Cell Phones Banned Behind the Wheel?

Save

NSC says talking on phone while driving like drinking and driving
Posted: 11:28 AM Jan 12, 2009
Last Updated: 2:59 PM Jan 12, 2009
Reporter: The Associated Press
Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com

76 comments

A | A | A

Drivers nationwide may soon have to put away their cell phones while behind the wheel. The National Safety Council is recommending a total ban on cell phone use while driving.

The group's president likens talking on cell phones to drunken driving. She says cell phone use increases the risk of a crash fourfold and that hands-free cell phones are just as risky as hand-held phones.

The council examined more than 50 scientific studies before reaching its decision. One is a study by the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis that estimates six percent of vehicle crashes causing about 2,600 deaths and 12,000 serious injuries a year are attributable to cell phone use.

Council officials said they will press Congress to address the issue when it takes up a highway construction bill this year, possibly by offering incentives to states that enact cell phone laws.

The Governors Highway Safety Association agreed that cell phone use while driving is dangerous, but said it would be difficult to enforce a ban. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which is funded by auto insurers, said banning all cell phone use "makes sense based on the research," but agreed that enforcement would be difficult.

No state currently bans all cell phone use while driving. California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Utah, Washington and the District of Columbia ban the use of hand-held cell phones behind the wheel.

More Stories
Court: Omaha Drug Bust Illegal

Girl Rescued From Pool Doing Better

Driver Gets Probation In Teen's Death

Motorcyclist Killed In Crash

Holiday Enforcement Nabs Drunk Drivers

Lake Assault Could Bring Charges

Omaha Senator Considers Run For Congress

Report: Plane Quit, Restarted, Quit & Crashed

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Sarah on Jan 15, 2009 at 08:15 AM
I am reading through all of these and I keep seeing that some people feel they are adept enough to talk/text and drive at the same time. I will tell you it is not the device and if it is handsfree or not, it is the conversation you are having that is distracting from your driving. Anything you do that takes you attention away from the road potentially opens you up for an accident. Your slowed reactions will be the biggest contributor to the accident. Even with a ban in place, people will still break the law, but it will allow the court system to pursue tougher penalties since their is a ban on it. Look at negligence cases involving alcohol, some states have Dram Shop which is specific to alcohol related incidents, where other states will still use negligence. It just changes the possible outcome in penalites since there is specific legislation on it.

Posted by: To: To To John 9:59pm on Jan 14, 2009 at 09:19 AM on Jan 14, 2009 at 11:49 AM
There may be some policing in my job history and it would be beyond easy to make 100 traffic stops a day simply by seeing somebody talking on their cell phone, but that would seem to be a waste of time and resources. I guess my point is just lost on some people. If I am following somebody that is clearly reaching down for something in their car and crosses into the other lane, or is driving 10 mph. I can pull them over for negligent driving. If I am behind someone eating their lunch and they blow right through a stop sign because they dropped their pickle in their lap I can pull them over for the stop sign violation. If I'm behind a person on the phone and they hit the curb and cut off another vehicle I can pull them over for careless or negligent driving. If I'm behind somebody on the cell phone and they are going the speed limit, maintaining their lane, and otherwise driving fine, do you really think there should be a law for me to pull them over just because they are on the phone?

Posted by: Peg on Jan 14, 2009 at 11:41 AM
Let's see...if I can't talk on my cell, then I can't listen to the radio, manage kids in the back set or talk with my passenger...because they ALL distract from the driving process. Incidents related to cell phone distractions...penalize. Don't be overly protective of me. I'm a big girl now. Don't need Big Brother being quite so protective of me.

Posted by: Barb on Jan 14, 2009 at 11:28 AM
As one poster said, what did these people do before we had cellphones? I am tired of seeing people talking on them, trying to drive with one hand and not pay attention to what is going on around them. I really cannot see what is wrong with having one that is hands free. People seem to not be able to go anywhere or function without their cells. I see it in places like dr's offices and fast food restaurants..people are trying to wait on the customer and they are too busy yakking on the phone. No manners or consideration for others.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 14, 2009 at 10:28 AM
I would be interested in seeing the number of accidents caused by the following in comparison to using a cell phone: (1)Music to loud in the car. (2) Women putting on make-up. (3) Guys driving like they are on a race track. (4) Drunk Drivers. I would like to see the percentage of people that just plain do stupid things while driving, because they have lost sight of how to use common sense. Ladies, if you need to put on your make-up, then either do it at home, or at the office. Guys, if you really have to drive like Mario Andretti, then take it to the track. Drunks - call a cab. As for people that use cell phones - pay attention to the road, and not your conversation.

Posted by: Homer on Jan 14, 2009 at 10:21 AM
You betya!

Posted by: told ya so on Jan 14, 2009 at 10:12 AM
Anon rules. This is exactly how people in the younger generation feel. Its ok for the older people to do all these things Anon mentions but if we wanna talk on the phone heaven forbid it wrong. I love this entry sooo much! Thanks!

Posted by: To To John 9:59pm on Jan 14, 2009 at 09:19 AM
It seems that you are one of those that think that for every law, more of your freedom is being taken away. The slippery slope if one more law is passed will take away all your rights. While trying to legislate safety by prohibiting cell phone use in cars, Nebraska is again trying to repeal the motercycle helmet law. Go figure. People find cell phones rining in a movie theather annoying, but people still do it everyday. Do we need to pass laws to make people be courtious to each other? By the way, what day do you put your trash out?

Posted by: M on Jan 14, 2009 at 08:59 AM
Socialism, here we come.

Posted by: Jarbeau on Jan 14, 2009 at 07:53 AM
It's about time!

Posted by: hahahah on Jan 14, 2009 at 07:22 AM
I love Anon's post. The funniest I have seen yet.

Posted by: Chris on Jan 14, 2009 at 12:05 AM
I'm anti texting... However, if the insurance companies want to push for hands free phones, then they can pay for one to be installed in my car, and push for all new cars to come with one, you know like mirrors or seatbelts.

Posted by: To John on Jan 13, 2009 at 09:59 PM
Where does it stop John! You can't eat your drive thru food in your car. You can't listen to your radio in your car. You can't talk to your passengers in your car. You can't be a good looking guy and go shirtless in your car because you might distract some soccer mom in an SUV. You can't wear a tank top or low cut top if you are an attractive woman because you might distract some truck driver you are passing. There are already laws on the books people can be charged with if ANYTHING THEY ARE DOING IN THE CAR, causes them to drive negligently or carelessly. We don't need a law saying you can't talk on the cell phone if while you are talking on the cell phone you are still driving perfectly. If you currently crash while reaching down for you box of fries you can be charged with negligent or careless driving, but we don't need a law to make it illegal to eat fries in your car. It has to stop somewhere.

Posted by: Paul on Jan 13, 2009 at 07:10 PM
I am ALL for a total ban. Just be sure the legislation states "all current and future generations of so called cellular phone devices" to cover name changes and methods of useage. I see this as the best way to get everyone to begin driving with SOME degree of consideration and courtisy towards other. We have lost this in our everyday lives. It would be easy to enforce with a little help, just look at the phones call history and the lenghr of the call compared to the time the driver was pulled over.

Posted by: John on Jan 13, 2009 at 06:56 PM
Some people feel that if the state tries to mandate safety that they are loosing their freedom. First mandated seat belt usage, now prohibiting cell phone usage while driving. For some people, not using their cell phone while driving just makes sense, while others are oblivious to their driving while on a phone. To some being told what day to put out the trash is still loosing too much freedom.

Posted by: Chester on Jan 13, 2009 at 05:20 PM
Good luck enforcing that one!!!

Posted by: Jirmy on Jan 13, 2009 at 05:18 PM
One of my homie got a really nice radio in his car, he can control the radio on the steering wheel, and often he call people through his radio, it's very safe down the road, I used to have that kind of stuff in my car is safe and looks cool inside of the car, now I want to get those things back in my car because I feel safe and I have a lot of cool and newer technology that is build in my car. People just jealous of those kind of stuff and says is not safe, once you got it you will feel a lot safer on the road.

Posted by: told ya so on Jan 13, 2009 at 05:04 PM
Even if they do pass a law do you really think it will stop us from using our phones. There are posted speed limits does not stop the speeders. Where there is a will there is a way. Omaha has so many crybaby old farmers that are set in there way that heaven forbid we get to have some rights. Deal with it you crybabies they will never be able to enforce this law!

Posted by: Mike on Jan 13, 2009 at 04:52 PM
Anon @ 12:22 -- one of the funniest posts I have ever read! Well done! You made your point and made me laugh at the same time!

Posted by: Reality Czech on Jan 13, 2009 at 04:51 PM
Delemma: Should I use my cellular telephone to report a drunk driver and continue to update 911 with the location and direction of travel until they can be intercepted by a police officer and/or run the risk of being arrested too for using my cell phone while in a moving vehicle?

Posted by: Anon on Jan 13, 2009 at 04:12 PM
I agree that people shouldn't talk on cell phones unless they have speaker or hands free, but to totally ban cell phones is going to be hard to do and then next they will ban eating behind the wheel or drinking anything but alcohol behind the wheel.

Posted by: Jan on Jan 13, 2009 at 03:44 PM
It would be interesting to know how the ban on hand helds has changed the statistics in the states have it, or what the percentage is for hands free accidents nationwide.

Posted by: Steve on Jan 13, 2009 at 03:26 PM
Absolutely ban them. They have been a distraction and menace on the road. Every single day ( no exaggeration ), I have had to contend with someone not paying attention to their driving because of their cell phone.

Posted by: Greg on Jan 13, 2009 at 02:53 PM
I agree SOME people shouldn't use cell phones while driving just as much as SOME people shouldn't be driving. But they do and always will, with or without a law. I believe if an accident happens with them being on the phone, treat it as you would any other accident ... negligent driving plus higher insurance for 3 years... they'll learn to use the phone more responsibly. We don't need ANOTHER law Geesh!!

Posted by: Anon on Jan 13, 2009 at 12:22 PM
When I read this story on my laptop, while going down the interstate, I just had to put down my cigerette and post a comment. I never use my cell phone while driving. (Does any know a 7 letter word for happiness? I am trying to do the crossword between changing lanes) I only use my cell when I stop, like in the drive thru. (Will you look at that, they gave me pickles when I said hold the pickles. Hey, was that my exit?) Driving using the cell is just too dangerous! (Ouch, I cut that nail a little to short. Where did my blush go?) Cell phones are just to distracting.

Posted by: Patrick on Jan 13, 2009 at 12:13 PM
Sarah, we also survived for many years without cars, then many years without air conditioning in our cars. You think it should be easy for people to give up using cell phones in cars, because we did without them for so long. So you shouldn't mind giving up air conditioning, or even your whole car, since we did without them for so long. After all, if we banned driving cars, we'd cut down on 100% of automobile deaths. Do you still want to drive your car? Are you willing to take that chance?

Posted by: Butch on Jan 13, 2009 at 11:02 AM
It's about time. Perhaps some of these moronic talkers will take time to look up at the road.

Posted by: Lori on Jan 13, 2009 at 09:54 AM
I avoid using my cell phone while driving at all costs. Both my husband and I usually wait until we can pull out of traffic to use our phones. However, my husband's truck has hands-free phone service through OnStar. No device is needed, it comes through the radio. WE generally only use this while on vacation, to avoid roaming fees. I equate using the OnStar phone as identical to he and I talking in the vehicle. So I wouldn't favor a ban on hands-free devices.

Posted by: Rick on Jan 13, 2009 at 08:16 AM
Since when did we become a society where we "have to talk or text" on the phone continually and have it be acceptable? Most conversations are not important and just idle chatter....

Posted by: jj on Jan 13, 2009 at 07:44 AM
next no eating,or drinking,no radio,no CD playing no SMOKING while driving and no talking with the passengers in the car. think,we are headed for communismo while we fight to give others their rights the state is gradualy taking ours away. this is greattttttttt

Posted by: Lauri on Jan 13, 2009 at 07:21 AM
Good luck enforcing this law! There are people out there that don't buckle their children into safety seats! There are people that don't use their own seatbelts! Give me a break. If I drive a 7 passenger vehicle and I have a car full of 13 year olds, I can promise you that's more distracting than a conversation on my hands-free cell phone. Let's concentrate on making laws that we can actually enforce. This is ridiculous.

Posted by: Mike on Jan 13, 2009 at 04:13 AM
First things first, let's outlaw, arrest, and detain those who play that loud rap music over huge woofers in cars while driving. (Then I could hear my cell phone better.) Seriously, I've been behind, beside, and in front of people driving with cell phones at their ear, and there are good reasons for some people (not all) to refrain from cell phone usage while driving. I'm with California, Connecticut, and the others...ban hand held cellular phones while driving, but allow hands free systems or headsets. Let our qualified men/women in uniform determine the point where the driver becomes a traffic hazard, or becomes reckless in the eyes of the law. Or, let such offenders be reported to the law by a responsible motorist through his cell phone headset, as they would report a drunk or hazardous driver.

Posted by: Tim on Jan 13, 2009 at 02:29 AM
I'm all for it, How soon could they get this passed? As for the people that think it is trivial, have some idiot on their cell phone kill a family member of yours. I guess thats what they used to say about drunk drivers, until it happened to the right people that helped change the laws on that one.

Posted by: John on Jan 13, 2009 at 02:20 AM
About bloody time! I have nearly ended up under the vehicles of many people so distracted by their cellphones that they simply turn without looking for pedestrians or cyclists. Then they have the nerve to get mad at me when I have the right-of-way! At least MAT prohibits bus drivers from talking on cellphones while driving (not all follow this rule).

Posted by: Just Me on Jan 12, 2009 at 10:33 PM
I am one of those cell phone users and I agree with this it should be hands free. People do need 2 hands on the steering wheel now a days. When we were down in San Diego,Ca. I guess it is the law that you cannot talk on the phone and drive at the same time and I thought it was great.

Posted by: George on Jan 12, 2009 at 10:32 PM
It appears to me as though the safety council is trying to make the country a communist state. They have NO business telling the people what we can do.

Posted by: Bill on Jan 12, 2009 at 10:02 PM
I don't think that it is the talking on a cell phone that is the problem. It is the people texting while driving. I put talking on cell phones at about the same level of distraction as eating while driving. I am not sure how they come about those statistics either. How do they absolutley contribute an accident to talking on the phone. I still blame all of our problems on that lady that spilt the coffee in her lap, sued and won. Before that people were held responsible for there own actions. Now, they have to ban everything or have warnings or laws against everything so someone doesn't do something stupid and blame the manufacturer or government for there own actions.

Posted by: Sue on Jan 12, 2009 at 09:42 PM
As one who has lost a family member to a drunk driver who walked away from the accident, I must protest the stupidity of comparing cmmunication while driving under impairment - now for that matter perhaps we should look closer at impairments, if I am expected to juggle screaming kids, listen for sirens, stay tuned to the radio fo the latest traffic updates, ask my passenger to help me navigate with a map - oh wait, I can listen to my gps for that - or is that the same as a cellular device - and yet cannot call for directions while I eat my mcdonald's, put on my lipstick, and check my hair in the mirror while being impeded because i have only one arm and can see out of only one eye ..am I being ridiculous enough for everyone yet? Why cannot we focus on teaching responsible behavior, mandate driver training back in the schools again and let the chips fall where the insurance companies lie - make accidents that involve cell phones have double points or whatever - same as any negligence

Posted by: Mary O. on Jan 12, 2009 at 07:35 PM
You've got my vote.

Posted by: Jim on Jan 12, 2009 at 07:16 PM
This crosses the line into OVER REGULATION! Drinking ANYTHING while driving is a hazard, not to mention alcohol (DUI/DWI). Eating or smoking while driving is very dangerous. Bopping along with loud music is a hazardous distraction to drivers. Seat belts save lives (most of the times). Driving a rational speed for road conditions along with proper following distance will reduce accidents & save lives. Cell phones ARE a distraction for some, but I do NOT see the need to ban their use. This would be punishing the entire population of SAFE drivers & cell phone users for those otherwise irresponsible unsafe drivers that will continue to be unsafe as long as there is anything in the car in addition to them.

Posted by: Lost sheep on Jan 12, 2009 at 06:00 PM
I would prefer to see people spending their time and effort on banning the choice that results in 1.3 million babies lost each year. Banning cell phone usage while driving is pretty trivial in the grand scheme of things.

Posted by: ?????? on Jan 12, 2009 at 05:39 PM
I don't see where big brother needs to make a law for this. There is already negligent driving and careless driving on the books and it someone's cell phone is causing them to drive in this manner either causing an accident or as witnessed by a cop then they can be charged accordingly. There is no reason that just talking on a cell phone should be illegal if it's use is not causing the driver to drive poorly. What's next? YOu can't eat your Whopper while driving? If you crash or are weaving or spacing out at stop signs etc because your eating, they don't need a no eating law they just need to charge you with careless or negligent driving.

Posted by: Terry on Jan 12, 2009 at 05:22 PM
About time. A friend of mine got ticketed 3 times in Utah. The last time they gave him 30 days or $3000 fine. Would love to see that here.

Posted by: D on Jan 12, 2009 at 04:50 PM
OK...would someone please tell the moron that I saw last week driving down the road with his/her (I couldn't tell) bumper sticker reading "DRIVE NOW TALK LATER" that he/she really shouldn't drive with EAR MUFFS on? At least people driving while on the phone could hear an ambulance or police car. He or she sure wouldn't have been able to hear either. But I sure am glad Mommy National Safety Council is looking out for all of us.

Posted by: To Gunnar on Jan 12, 2009 at 04:19 PM
Yeah, and I'm sick of morons paying more attention to their cell phones running me off the road because they're too busy having that vital phone or text message conversation to PAY ATTENTION to what the **** they're doing. I think the ban is appropriate and after your 3rd infraction you should lose your license. People, you really DON'T need to be on the phone while you drive. Pull over and talk if its THAT important.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 12, 2009 at 03:58 PM
Sure, as long as you ban talking on police and fire dept radios while driving...

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 12, 2009 at 03:53 PM
Good luck enforcing this.

Posted by: tony on Jan 12, 2009 at 03:39 PM
hand helds yes, i agree...but they will never get a ban on handsfree ...too many cars and trucks are equipped with this technology, unenforcable.

Posted by: bob on Jan 12, 2009 at 03:27 PM
i carry a cell phone , just one question , where can i vote YES on this one ?

Posted by: Aaron on Jan 12, 2009 at 03:19 PM
If people didn't drive like idiots in the first place this wouldn't be an issue. The reason they eeven talk about bans like this is because all of the accidents every year. Cars were made to get us from point A to point B- but people don't know what the heck theyre doing and crash into other vehicles along the way. What we need is just more common sense-speeding does NOT get you around town faster people, the only time it helps you is on the interstate where there are no stoplights. Agreesive drivers race around slow drivers, just to get to the red light faster. In the city the stoplights control how fast we can get around town, so speeding does nothing except give you the ILLUSION that you're making up time. And it wastes gas. Speeders use the brakes a lot more than other drivers, and your brakes are actually the biggest waste of gas-not the gas pedal. Just an fyi for everyone.

Posted by: YES!!! FINALLY on Jan 12, 2009 at 03:12 PM
I CAN'T WAIT. HAVE YOU EVER DRIVEN BEHIND ONE OF THESE CELL PHONE USERS? YOU WILL KNOW THEM BY HOW SLOW THEY ARE DRIVING THAN THE REST OF TRAFFIC OR HOW THEY JUST CUT YOU OFF OR SWERVE INTO YOUR LANE OR TRY TO MAKE AN ILLEGAL TURN B/C THEY MISSED THEIRS CAUSE THEY WERE ON THE PHONE OR SWERVE TO GET THEIR EXIT CAUSE THEY WEREN'T PAYING ATTENTION...I COULD GO ON AND ON AND ON. A BAN WOULD BE GREATLY WELCOMED BY ME!!!!

Posted by: Mike on Jan 12, 2009 at 02:38 PM
Come on Jesse, they are talking about using cell phones period which would include SMS/TXT and email functions! I say its about time people start being a little more responsible and put away their toys while their supposed to be paying attention to the road and everything else on it!

Posted by: Gen on Jan 12, 2009 at 02:32 PM
Okay. now that they want to ban cell phone usage, because it causes accidents, then it is also time to ban other things while driving, such as: cigarette smoking, eating food and drinking bevrages, talking to those in your vehicle(same as hands free cell phone use, except there is the added distraction of the person sitting in your vehicle), no using distracting navigating systems, etc....

Posted by: Dave on Jan 12, 2009 at 02:22 PM
ALLRIGHT !!! and to all you people that think this is not good and dont like it when the goverment tells you what to do in your own car , well i have this to say,,,,get in your car turn up, radio ,leave off seat belt, smoke, open a beer ,drive 75 in a 65 and run straight into the bridge support,see if you survive, we wont have to worry about your whinning anymore. Seemy point is they dont do this to inconveiance you its for your PROTECTION !!!!!!

Posted by: Sarah on Jan 12, 2009 at 02:21 PM
We survived without cell phones for many years in vehicles. It is funny that someone thinks they are losing freedoms, because they might not be able to use a cell phone in the car. There is always something that will distract a driver, but we do not need to use cell phones while in our cars to make it worse. I agree that people should avoid behaviors that could distract them from what is going on on the road around them that includes, eating, drinking, smoking, yelling at your kids, etc. Of course if you are found doing these things, and you kill someone while driving, then you should face penalties, up to and including vehicular manslaughter...are you ready to take that chance?

Posted by: agree on Jan 12, 2009 at 02:21 PM
I agree that talking on phone while driving is dangerous. I had a recent female driver talking while driving that crossed the center lane and almost hit me head on. I have also been run off road and almost side swiped by those texting or putting on makeup. Hands free device would be fine if people would just pay attention to road or pull off road to take call or text. If the call was that important a 911 should be put in text and person can pull off road. How about making places where people can pull off road to take calls- not egde of highway either.

Posted by: Amy on Jan 12, 2009 at 02:20 PM
I do not agree on banning hands free devices. How are they supposed to enforce this? And if so, they might as well ban singing along with the radio because that would probably LOOK like you were talking on the phone & try to argue THAT with a cop. There are so many worse things going on in this city - enforcing this ban would be a waste of time and money for the police. I agree with the post below they better also ban children from cars. People just need to be reasonable and intelligent when using their cell phones and driving. I know that's a far stretch sometimes but give me a break...

Posted by: bout time on Jan 12, 2009 at 02:13 PM
yipee! That's awesome! I hope it passes.

Posted by: LLR on Jan 12, 2009 at 02:12 PM
While we're at it, how about banning cell phones in restaurants and theaters? Actually, how about banning them altogether? Since it's apparent no one has the common sense to turn them OFF while out in public. Yes, your loud ringtone and your raucous conversation ARE an annoyance to those of us at the next table/next seat/next row.

Posted by: Dave on Jan 12, 2009 at 02:06 PM
"Council officials said they will press Congress to address the issue when it takes up a highway construction bill this year, possibly by offering incentives to states that enact cell phone laws." Exactly where will these "incentives" come from. Who will underwite cost? I know, let's tax the lemmings. They just go with the flow anyways!. After all, if a study from a squeaky wheel organization says it and the media publishes it it has to be good for all of us. Right comrade ???

Posted by: Dave on Jan 12, 2009 at 01:59 PM
Will police,fire and military be held to the same standard. The use of a radio/computer while driving are assentially the same."Cell phone use increases the risk of a crash fourfold, and that hands-free cell phones are just as risky as hand held phones." Radios and computers in these "official vehicles" are just as distracting.

Posted by: mike on Jan 12, 2009 at 01:48 PM
next you wont be able to eat and drive either!! there goes the drive-thru

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 12, 2009 at 01:46 PM
Great idea! I bet if you tried to take a driver's test with a cell phone in one hand talking and the other hand on the wheel, would you pass??????????????

Posted by: Jesse on Jan 12, 2009 at 01:36 PM
A cell phone ban in some form makes sense. The problem I fear though is that a talking while driving ban will simply substitute one problem for another. People will more than likely shift from phone calls to e-mail and text messaging.

Posted by: Bill on Jan 12, 2009 at 01:32 PM
Today would be a good day to start the law.

Posted by: comparison is off on Jan 12, 2009 at 01:26 PM
I just found on a web site that a person is injuried every 30 minutes with a drunk driver - that is about 262,800 people every year. I can't find numbers for 2008 drunk driver deaths but in 2007- 17,600 people died from drunk drivers. I don't think comparing drunk driving to cell phone use is a good example.

Posted by: Jen on Jan 12, 2009 at 01:18 PM
Well it is about time, I dont know how many times I have almost been hit or run off the road by people talking on their phone. No conversation is worth someone elses life!

Posted by: lilly on Jan 12, 2009 at 01:06 PM
sounds like a plan. i don't like to talk on the phone when i am driving anyway.

Posted by: Gunnar on Jan 12, 2009 at 12:49 PM
What's next? Banning children in cars? I can tell you from experience that children can be a huge distraction. How about banning drinking soda pop or listening to radio. Both are distractions. We are losing our freedoms right and left and no one fights back. Even if they pass such a stupid law, I'll continue to use my cell phone. I've had enough of these people taking away my freedoms.

Posted by: Safe Driver on Jan 12, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Wear your seatbelt, don't use your cell phone, don't smoke with kids... What next? Don't talk to your passengers? Don't listen to the radio while driving? Accidents increase more than fourfold where there is ice or snow on the ground. It should be illegal to drive with ice and snow on the ground! (What if an estimated 4% of vehicle crashes causing 1,600 deaths and 14,000 serious injuries each year were attributable to ice and snow? Wouldn't banning ice and snow driving "make sense based on the research"?)

Posted by: Jeff on Jan 12, 2009 at 12:34 PM
I agree that talking on the phone while driving is distracting. I propose a ban on smoking while driving (just try to open a new pack while doing 75 on I-80!) and eating while driving (oops - dropped a nugget, now I have to bend down to find it, while on Dodge @ 5 PM), putting on makeup while driving (you know who you are) and various other acitivites. Enforcing a ban of hands-free devices while driving will be problematic at best. Let the police worry about bigger things. Spend the enforcement manpower on running red lights, or speeding. Or any number of much riskier activities.

Posted by: Dean on Jan 12, 2009 at 12:29 PM
Support it other than only allowing 911 to go through. Getting out of hand texting and talking. Hang up and drive.

Posted by: told ya so on Jan 12, 2009 at 12:15 PM
First smokers, than light cameras, now they want to take away your phone....welcome to the USSR

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 12, 2009 at 12:05 PM
Finally!!!!! I'm tired of seeing idiots on the phone trying to drive. I cant believe it took this long for this ban.

Posted by: bob on Jan 12, 2009 at 11:55 AM
such bogus, I can tell you from 1 common sense study that drinking and driving is more of a risk than talking on a cell phone. There will be harsher penalties for people talking on a blue tooth or cell phone than for drunk drivers. What a joke!

Posted by: jenny on Jan 12, 2009 at 11:42 AM
I understand (& agree) that using a hand-held cell phone is dangerous & should be banned. But how is using a hands free device different than just talking to another person in the car?