NPR: DOCP: Driving On Cell Phone

DOCP: Driving On Cell Phone

Driving On Cell Phone

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--Steve Proffitt

Last month, California joined the handful of states (Connecticut, DC, New Jersey, New York and Washington) that ban driving while holding a cell phone.

But everyday, on the drive home from work, I see at least a couple of people gabbing away on their handsets behind the wheel.

Earlier this month, the California Highway Patrol released preliminary figures that showed CHPs officers had already written some 7,000 citations for drivers who were caught with cells in hand. And the Orange County Register recently reported that officers in the OC have written more than 400 tickets.

I'll admit that I do occasionally answer the phone when it rings and I am driving, and I'll admit that I've yet to purchase a hands-free device. But I've really tried to stay off the thing while motoring.

What about you? If you live in a place where a cell phone ban has gone into effect, are you complying? Are you seeing other scofflaws?

Just do me a favor. Don't text in your comment while you're on the road. OK?

11:44 AM ET | 08-20-2008 | permalink

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"I can't read your damn list, was that 2 dozen, what! your mother broke her hip...gave you lip? Lisa's going out with who? Who's Lisa?? Your breaking up..."

Sure you're going to be a good doobee and pull over in the middle of rush hour to continue this conversation. Comply...hey who has time? Lets get serious and give it some bite...life without parole I say! Mean while this should take the pressure off stopping drive by shootings and figuring out why my health insurance cost more than the mortgage.

Bring attention to the things that really matter, assault your self in public and scream if you've just had it with everything...

Sent by gungadin | 6:09 PM ET | 08-20-2008

I live in Seattle where a handheld-while-driving law recently went into effect, and I still see people holding phones in the car all the time. I've been seriously tempted to make a sign (e.g. "THAT'S ILLEGAL, YOU KNOW") to flash at drivers who are doing this, which made me realize that I'm only in my 20's and I'm already a curmudgeon. Sigh.

Sent by Susan | 3:49 PM ET | 08-22-2008

As a naturally paranoid person, I ALWAYS use my hands-free device since the new law went into effect in LA. I do, however, still text and drive...scary.

Sent by Elyse | 6:22 PM ET | 08-22-2008

Susan, for your safety sake please don't make that sign, people have been shot for less...and who knows you might end up going off the road while waving it around. It's really not all that important, more people are killed crossing the street than in accidents stemming from cell phone use.

Sent by gungadin | 1:44 PM ET | 08-23-2008

Now a days frequently happening in the world. We have to ban this mobile phones so that we can avoid the accidents.

----------------
Samantha

California Dui

Sent by Samantha | 11:45 PM ET | 09-12-2008

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