn't call for help while the car was moving, just because of this chip. What if they were in one of those run away Toyotas, and couldn't call for help. They can't obviously pull over to call for help.

tmozer · 03-23-2010, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doggiebus

I don't think that a chip like that is such a good idea. For example what if someone couldn't call for help while the car was moving, just because of this chip. What if they were in one of those run away Toyotas, and couldn't call for help. They can't obviously pull over to call for help.

And what did we all do before cell phones arrived and became cheap enough that everyone could own one?

I see 7 year olds riding their bikes around the neighborhood talking on their cell phones. When I worked at the college almost every student I saw walking around campus was talking or texting. I see the students in the back of the class texting. Cell phone are not a device. They have become a desease!

Oh, but that is a valid point. Add to the chip the ability to use 911 with the car still in drive......

doggiebus · 03-23-2010, 11:18 AM

Cell phones are here to stay, nothing we can do about that. If a parent wants their seven year old to have a cell phone that is their issue, not my business. We can only educate parents and users on better etiquette use of the cell phone. But to put a full no cell phone while driving law in place or chip, is a little harsh when there are times like I gave an example for that using a cell phone while driving is needed. I do agree with you driving and using the cell phone is not a smart idea.

vamos · 03-23-2010, 12:30 PM

LOL, we call the left-hand lane on freeways the "cell phone lane." Seems everybody who talks on the phone has to be in that lane and be a super slow driver... It's unbelievable.

brinked · 03-23-2010, 01:05 PM

I 100% agree! I am also from NYC (brooklyn) and I moved into my winter home in palm beach gardens in October last year. I cant believe how many people are on their cellphones! I have nearly been hit at least 5 times already and every time someone was on a cell phone. Every time I look at a driver, they are on their cellphone!

I have a cellphone but I use my handfree bluetooth when I deem it necessary to make/take a phone call while I am driving.

I have seen 4 major accidents on donald ross and military trail and I am willing to bet every time a cellphone was used. It is SICKENING. And I am 27 years old, not someone who is not up to date with technology.