Should this really happen?....
By iriscot
@iriscot (1289)
United States
December 4, 2008 9:30am CST
A new law may be taking effect in Missouri... It looks like talking on a cell phone while driving a car or truck is going to be against the law. In traveling in the St. Louis area I notice that there are several drivers, young and older who not only talk on the cell phone while driving, they continue with long drawn out conversations.
Personally, I don't have a cell phone, my sons and their wives use them all of the time, even when driving.
What is your opinion, should they be banned while driving?
2 people like this
5 responses
@munhozmib (3837)
• Sao Paulo, Brazil
6 Dec 08
Hello, iriscot.
Here in Brazil this law is old. People are not allowed to talk on the phone while driving. They must not be seen talking on the phone, at least, because I can still see a lot of people chatting while driving. It usually draws the attention of the driver away. A driver must supposedly be paying attention to the traffic, in order to make a quick move if something happens. But, if they are on the phone, they won't be able to.
Respectfully,
Munhozmib.
1 person likes this
@munhozmib (3837)
• Sao Paulo, Brazil
7 Dec 08
Unfortunately, I have no statistics to share. :(
Hey, shouldn't the law that was created be the one that prohibited cellphone use instead of reducing the speed of the chasing? I mean, the cause was clearly the cellphone! This cellphone law has helped a lot in reducing traffic accidents. They still happen, though.
1 person likes this
@iriscot (1289)
• United States
6 Dec 08
Munhoxmib it looks like you have some sort of record on how it is working and I would be interested in some statistics. There was a state police officer chasing a vehicle that had been stolen in western Illinois, the officer was traveling 120 miles an hour, the car jumped a center rail and crashed head on into a car carrying two young college girls, killing both of them. At the time the officer was on his cell phone and not paying close enough attention to his driving. Now they have a restriction on how fast a police car can travel during a chase. And other restrictions are put on the officers.
Thanks for the information.
1 person likes this
@newyorksalright (89)
• United States
4 Dec 08
Its been a law in AZ for a while. Now they have to single out text messaging while driving because stupid teens are causing tons of wrecks typing and driving, morons. I think its one of the few driving laws that makes sense. You ever been behind someone on the phone? Its scary, they go 40 mph in a 75 and swerve and its dangerous. The seatbelt thing i have issue w/ because it doesnt cause harm to others and in alot of wrecks it can actually kill you, but cell phones most definately should be hands free only. Especially with the IQ decline here in the US, more and more people cant walk and talk at the same time, much less dial and drive.
1 person likes this
@iriscot (1289)
• United States
4 Dec 08
I agree about the texting, I think they must do it so nobody else knows what they are sending. It seems stupid though and much easier to say vocally what you want.
I don't know about the your comment about seat belts though, I saw a demonstration given by a state patrolman where he let a person drive without hooking up and then made the person make a sharp turn (on an empty parking lot) and the person slid to the middle and almost lost control of the car.
I have a friend who was riding in the middle of the back seat of a van without a shoulder harness seat belt, only the seat belt around her waist. The driver tee-boned a truck that run a red light and she slid clear down to the floor. It completely tore up her intestines and stomach area and she has been in terrible shape since then. So, I don't know about just using a seat belt without the shoulder harness attached to it.
@nixxi76 (3191)
• Canada
4 Dec 08
I live in Canada, and this law just started and I found that out yesterday by a friend who I was talking on the phone with while driving. Instead of her telling me about the law at the beginning of the phone call, she told me at the end.. go figure! lol
Have a nice day
1 person likes this
@iriscot (1289)
• United States
6 Dec 08
That sounds like a couple of young people that I know. It may take a while but I believe the law will be voted on and adopted in all of the U.S. and it should be. Every morning while listening to the traffic reports on the radio, there seem to be a lot more accidents than there was a few years ago. I don't know how successful the states will be at enforcing the laws, it will take time and persaverence.
1 person likes this
@sudalunts (5523)
• United States
4 Dec 08
I live in New Jersey, and this law has been effective for some time. You are required to have a hands free device if you are talking on the phone while driving. Not too many people obey this law though, because I still see people gabbing away with their phones in their hands.
I for one have a cell phone, but I do not talk while driving, I carry my phone for emergencies only. If I want to hold a conversation with someone, I wait until I get home.
1 person likes this
@iriscot (1289)
• United States
4 Dec 08
One thing that I don't understand is "texting", why is it easier to "text" than it is to speak? Do the kids do that so nobody knows what is being said? I personally think it is dumb.
I'm sure they will have a hard time controlling it in Missouri also, but it may cut it down some.
Thanks for your comment!
@chameleonsdream (1230)
• United States
4 Dec 08
I think that anything that distracts your attention from your driving and your surroundings is dangerous and should be banned. I'm not even sure how I feel about using a hands-free device while driving - you're still distracted by the conversation, but at least you're not fiddling with the phone and have both hands free to take the wheel and/or shift gears.
1 person likes this
