Most liked posts in thread: NTSB seeks ban on cell phone use while driving, even hands-free

Agree.

NTSB should recommend that States enact stronger laws against the use of phones and devices while driving but the States themselves should have the final say.

 

OK, so let's see if we can put it all in perspective:

Gas-clutch-6 speed-brake-steering, commuter traffic, In-N-Out Burger and Fries, playin' air guitar while listening to a fav classic rock station, surf'n the i-phone aps, Sweetheart in the passenger seat talkin' 'bout who knows what, stress'n over not spill'n a cold beer between the legs... and now I can't talk on the phone anymore!!!

Geeze man, that's where I got'ta draw the line with government intervention. :lol:

 

Government can make all the laws they want to, but they have to enforce them, unless they go through a process like Nathan stated. Enforcement of State and Federal law and by whom is a very tricky business.

The NTSB is in a position to observe happenings and trends all over the country and make recommendations, according to their findings, for the States to act upon if they chose. They should NOT be in the law making business.

Jim

 

Actually that is a very good idea Scott. Of course you are talking about a country, where you can get three life sentences and still be eligible for parole at some point, so what would the consequences be?

Jim

 

Like gun laws, there are already laws on the books in a lot of cases. They are already NOT enforcing those. So let's add another non-enforceable law... If they would just stiffen the penalties for this and take away driver's licenses for a substantial amount of time, it would go a long way. Riding the bus sucks.

 

What if you are the passenger in the car and using your phone, software could not distinguish if you were driver or passenger..

 

Not usually for any new laws and not sure if this is a Federal problem, but there is not a day that goes by that we aren't forced into a game of dodge the cell phone user... Most folks can't drive a lick without talking on the phone, much less when the phone is in use.

Ban it.

PS: If I use my phone whilst driving, it is only long enough to tell the caller I will return their call later.

 

I agree Scott....but what is the definition of distration while driving? Is it trying to eat a Big Mac that you just bought at McDonald's? If so, then do we allow the feds to ban all drive-thru fast food? How about a couple of screaming kids in car seats in the back seat of a moving vehicle? Do we allow the feds to ban hauling kids in the car without another adult sitting next to them as an attendant? I agree that it is an issue....but where do we draw the line? Having my teenage daughter riding next to me in the car while delivering typical teenage drama on her cell phone is distracting also....can we get that banned too :biggrin5:

 

The distinction might be defined as an action not a distraction.

Kids in the back seat are a distraction, talking, texting or surfing the web on a device is an action that an individual undertakes.....an action that requires the individuals attention to complete.

How about that?

 

Yes it is a problem, but so are many other things already mentioned. My point is simply "how do you enforce it"? I just can't see you getting pulled over by an FBI Special Agent and asked to show them your driver's license and registration.

As Norm said. This is a state issue not a federal one.

Jim

 

All very good points, but my point (LOL) is that if it causes an accident then it is a crime. No reason to ban the "distraction", only apply some consequenses to that action.

 

I don't text/email/facebook while driving. I take and make calls but that is with the bluetooth in my MINI. If I'm driving another car then I won't answer. That's why I have voice mail.

Here in the People's Republik of Kalifornia it's illegal to text or talk on a non-handsfree phone and those laws aren't enforced. In fact, as noted in another state, the police do it so what right do they have to enforce it?

Part of the problem is that the fines are minimal. Someone told me it's a $75 fine. Forget that. As mentioned before make it a license suspendable offense. THAT will get people's attention. As far as enforceable: Yeah, officer sees a driver texting and/or holding a cellphone then ya pull'em over and take care of business. Just like with seatbelts.

 

Hey! It's hard for cops to notice that kind of thing when they are doing it too!!

 

One word....

HALLELUJAH!!! :biggrin5:

It will never happen. :frown2:

 

Yeah, I saw that today... I could understand doing hands free only..
Either way needs to be done...

 

I'm not saying it is not a good idea, but enforcement would be close to impossible. The officer could see the phone held to your ear, but not the hands free. Maybe the person was singing not talking. If the are allowed to have your service check to see if you are on the phone, while they watch, I believe that is just a bit too "big brother" to my liking. Hand held phones have been outlawed in MD for a couple of months now. Not only do I still see drivers using them, but I followed a MD State Trooper yesterday who talking away with his phone to his ear. New laws are great, if they are reasonably enforceable.

Jim

 

If the federal government gets involved it would be pretty easy to enforce. They would do it through your carrier. Via signal triangulation it would be easy to tell if the cellphone was in operation while moving. A simple software change to shut down the phone operation whenever the phone was in motion. Stop moving and the phone works.....

Easy squeezy.......