Sunday, May 04, 2008

Cell phones and driving don't mix

Recently, I was trying to find a parking space at Wal-Mart when a woman cut through the parking lot nearly causing an accident. I laid on my horn, but she didn't even look up.
She was on her cell phone.
I have a million of these stories. It happens at least once a week.
I'm not suggesting that cell phones be totally banned from vehicles, but something needs to be done.
It would be great if people would use common sense and not engage in long conversations while driving, but that may be asking too much.
I admit that I use my cell phone while driving, but only quickly, usually less than 30 seconds. Nine times out of 10, it's to call my wife to tell her I'm on my way home. That other time is when people call me.
Our state legislature has gotten involved, and there are several bills in the works that would affect the way people use cell phones while driving.
I hate to say it, but I agree that a law is the only way to go. Enforcement will definitely be an issue, but that's an issue for every crime, whether it be speeding, stealing or murder.
Once again, we have proved that we can not govern ourselves. We need someone to do it for us.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Cell phones and driving do not mix, nor do eating and driving, putting on makeup and driving.... and many, many other things. COMMON SENSE is definitely the answer, of course, that is obviously hard for some people these days. Personally, I feel banning cell phone use while driving is going to be impossible and could make things worse. example: Let me put my cell phone really low where no one can see me dialing a number and look way down at the tiny screen to make sure I dial the right number, then while I am talking on the phone constantly watch for cops in every direction. At least when you are breaking the law by driving over the speed limit you do keep your eyes on the road. But the point is, if the DMV can't add "multi-tasking" to the driving test, then ban everything all together. So, when was the last time you drove with your knee and took BOTH hands off the wheel while putting on makeup, reading a map (not everyone can afford a GPS), changing the stations on the radio, changing CD's, eating, etc... I'm guilty of all of that!