Cops on Cell Phones

[Mike B.]

I believe that Dodge City should pass and enforce a city ordinance banning the use of cell phones while driving!

Heck, if our city is thinking about banning smoking in a business, why not ban the use of cell phones while driving? It could easily be enforced just like any law. If you're seen talking on the cell phone while driving, you get a fine. Would not be to difficult to obtain a record of calls made if a driver denies using the phone. That might encourage the hands free method!

[Highwayman]

Originally Posted by Mike B.

I believe that Dodge City should pass and enforce a city ordinance banning the use of cell phones while driving!

You then have a problem with tourists and others just passing through not knowing about a local ordinance. Do you burn a tourist before he spends money here or do you practice selective enforcement that causes resentment with the locals? I’m sure there are times when police need to using that phone and getting somewhere at the same time. Do you exempt police and cause more resentment by making them above the law?

It won’t hurt my feelings if cell phone use is banned while driving. The hands feel ones still distract drivers and to some extent so go for them too if you want. Just think about what kind on can of worms you’re going to open before you make a law that feels good.

[Mike B.]

I would not consider it a can of worms!

Every officer could and should use his/her discretion in any given situation.

They do that now...I can't count the times I've been guilty of a trafic violation (speeding, no turn signal,etc.) and the officer just gave me a verbal warning!

As far as tourist being burned...ignorance of the law is no excuse...but I believe our officers have good discretion abilities.

Police are exempt from some laws...running stop signs when chasing a bad guy. Wait, maybe they should stop!?!? Are they above the law? No!

[Bubba]

I've never had a problem talking on a cell phone and driving at the same time, but then again I am one that can walk and chew gum at the same time as well.

If you want to ban cell phone use, maybe there should be a CB radio ban as well, it can be just as distracting. While we're at it the police should have to pull over every time they want to use their radio to call dispatch or talk to one another, after all it still requires the use of at least one hand and talking while driving.

[BroncoFan]

Originally Posted by Mike B.

I believe that Dodge City should pass and enforce a city ordinance banning the use of cell phones while driving!

Heck, if our city is thinking about banning smoking in a business, why not ban the use of cell phones while driving? It could easily be enforced just like any law. If you're seen talking on the cell phone while driving, you get a fine. Would not be to difficult to obtain a record of calls made if a driver denies using the phone. That might encourage the hands free method!

Are you kidding me?? We just need to ban, ban, ban until we can only walk out the door of our bedroom before we break a law. But wait, is there anything you would like to ban in the bedroom?? Is there an outside chance that someone may father a serial killer? Should we ban sex???

I agree that cell phone and driving is dangerous for some folks, but so are some folks just driving. You pose real problems with this type of ban, but then there are with all "banning". Remember that even with all you "banning", you cannot prevent the idiot!

[lurker]

I'm equally fearful when I see non-cops drivin' & yakin'....

[Mike B.]

BroncoFan,

You're most likely correct!

I'm sure there are folks out there who can drink and drive just fine. And I suppose the idiot who first thought of making drunk driving illegal was just that: An idiot!

Seriously though, people who talk on a cell phone while driving are less likely to pay attention to what's going on around them. And although I can not prove it, I'm sure alot of accidents could have been prevented had the driver not had their hands and mind busy with a cell phone.

Bubba is the exception though! (just kidd'in Bubba)

[Highwayman]

The trouble is when politicians start banning stuff is too often they don’t know when to stop.

[Bubba]

It's all just a matter of multi-tasking and assiging priorities to your tasks. When I am driving, driving is my #1 priority, if I am talking on a phone while driving, I know that the phone is a lower priority than driving. I am always looking in the distance while I drive and take note of my surroundings including other drivers and/or hazards and I anticipate what I would do if something were to go wrong. I would have no qualms about dropping my cell phone on the seat to handle a situation while driving without a word being said to whom I was talking to whether it is a friend, the Governor, or the President. Nobody on the phone is more of a priority than the driving.

[tat2me82]

I'm so glad I can come here and bring up a question and/or concern without being completely mauled for it. Thanks!! I didn't realize that they used them for sensitive matters etc. I do appreciate the work they do!! They've been doing extra surveillance at my work since there has been a few break ins at other businesses. I agree that sometimes people don't pay full attention while driving and talking on the phone, but as one member said once they start banning one thing it's all downhill from there.