Future Ban's

[TnTRice]

I was reading an article on MSN about states that are banning the use of cell phones while driving unless they have a "hands-free" device. I think that is a great idea! However, the article went on to say that lawmakers in several states are trying to push the ban on using cellphones all together while driving regardless how they are used with/without hands-free. While I agree with laws restricting people to using hands-free sets, I can't get behind a law that limits talkin on a cell phone all together. I consider talking on a hands-free cellphone no different from talking to passengers, changing CD's or radio stations, passing things back to the kids, smoking a ciggarette (wich is illegal in the state of Maine to do while there are children in the car). To me it seems like there are a lot of laws that are just going to far. I know i'm not alone in my thoughts on this subject so I post the question to you all for debate.

Should the use of cell phones while driving be banned even if using a hands free set?

[MugenEJ6AutoX]

Only if they want to ban talking to your passengers as well, might as well be the same thing.

[PrimeTimeV6]

......and listening to music and singing as well. lol

[TJ213]

I'd like to see less drivers using cell phones, with or without hands free usage, the real danger of cell phones is the distraction of conversation. However, the solution lives in proper driver education and training, and not a ban.

In our sportbike group we have lost at least 2 good riders this month from inattentive drivers turning in front of riders riding within the law. Often the cage driver who causes these fatal crashes is on a cell phone or under the influence. Driving distractions are a real problem, and there is no way we can ban all of them, maybe someday more active safety features will help to take care of it.

[Tomas]

For me, talking with a hands free set is like talking to a passenger, so a ban would be too severe. However, i can see where talking on a phone without a hands frees set can cause some problems. But, i don't believe in a bans because i don't believe in more laws limiting our freedoms. Perhaps there are more reasonable ways to go about it.

[TnTRice]

Originally Posted by TJ213

I'd like to see less drivers using cell phones, with or without hands free usage, the real danger of cell phones is the distraction of conversation.

Does this mean that if there were a ban on actually talking to passangers or making cars without radios you'd be behind it?

Now I agree with you that the motorcycle riders on American streets, and around the world are at high risk. I guess it comes from the fact that they are small, 2 wheeled vehicles that a lot of drivers have a hard time seeing, esp. in their blind spots; Yes i do believe in better driver education but that doesn't change the fact that motorcycles are at risk. I think motorcyclist should be mandated yo wear bright colored, reflective clothing which will add in their visability to other drivers

[TJ213]

Originally Posted by TnTRice

Does this mean that if there were a ban on actually talking to passangers or making cars without radios you'd be behind it?

Now I agree with you that the motorcycle riders on American streets, and around the world are at high risk. I guess it comes from the fact that they are small, 2 wheeled vehicles that a lot of drivers have a hard time seeing, esp. in their blind spots; Yes i do believe in better driver education but that doesn't change the fact that motorcycles are at risk. I think motorcyclist should be mandated yo wear bright colored, reflective clothing which will add in their visability to other drivers

No I don't, there are times for all of that, and people just need to use their better judgement to determine when to do so. Its a free country and bans on all of that would just be way to restrictive. I really would not even support a across the board cellphone ban, although a texting ban while driving is good. I just wish people would realize the potential repercussions of their actions and pay attention, which will only happen through proper driver education.

I have a red bike, white and black gear, and a white and orange helmet (studies have shown that a bright colored helmet can be VERY beneficial in others seeing you). Always ride with the high beam on too unless its dark. The problem is that drivers in this country are just not used to looking for bikes and are unaware of them.

Seeing bikes in blind spots isn't too much of an issue IMO, because a good rider should have an escape route for that, and honestly with modern bikes' power and braking abilities should be able to avoid those situations most of the time (although legal lane splitting would help), its vehicles turning left directly in front of riders that causes 50% of fatalities and is the greatest fear of almost every rider.



I just think the American mentality toward vehicular transportation is not nearly as respectful as the European view on it. We really have a lot to learn from those countries.

[TnTRice]

Very Very True! Eruopeans are better at sharing the road with motorcyclists and that probably stems from many things such as: Licensing only happens at 18 for cars. Kids start driving scooters and mopeds at 16 (urband and city areas). with that, people are more aware of bikes on the road. Now the bike has been on the american roads for a long time. I would say that it's not driver education, but the self centered view point from most drivers that they are the only ones on the road and have little regard for others (cars, suv's trucks, and bikes). Again more wouldn't hurt! and I would fully support a law that would limit licensing to the age of 18 like most european countries.
Texting and driving is a problem that is finally hitting the mainstream media due to accidents and it should be addressed. It is a dangerous habit because it can keep your eyes of the road for a long period of time, not just the writing the message but also reading it, BUT it would be extremely hard for officers to prove when people are texting while driving. Parents of younger drivers should be more assertive, educations should be more aggresive. However the ban on hands free cell phone use is too extreme!

[splink48]

How about a roadside test....just like for a DUI. They pull you out of your car and make you walk a straight line....on a cell phone or texting. Then they make you stand on one foot, eyes closed then touch your nose...on a cell phone. then they could give you a dut (driving while texting/talking). That would be an across the board deal. It makes it fair for the people who don't want to give up the privledge to pay the price if they can't handle it....just like drinking and driving.

[TnTRice]

DuT? talking while driving (using hands free) should not be illegal

texting while driving is a different issue all together