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article imageDigital Journal TV: If Drivers Can't Use Cellphones, How Can They Get Their Fix?

Posted Jul 4, 2008 by  David Silverberg in Technology | 14 comments | 510 views
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California and Washington recently joined three other U.S. states in banning cellphone use while driving. DigitalJournal.com investigates what motivated lawmakers to take phones out of drivers' hands and the best technology for car-loving mobile addicts.

Digital Journal -- The controversy over the dangers of talking on a cellphone while driving just got more interesting. On July 1, California and Washington enacted laws that restrict cellphone use in vehicles. Drivers 18 and older need to use a hands-free device to make a call, and drivers under 18 can't use any electronic devices while behind the wheel.

According to the Contra Costa Times, the legislation was passed in order to reduce driver distraction, which causes around 80 per cent of accidents, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says.

In California, the fine for the first offense is $76 and the second is $190, including court fees. In Washington police are charging first offenders $124 per violation.

Both states are encouraging drivers to refrain from cellphone conversations while driving, but if they need to make a call, they must use a hands-free device like a Bluetooth headset. What options are available for these cellphone-friendly drivers?

In this episode of Digital Journal TV, we look into the cellphone-driving ban and why U.S. states are clamouring to get the cell thrown out of the car. Find out what tech is available for handset-hating states, and learn how even using a earpiece may not be the safest option.

This is your inside scoop on the greatest tech available for cellphone junkies who still like chatting on the road.

Do you think it's smart for Washington and California to join three other states in restricting cellphone use in vehicles?
article:256918:23::0
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  • avatar Posted Jul 4, 2008 by  Cynthia T. [Picasso]
    #1
    Great video David.
    Talking on cellphones and driving are not a good combination. With the volume of traffic there is a driver needs to concentrate on what is going on around them.
  • avatar Posted Jul 4, 2008 by  Chris V. (cgull)
    #2
    Do you think it's smart for Washington and California to join three other states in restricting cellphone use in vehicles?
    Yes, drivers should multi-task elsewhere. If not, for every accident they cause, they should be ready to pay others for the damages.
  • avatar Posted Jul 4, 2008 by  Gar Swaffar
    #3
    The reason for this law, is because lawmakers don't drive themselves from point a to point b as often as the 'common ilk'
    The New American Aristocracy of CONgress (and government in general) have drivers to do the mundane business of transporting the slugs and pustules of Governmental Aristocracy.
  • avatar Posted Jul 4, 2008 by  Debra Myers (skyangel)
    #4
    I also think that the combination of driving while conversing with someone on a cell is dangerous. I've seen too many close calls because of people being too involved talking/texting instead of driving.
  • avatar Posted Jul 4, 2008 by  Brandigal (Donna)
    #5
    I have to agree..I think talking on cell phone while driving is dangerous. Or those that like to text and drive..even more so.
    I have seen it being done.
    Like skyangel said, to many close calls.
  • avatar Posted Jul 4, 2008 by  Debra Myers (skyangel)
    #6
    @ Brandigal (Donna)
    I have to agree..I think talking on cell phone while driving is dangerous. Or those that like to text and drive..even more so.
    I have seen it being done.
    Like skyangel said, to many close calls.


    Hey, Brandigal...good to see you again!
  • redhawk Posted Jul 4, 2008 by  redhawk
    #7
    .. SHHH the Feds might hear the calls for FIXES.. SHHHH
  • avatar Posted Jul 4, 2008 by  Brandigal (Donna)
    #8
    Hi Skyangel thanks. Been stopping in and reading some every now and then.
  • avatar Posted Jul 4, 2008 by  Debra Myers (skyangel)
    #9
    @ Brandigal (Donna)
    Hi Skyangel thanks. Been stopping in and reading some every now and then.


    I know...but you are missed!
  • avatar Posted Jul 4, 2008 by  Michael Billy (TRA)
    #10
    Another ridiculous law. I guess we should also make it illegal for children to scream in the back of a car because it may (and probably should) distract the parent.
  • redhawk Posted Jul 5, 2008 by  redhawk
    #11
    .. Big nanny Gov't is rearing its ugly head.. beware this is but a hint of things to come if nany Putz pelosi.. Harry the Weasel Reid .. etc get to RUN the Government and CHANGE" our Constitutional Right! That is what they really mean by " CHANGE"
  • avatar Posted Jul 5, 2008 by  Michael Squires
    #12
    Hello everyone.

    Driving whilst talking on a cell / mobile phone are both classified as high level tasking by the brain.

    It would seem that our species has trouble with performing both tasks. Many people, such as pilots would dispute that theory.

    Talking on a cell while driving has been illegal her in Australia and a few other countries for a few years.

    Although I have a bluetooth hands-free kit installed in my car I occasionally transgress the law regardless of the hefty fine and demerit points against my license. Surely I won't get caught!!!

    But then again, do I want to injure or kill an innocent person and live with that for the rest of my life?

    Here are some links that provide what I feel is interesting reading both current and over the past few years.

    http://www.sciencealert.com.au/news/20081306-17484.html

    http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/185_11_041206/mce10252_fm.html

    I am a great believer in personal freedoms, but I have been on the scene of one too many car crashes (regardless of the cause). It's not like in the movies folks. The visual and sensory experience can make even the bravest of us wince at the very least.

    What's that expression... "you plays you pays"..?
  • avatar Posted Jul 5, 2008 by  RCB2875
    #13
    I usually drive between 100,000 and 120,000 miles per year and I am on the phone quite a bit during the day while driving and I have yet to even come close to an accident.
    I and many others in my industry (trucking) and not. Have enough sense to stay alert and not get over involved in the conversation keeping your eyes on the road and everyone else. The biggest problem is that some people cant figure out that when traffic gets too busy that they should put down the phone.
    There are those that can and those that cant and that is all there is too it.
  • avatar Posted Jul 6, 2008 by  Debra Myers (skyangel)
    #14
    IMO...I think that there are some people that can successfully talk/listen and drive at the same time, but by the same token I don't think it's something that a majority of the population can do.


    @ RCB2875
    I usually drive between 100,000 and 120,000 miles per year and I am on the phone quite a bit during the day while driving and I have yet to even come close to an accident.
    I and many others in my industry (trucking) and not. Have enough sense to stay alert and not get over involved in the conversation keeping your eyes on the road and everyone else. The biggest problem is that some people cant figure out that when traffic gets too busy that they should put down the phone.
    There are those that can and those that cant and that is all there is too it.


    And before the cell phones, truckers used CBs. And no fuss was really made over their talking and driving.

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