Driving and Cell Phones/PDA's

[terryg]

Basically, it appears there are two camps: One says cell phones aren't a problem in any way, shape or form and if you object you're wrong.

The other camp says: While operating vehicles, those on cell phones quite often present a severe threat, their engrossment in paying attention to their call far exceeding other common distractions while others engaged in cell phone use are often enough simply an obnoxious public nuisance.

I don't think that is a correct summary at all. I think many here, like myself, believe that cell phone use while driving - in it's many different forms - can be safety issue depending upon the skill, experience, and patterns of the individual driver. With some drivers, the distraction factor is greater than any other common distraction faced while driving - while with others, it can be one of the least distracting activities. But either way, many of us feel simply that legislation aimed at criminalizing this behavior will be ineffective at best.

That said, cell phones have great utility, but are as abused in their use as booze...

Some folks use them with great discretion, while others binge with no regard for the rest of humanity.

That seems like a pretty fair statement to me.

[chasfm11]

That said, cell phones have great utility, but are as abused in their use as booze...

Some folks use them with great discretion, while others binge with no regard for the rest of humanity.

That seems like a pretty fair statement to me.

My CHL has added to my dilemma on this subject. Before I started carrying, I was one who would calmly and in a respectful voice say "excuse me, M'am but would mind hanging up your phone until you are finished checking out? Those of us behind you in line would appreciate it." I also would tap my horn at a cell phone user/car driver when they had a more-than-minor incursion into my driving lane. About 1/3 of the time I received a belligerent response. Those responses indicated to me that the person involved was deliberately overindulging and, like an alcoholic, was resentful to anyone willing to point it out. I feel that I cannot afford the possible confrontation that might result now but my opinion hasn't changed about the person involved. This isn't as much a judgment on my part about what they are doing as it is a reaction to its direct impact on me. For those who can drive their cars reasonably and still talk on the phone, more power to them.