Lawmaker wants tougher cell phone law for distracted drivers

proudamerican said on January 6, 2010 at 10:08 PM

I have personally been forced out of my lane twice by people on their phone in the last year. I ride a motorcycle, so that plays into it I'm sure. Both times I was wearing a bright orange vest. Once was in an intersection when a woman in a car made a right turn into my lane while I was in the intersection. The phone was at her left ear, so she couldn't (or didn't) look over her shoulder before entering the intersection. Her light was red and she almost stopped before making the right. The other time was on the freeway. I was in the left lane and a man with a cell phone at his left ear changed lanes without signaling when I was even with the rear door. I was forced onto the 2 foot shoulder at 60 MPH. As time goes on, people will become more proficient at talking on the phone and driving. Wouldn't it be better to go hands-free?

jeffconn said on January 6, 2010 at 5:42 PM

Why do they always test the safety of driving and cell phones while running an obsticle course. I am a professional driver and I can say "That is stupid" I agree that a lot of people are stupid with cell phones but a lot are safe. It is a matter of knowing when it is safe to dial, talk, ect.. Never divert your eyes for more than a second at a time when dialing. If you are on an open hiway and keep an eye out for slowing traffic it is completely safe. I bet it is hard to type on a laptop while running down the street too but that is as ridiculous as trying to dial while in an obsticle course or a busy city street. Media, stop slanting your stories to aid lawmakers in stealing our basic freedoms. A lot of us know how to use equiptment safely while on the road and it is essential to our business.

fed_up said on January 6, 2010 at 4:19 PM

Terpmom - I totally agree! I tried to post the same thing on a different article and got ATTACKED by people who said I was stupid and had my head up by a**. Clearly, they do not have children. I'm not a teenager, and have a perfect (PERFECT) driving record and why should I get ticketed for calling my spouse and saying "Hey honey, I hit some traffic, I'm running late," and hanging up? How about we just ban cell phones in Washington state? AND then we also ban teenagers from driving. Solves both problems.

fed_up said on January 6, 2010 at 4:16 PM

Hey, instead of making tougher cell phone laws - make tougher parole violation laws and recidivism laws. OR, better sentencing guidelines for those convicted of murder and rape (especially those who harm children.) Just a thought...

tonnibell said on January 6, 2010 at 11:55 AM

For those of you who think its a bad idea, look around at how many teens are texting and driving! If you have children in the car, thats distraction enough, add a cell phone, alot of traffic, teens with cells.......for sure an accident waiting to happen. This is where they daying "Look out for the other guy" will come in very very handy!

lilsazafraz said on January 6, 2010 at 11:00 AM

Well said terpmom!! I totally agree! I have a four year old and one year old and they can be beyond distracting while driving. Its all with how you deal with it, same with talking on your cell phone while driving. Now that it is illegal to drive and talk on your phone I have seen people talking into there speaker phone...... ITS STILL IN THEIR HAND..... Whats the difference from having it up to your ear! Come on now........

terpmom said on January 6, 2010 at 10:21 AM

This really is ridiculous... There's no difference between having a coffee in your hand or your cell. If it comes down to attentiveness/emotional concentration, MY KIDS are a worse distraction than my phone!!! Are you telling me that I shouldn't have my kids in the car next?? Wow... Let me get my ticket if I deserve it, but don't blame my cell!