Cops on Cell Phones

[WizardofOz]

Cell phones are more of a want than a need. Society survived without today's level of technology which is why when the whole Y2K mess was going on, I just rolled my eyes at people that thought the world was going to end if their computer didn't work. Unfortunately cell phones are going to stay and the amount of users will continue to sky rocket. Yesterday I saw a kid in grade school talking on a cell phone!

I think society will just have to find ways to cope with the problems. Maybe laws making it illegal to use a cell phone while driving unless it is an emergency. With the growing use of cell phones there is also technology being developed to block the use. I've read several news articles about schools installing hardware that blocks incoming/outgoing calls and text messaging as well as buildings installing either special paint or other kinds of shielding (such as movie theaters).

[Jolly Rancher]

Originally Posted by WizardofOz

I've read several news articles about schools installing hardware that blocks incoming/outgoing calls and text messaging as well as buildings installing either special paint or other kinds of shielding (such as movie theaters).

A child in the Colorado shooting used his cell to text his father in the crisis. What if the police were needed to be contacted that way. I think it would be a bad situation if there was no access to the outside world.

[K C Muffin]

I've got a bluetooth, too. Nice little gadget, but it doesn't dial the phone. I use my commute home in the afternoon/evening to call the kids and check in.

[WizardofOz]

Jolly Rancher, that is a good question with no clear answer. Like everything else there are tradeoffs. Schools are concerned with students texting each other with test answers or receiving calls during the middle of the class. Even if a school had a direct phone line to emergency services installed in every classroom, there is always the possibility of the tragedy that recently happened.

[FAM 49]

My Motorolla 700 has voice reco to dial calls for me by turning on the earpiece blue tooth. In NY you must use hands free cell phone device when driving. That includes dialing.
Law Enforcement and emergency first responders are exempt since there are emergency situations that may require the use of the phone. (That may get people on here started.)

Many states are going that route and many more are making rules such as these for underage drivers. We already got both kids phones with the Bluetooth and bluetooth ear pieces for when they drive.

[TexKan]

I don't care what or how folks use their cell phone - just so the look for me drivin next to em once in awhile - the rest of the time I'll look out for them! don't affect me much - I do get a kick outta how many folks drive and talk tho - seems to be alot - I just look out a little more - can't change the world - don't know if I'd want to actually!

[wordsmythe]

Originally Posted by FAM 49

My Motorolla 700 has voice reco to dial calls for me by turning on the earpiece blue tooth. In NY you must use hands free cell phone device when driving. That includes dialing.
Law Enforcement and emergency first responders are exempt since there are emergency situations that may require the use of the phone. (That may get people on here started.)

Many states are going that route and many more are making rules such as these for underage drivers. We already got both kids phones with the Bluetooth and bluetooth ear pieces for when they drive.

Hands free or not DWT is worse than drinking and driving. At least the drunks are TRYING to pay attention to who they are going to kill.

People on the phone are way too divided in their attention.

[Flying Dutchman]

I was in an accident last June. Still recovering from it actually. Anyway, the other driver (a 17 year old girl) was found at fault for crossing oncoming traffic. She did not see, nor did she ever drop the phone out of her ear. She was still talking on it as she got out of the car.

ANYTHING that diverts your attention for even a millisecond affects your driving. I don't care if you have ten arms and 6 sets of ears, it affects you. Eating, drinking a soda, turning to talk to someone in the car, looking in the rearview mirror............they all affect your driving.

Should cell phones be banned while driving? I personally do not think so. While I do not talk on one unless I have to, I cannot see banning or ticketing someone who can and does. I think if you commit a violation, or an accident, and you were on the phone WHILE doing said things, then you should get a ticket for inatentiveness (sic).

[wordsmythe]

And if you happen to kill that guy on the motorcycle while talking to your friend about the prom you should at least place a call to his wife and kids to say you're REALLY sorry about it.

[K C Muffin]

Originally Posted by Highwayman

Third page and not even any sexual innuendo either.

Did I hear somebunny call my name?