I believe Cell Phone use should be banned for ALL drivers. Your attention should be
focused on driving. Nothing else.

I agree with Becky. If you're not parked, you shouldn't be using a cell phone. Hands at 10 and 2, just like they told you in driver's ed.

I agree with Jenny and Becky.

As a firefighter/paramedic, I can safely say nearly all car accidents we go on are cell phone related (with the others drugs/drinking caused). Age is not a factor, distracted driving is distracted driving. Sooo many people dead because they had to return a text while driving

The radio, smoking, make-up, pets, eating... even passengers are distractions but texting while driving is ridiculous. I agree with banning phones while moving until drivers have had at least some driving experience but what if a person is 18 or older when they get their license? Can we put ALL new and inexperienced drivers on probation?
Hands free is the best alternative. Police and Firemen have been using radios while driving for years, cell phones have been widely in use since the 1980's it's the explosion of texting, Twitter, Facebook and other social networks that have brought about the steep increase in distracted driving deaths. Texting needs to be banned.

They are called mobile phones for a reason -- to be mobile and talk... sometimes my time in the car is the only time I have time to actually talk (and not chat online!). Can't talk at work, can't talk while grocery shopping, can't talk when I'm trying to make dinner, and dont want to talk when I can finally sit and watch an hour of tv. It's just me in the car and I can have a conversation and drive at the same time.

And...
Eating, drinking, smoking, reading. putting on make-up, talking to a passenger, checking on your kids in the back seat, etc. etc.

These are all accidents waiting to happen. Do we pass legislation on each one, or, do we stick with the distracted driving and careless driving statutes that already cover ALL of the above?

Never ceases to amaze me how so many people feel their conversations can't wait until they light someplace. And by "light" I don't mean a red one.

There used to be public service ads on TV that included the slogan, "Safe driving is a full-time job." Seems that as technology produces more and more handheld conveniences, safe driving's been reduced to a part-time job for a lot of drivers.

Scientific studies have confirmed innumerable times (don't take my word for it, Google it) that cell phone use by drivers reduces the amount of brain power that would normally be used for driving. We're talking reduced by nearly 40%!

It has nothing to do with how adept one may be at multi-tasking, or how clever one is, or how well one perceives themselves to be driving, it's simply a physiological fact that the human brain has finite abilities. When you're cooking and talking on the phone simultaneously, distraction means you might add too much salt. When you're driving and talking on the phone simultaneously, distraction means you might run into somebody. Or run over somebody. And it happens multiple times, every single day.

I suggest putting your phone in the back seat when driving. I leave mine turned off, but if that's too cold turkey for you, leave it on back there. Then if it rings and you can't LIVE without knowing who's calling and why, pull off the road and check it out. Making and answering calls while driving is nothing more than a dangerous bad habit.

Dangerous to ever do at any age and under any circumstance. Bottom line, keep phone off while driving. When car is off turn on phone.

Cell phones should not be used at all while driving-unfortunate, follow someone who is on the cellphone and you see them driving slower, hesitating because they are concentrating on the conversation rather than what they are doing, alternately speeding up or slowing down for no reason and crossing lines- In stores while shopping the use of cell phones or rather the behavior of the people while using cell phones is rude, on the roads while driving it is dangerous (to others).

All I know is, when I'm riding my motorcycle, and your driving your car and using your phone, I don't want you behind me!

It is Very scary to drive with all the distractions out there. You need to have many more eyes on the road then you have. Cell phones should not be able to work within a running car motor.

Besides What is so important that you have to have a cell on your ear 24-7.

If you can't talk on a cell phone when you are grocery shopping or making dinner then you shouldn't be driving.

17-1.....pretty convincing to me. This is really a no-brainer. Those who feel they should be able to do whatever they want whenever they want are narcissist & need to get over themselves.....lives are more important than anything you might have to say/text.

I can understand how using a cell phone can cause dangers while driving, but that's because of the physical aspect of holding a phone to your ear and changing your posture in a way that limits your ability to see completely around you.

If you're using a hands-free device though, that is no more distracting than having a conversation with someone in the passenger seat (or it's possibly even less dangerous than a conversation with someone else in the car, since there is no pressure to look at the person you're speaking to).

Regardless of all of that though, different drivers have different skill levels. There's always going to be drivers that are more dangerous than others. To try and make the most dangerous drivers less dangerous is an admirable goal, but there is a point at which the laws can become an unjust burden on safe drivers.

I was recently rear ended (with my daugher in the car) by a grown woman texting and driving. Texting and driving should not be allowed by anybody....phones in general should not be used by new drivers. All of their attention needs to be on the road. I have a student driver now, and for all of your sake I pray she never picks up a phone while driving. Her lack of experience is scary enough by itself :)

I agree that cell phones while driving should be unlawful for all ages. I have nearly been hit twice by someone talking on a cell phone.... Another almost side swiped me while bent over texting...Nothing is that important that it can't wait till your off the road.
WHAT DID WE DO BEFORE CELL PHONES??

I can see this topic has all of us talking about it, but if we do not do something about it it will just get worse. We have to talk to our political leaders and make this stop!

I would rather see time and money invested in educating new drivers and public awareness campaigns than see it wasted on redundant legislation. With our current crop of political "leaders" I would worry about another national embarassment coming out of our legislature...something like, its okay to text and drive if it is for religious reasons.

Why do so many people make the choice to be "plugged in" all the time? It is not a "need," other than a created one. The gadgets are there; ergo, we must buy them and use them. Pretty nonsensical to me.

I know, I know: "We gotta have 'em; gotta keep up with the times." Uh huh! Now, what indicators do we have that we of the second decade of the third millenium have a better quality of life than our parents did?

There are plenty of indicators that we don't, the rise in membership in the "therapeutic professions" and their client bases being just one.

How about a moment of introspection on the part of those who can't live without their cellphones going all the time. The introspection might begin with a question: Why does everything have to be about me and my instant gratification?

That, I fear, is a question that is incomprehensible today to far too many people.

Michigan, like most of the Midwest, is slow to respond to public dangers like smoking indoors and distracted driving. Hopefully it won't take Michigan 10-years to follow other State's leads in enacting smart, workable statutes. See also Troy, MI's ordinance.

Hands-free phone usage is the only safe way to go and every State will have a law on the books in the next 10-15 years. It shouldn't take that long, but why did banning smoking in restaurants take that long when it was proven to work in other States a long, long time ago.

Plus, hands-free laws are easy to enforce; they generate revenue; and most importantly they save lives... Only a fool would oppose such a law.

Today while coming home from the park, we came to a stop sign and the young guy in the car in front of us wasn't moving. So I tooted my van horn, I didn't lay on it, because in todays world you have no clue as to what the person in the car might do. So he holds up his cell phone to let me know he's on his phone, not talking mind you, on the internet, yes we were close enough to see... so now I layed on my horn, so he finally goes around the corner only to lay on his breaks so I almost rear end him. I'm like what in the heck is this world coming to that a person thinks that they can stop at a stop sign and be on their cell phone and not even talking on the internet???? why not pull over??? then he had the nerve to almost cause an accident while I have my family in the car.... yes I called the police, but I doubt they will do anything, they sounded bored on the phone with me... but my blood pressure was way up there. So get of your damn phones, pay attention to the road and if you just have to talk to someone or surf the damn internet, PULL OVER!!!!!

It's frustrating, yes, but a horn is to inform or to warn, not to attack or express.
I know it’s not always true but when I see someone distracted, driving foolish with a phone I just imagine; maybe they were just informed of the death of a parent, sibling or child.
Not always or ever the case but it allows me to justify and control my own reaction to their callousness.
Rear ending another vehicle (nearly) and believing it’s the fault of the first vehicle, is a form a shirking your own responsibility for an accident. Vehicle accidents don’t “just happen” there is cause and effect for each, driving distracted is just one possible contributing factor similar to driving drunk or driving angry, you are increasing the odds that you will be involved in an accident.
Basically saying, your inpatients and anger with the distracted driver can just as likely cause an accident as the distraction itself.
My daughter turns 14 and 9 months this week, she will be getting her drivers permit. My biggest concern for her is; you can follow every rule of driving but that doesn’t mean all the others drivers out there will do the same, make eye contact, keep your distance. Know that speed, impairment and distractions kill more teens her age than anything else and they are not always the fault of the teen. You have to vigilantly look out for every other vehicle on the road. Take a breath let it go, never let another's bad driving habits affect you to the point of distraction.

If anyone was driving foolish with a phone and it was because of a death of a parent, child or sibling, that is even worse---high emotions and the cell phone could result in the death of a perfectly innocent person driving responsible without a cell phone --
Distracted drivers due to cell phones do hold up traffic. Many have no idea when they are on the phone that the light changed to green, that there is no traffic and they can pull out and after they stop, they can proceed instead of continuing with the lengthly conversation holding up form or five cars behind them because they can't shut up and pay attention. Also driving to to the speed limit and then slowing up to 10-15 miles below for no reason except they are distracted again due to their conversations on the cell phones. Ever listen to the people in the stores or in lines on their cell phones, They are loud and most of the one sided conversation is gibberish and appears non-essential. People are becoming so "connected" that they can not function and have no idea what being connected really is. There is a lot of lost productivity for employers as well, because these people keep checking their phones all the time for messages during employment hours--and are more focused on that little rectangle in their pocket than the work in front of them. They can not buy a can to peas without asking the other end of the phone...

Michigan is far behind. We are politically stagnated as usual.

Following behind these people on cell phones that either stop and don't move when they should put at risk the driver directly behind them. Most cars moving foreword have a tendency to keep moving when they should-there have been many needless accidents due to a car that is one, two or three ahead that is the actual cause of the accident. The worst is when the cell phone driver stops when he shouldn't after he has gone around a corner or slows up to the point of stopping, he can cause a collision. Most people upon completing a corner when they have the right of way and are in the clear begin to accelerate, I have seen those on cell phones do the exact opposite. Some I am certain deliberate. They can't turn a corner, drive and talk at the same time. The bullies on the road are many times on cell phones. We have been stopped at stop signs where the driver in front doesn't move---he is on the phone and when you sound your horn once quick they look around like they are in a daze or something before it hits them that they are driving and need to move. Then they are the ones that get angry. Cell phones need to be banned on the road. Unfortunate, laws are not enforced now that could put a stop to the erratic driving of these people and the risk they cause to others. But it is sure reflected in our insurance rates in this State.

All around a sad situation. Distracted laws used to be very basic…no eating/drinking etc. Now you can do anything while driving. Vehicle manufacturers install navigational systems, connections for your laptop, tv's... (I got to drive to work last week in the early a.m. behind an SUV with a cartoon feature – It made ME distracted). My parents used to converse with us when we were in the car. Or tell us to stop screwing around in the back seat or they would turn the car around.
Just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, I went for a walk on Sunday evening last week with my mother. We were walking in the street near the curb because the streets do not have sidewalks. Around the corner comes a young man about mid-twenties roaring around the bend and almost lost control of his vehicle. We both jumped out of the way and I held my hands in the air as to say, ‘what the ?’ Do you know what this guy did?! He laid on his horn and started yelling at us. His parents must be so proud.
Driving used to be a "privilege" with responsibilities. Laws are there but unenforced - when is the last time you saw a cop patrolling the roads/freeways? There are some very good people out there but far too many others that seem to have had a careless upbringing. Their narcissism and general disregard for others has reduced simple living and activities to combat zones. There is no legislation for narcissism.

Driving a vehicle demands your FULL ATTENTION. How would you like to go into surgery and have your surgeon talking on his/her cellular phone? You cannot watch a television show and hold a conversation on the phone and have a full grasp of either. We have become a society of SPOILED SELFISH BRATS!! Go talk to a family that has had someone killed by a cell phone / driving accident. Pull off the road, put your car in park and talk all you want!

Why are the auto insurance companys not pushing the issue of NO MOBILE PHONE USE WHEN DRIVING? Where are our lawmakers in Lansing? Perhaps in the pockets of the mobile phone carriers and the auto makers, whom know run mobile phone use through their vehicles. Let us start contacting our law makers/leaders in Lansing. It took the woman of this country to bring attention to the law makers about drinking and driving (MADD). It seems woman can put life and compassion before profit more then men can.

I don't see why cars can't be built to include jamming while the engine is running and impossible for the jamming device to be deactivated.

It is true that cell phone use by a driver has been helpful at times in arresting suspects or reporting problems on the road. Perhaps jamming devices could be programmed to allow 911 calls.

One thing is certain: the people of the "ME" generations will fight any such limits.

I believe cell phone use and driving should be banned from EVERYONE! Im so sick of when im driving the speed limit and get slowed up by a car that is driving 15 to 20 mph under the recommended speed llimit and when you pass them its because they are on the phone. Cant people do what I do if i get a call i ignore it till i can pull over and check if its an emergency or not. Or I ignore it till i get to where im going and call them back whats so hard about that? This is a major distraction I purposely counted and no car counted twice from my ride From chesterfield to Pickney and one way counted 62 drivers on their cell phone being distracted. Does anyone in car wreckes that are caused by others are their cell phones checked for the last activity on it cause that would be proof they were distracted by the phone. Ive almost been rear ended, cut off, had my front end almost takin off by people not payin attention to their surrondings and using their cell phone. Ive even pulled up to people that are not payin attention to the road at a light and roll down my window and ask them if they thought they could drive better with their cell phones shoved up their A..'s. Im so sick of this. Cant talk while grocery shopping dont you realize it maybe safer than driving? Cant cook while on the cell? if you cant pay attention to that but you can drive sounds ignorant to me. Ban ALL drivers from cell phone use would be the best. Accidents will lower im sure!!!

While I'm all for banning cell phone use while driving, believe me I am, we can't even enforce the laws we have now.
Time for technology to step up.
Force car manufacturers to offer hands free operation.
Stop Internet use and texting on mobile devices while in motion (exception would be using it for GPS).
Nearly all phones now a days have GPS tied to them. This is possible.
We've had the no texting laws in place for how long now? How's that working out?
I drive a big truck, so I can look down into cars, etc. as I pass them.
And you can spot them a mile away...60MPH in the speed lane...then 80...then back to 60... IF they only take up one lane. But the police can't be everywhere.

WE have the ability to put a breathalyzer in folks vehicles (albeit expensive). Why not use the technology already built into phones?
I think police, and the scene of the accident should be able to seize cell phones to record incoming and outgoing data as well.

Our police are taxed enough, they don't have the manpower, but we have the technology to make roads and drivers safer.

Not me! Just this one time! Won't happen to me! I see cars go over the white line and back everyday on 96 texting. It cost money to enforce or change technology so nothing will be done. Banning drinking and driving never stopped it. Wait till it gets slippery this winter!

I think we need stronger penalties for texting and cell phone use while driving if you are impeding the flow of traffic or are involved in an accident. Everyone is right in that our insurance rates are higher in Michigan and there is only so much taxes to be spread around for enforcement. But I see a lot of women putting on lip gloss and mascara, too many people eating a three course meal and then those that are actually reading and driving--I would like to see a way for better enforcement period. Driving a car is a privilege in this State and with the amount of traffic on our roads the driver needs to be focused and not worried about the latest nonsense text or who just posted to their Facebook--most communication in the car can wait--if not, maybe we need to have cell phone and texting pull offs instead of scenic pull offs in this State, at least it would be safer. The media, manufacturers, and life style have accelerated an obsession with this technology that we have never seen the likes of before. There are people that can not function unless they are texting or on their cell phones or checking them constantly to see if someone is connecting with them. That is sad but a reality. It's everywhere-the stores, standing in line, at events, walking....everywhere.

Risky cell phone use by the young in our society ought to certainly be banned while driving, as there are just too many potential distractions, which could ultimately lead to unnecessary accidents. Maturity comes with age and experience, and even adults are prone to poor judgment while using their cells. No one is exempt from distraction. Hands free phones in vehicles are already on the market, and should, in my opinion, be mandated by all who choose to communicate in this manner while driving. Today, all too many drivers are obsessed with talking on their cells, or worse yet, with texting. Drivers need to focus their attention on the road and immediate surroundings, and need not be distracted with cell phone usage. In an emergency situation, they ought to pull off to the shoulder of the road to make any needed emergency arrangements, such as calling on their cell phones and/or texting. Moreover, Police should retain the right to confiscate cell phones discovered in vehicles incurred in accidents or while impeding traffic, to ascertain whether or not cell phone usage was the apparent or potential cause of the incident. Tough and strict penalties should ideally exist to curb such cell phone usage by civilians while driving, although rapidly changing technological advances may complicate this matter, and hinder the process. Everyone should take heed, and avoid danger and possible harm to others. Cell phones should be used wisely only under appropriate situations.

Why is this year old thread suddenly resurrected? Honestly, it is overtaking the 'ticker feed' at every Patch around town and is preventing the local users from seeing if any local relevant topics are being discussed. Can we please close this from further comments so that the valuable part of Patch -- local relevant news items -- can be the feature in the ticker feed, as opposed to further cyber troll ranting?

Sarah, the same claims were made when radios were installed in cars back in the early 30's , and yes, they did cause accidents. What happened?
Technology fixed the problem. Made access to the controls much easier and now no one is complaining about radios in their cars.

My car has a button that looks for and bonds with the cell phone . When a call comes in, the radio does the talking. My eyes never leave the road. I never touch a cell phone. Once all cars have that feature, plus something that allows one to verbally text without looking at the keyboard, all accidents will revert back to being the fault of errant chipmunks and the like. Give technology a chance. Besides, enforcement would be next to impossible.

It isn't just the motor skills involved in making/receiving a call, it is what the brain does when engaged in a conversation. Please review http://www.nsc.org/safety_road/Distracted_Driving/Documents/Dstrct_Drvng_White_Paper_1_2011.pdf for more information.

Sarah Franklin,
Severity of consequence probably is the most viable solutuion. You seem to be going a bit overboard, however. Tougher laws and stiffer penalities need not be as steep as you propose, for the offense in question. Police must be empowered, nevertheless, to act reasonably with respect to serious automobile accidents, and take necessary action in investigative matters when it is believed that cell phone usage may have been the culprit. Safety concerns should take precedence over issues of personal freedom. Our society is by no means stagnant, and changing laws are needed to level the playing field. Only then will justice be served. Our law enforcement officers today must contend with individuals who lack moral standards, and severely poor judgment, not to mention respect for the laws of our state and/or country. We just might gain their attention if there were changes within the legal system, and Police had broader powers within which to operate. Now is the time for change.

John Lang,
Thanks for your wise comment. I agree with you 100%. Hope everybody else
understands the way you see things, according to established legal principles. Maybe they will come to their senses, and cease talking on their cells while driving.

Even the Darwin Awards has room for cell phones. This one is more positive than most.
http://DarwinAwards.com/stupid/stupid2006-05.html

Safe driving ought to be a full-time job, so-to-speak. Too often phone conversations while driving become intense, rendering the driver unable to respond appropriately to his and/or her environment. Accidents often times result from unnecessary distractions, and legal measures need to be taken to prevent dangerous situations from arising. Ensuring public safety is enhanced with the adoption of adequate legal remedies and strict enforcement of the law. Distracted drivers do not belong on our roads. Although law enforcement personnel are already burdened and plagued with other higher priority matters, they must not overlook the importance of basic traffic rules and/or regulations, which endanger those who drive on our public roads. We should not have to resort to "ambulance chasing." However, "hitting one out of the park," by lawyers only magnifies the importance of safe driving. Surely you can see it my way.

Robert Marr, When you can't remember how you got from Point A to Point B, it becomes disturbing not only to yourself, but to others as well. I am not saying that I have not been there before, as I would be lying. What I am saying is that you make a valid and important point regarding distractions during driving. Drifting off or even daydreaming while operating a motor vehicle is all too well known. Most everyone at one time or another is guilty of such "wandering." Adding cell phone usage to the situation creates potential havoc. Our public roads ought to be deemed safe and enjoyable to all. Your point of having to use two hands on the wheel with respect to Fed Ex is a bit unwarranted. Maybe in other situations . . . At any rate, safe driving ought to be the rule, NOT the exception. Conversations, especially casual ones, have no place on our roads.

Sean R., You should realize that some people think they are above the law. They become angry and infuriated over the slightest notion that they must comply with societal rules and/or regulations. Furthermore, they argue that their personal liberties or rights are being infringed upon, anytime they do not get their own way.
Cell phone usage while driving poses a genuine threat to public safety, and claims of infringement on personal freedoms, in my opinion, are absurd. Public safety must take precedence over concerns of person liberty. Laws are necessary, as chaos soon would set in. I may seem to be exaggerating a bit; I just want to get my point across.

Bev,
As you indicated, some (few) people can walk and talk at the same time. Multi-tasking is not uncommon these days. Nevertheless, the majority of people who are unable to do so, with any degree of success, lend themselves to negative consequences.
Driving a motor vehicle while operating a cell phone poses an unacceptable level of danger to other drivers on the road, in my opinion. Fewer dead bodies will be popping up, after strict laws and enforcement of such take place. We, as a society,
should trash illogical arguments of personal freedoms in favor of public safety, when it comes to cell phone usage on our public roads. Only authorized personnel should be exempt from such consideratiions and the rules/regulations in this regards. Those individuals who fail to comply with the law in this respect, only reak havoc on our roads, and have the potential of maiming and/or killing innocent people.
Civil remedies are not enough. We need criminal penalities as well, to nip the problem in the bud.

Bryce, It sounds like you do not like the way society operates with respect to law and order. Your anger is apparent in your very own writing. Perhaps you should better educate yourself about the need for regulation in our society. Maybe then you will be able to see the bigger picture. Cell phones and driving are a dangerous mix. Nobody can dispute that fact, in their right frame of mind.

dk, Your comments reflect the notion that you somehow do not believe in our form of democracy, or at least are critical of our government as it operates today. What you need to realize is the importance of law and order in our society, and the accompanying rules and/or regulations that are vital in regulating it. You obviously do not see the bigger picture. Operating a motor vehicle while carrying on phone conversations is a serious matter involving public safety, and should not be taken lightly. Your remarks were not well received by me.

Wow...lots of opinions here! I think texting while driving is already against the law, and while I agree that there are a lot of people should not be doing ANYthing but driving, I don't want to see a complete ban on cell phone use while driving. My cell phone has a driving mode function. I leave my phone in the visor just above my line of sight, press one button, and all the rest is done by voice commands. I don't see any real difference between talking on a cell phone while driving than there is talking with a passenger...or more of a attention diversion than using a GPS, or fiddling with your My Ford Sync, CD player/changer, dealing with 3arguing siblings in the back seat, eating a hamburger, reaching for your cup of coffee, etc. Ever had your hot McDonald's coffee spill over onto your lap while driving? Now that's a REAL diversion! So, given what I just stated, where do we draw the line on making what you do in your car illegal while driving? Perhaps we should require everyone to where some sort of muzzle so they can't talk to one another, remove all our radios, GPS, forbid drinking a coffee or a Coke, smoking…where do we stop? I hate all this government overregulation. If anything is to be done, make it illegal to be holding a cell phone to your ear while driving and make it mandatory to employ your hand's free speaker phone...which I think EVERY cell phone now has these days.

laplateau, Your cheap shots against me are an indication to me that you somehow feel threatened by my intelligence, not to mention my valuable comments. You claim that I am arrogant and a snob. Moreover, you make reference to President Obama in a negative manner. I only hope that you are not in a position of authority, as our country would suffer the consequences of YOUR arrogance and snobery.
I do not feel your remarks about me are either justified or true. I comment on issues of importance to our society and how we can improve public safety by the implementation of necessary rules/regulations to rid our society of behaviors that are unacceptable and/or harmful. Your failure to recognize such is a matter of your lack of understanding of important issues in our society.

Threatened...oh no Debra....just disappointed and worried there are people like you out there. My God, I see you are drinking a lot of the Obama, extreme left wing, socialist anti-American Kool Aid. And, I never thought your nose-in -the air, self important, conceited inflated ego would ever allow you to think their might ever be anyone with a thought that would be worth considering. "I comment on issues of importance to OUR society"...you would be laughable if you were not so pathetic. You want to "necessary rules/regulations to rid our society of behaviors that are unacceptable and/or harmful." Are you kidding me? You think this issue is something akin to inner city murder rates, Immigration, the drug problem, health care, unemployment, immigration, etc... but no, you choose and describe this as being the ultra societal issue of the day. Come on...cell phones? And...PLEASE...for a change, produce these "scientific" studies of the dangers of cell phone use...please.
The Media
Drugs
Cost of living
Obesity
Health Care
Unemployment
Job Security

I would be happy if those kids would just stay off my lawn.

laplateau, I comment on the issue of cell phones because it is one of the issues at hand in the Patch. Besides, it is an issue that should not be taken lightly. I regret that you are disappointed and worried that there are people like me, and YES, I am a strong supporter of President Obama, just FYI. If you bothered to read the entirety of comments regarding cell phone usage while driving, you would have learned about the "scientific" studies regarding the associated dangers. Such evidence explains how the brain reacts to stimuli such as conversation, and how conversing on the phone may lead to virtual "tunnel vision," rendering individuals incapable of responding appropriately to their environment while driving. In simple terms, phone conversations are distracting and potentially dangerous while driving on our public roads. A link to the exact website is cited in another comment by someone other than myself. It was news to me, as well. I only meant to highlight it's signifigance.

Debra, I think your 20 posts on this thread clearly states your point since you have responded with arguments to evey single person who doesnt share your thoughts or opinions....I bet there are more important things you can move on to in your life now.

When my kids got their licenses, and they were able to drive alone, there were rules. For 6 months they were not permitted to have passengers. They didn't turn on the radio. They called me when they got to where they were going. There was no argument because they understood the reasons why. They were now responsible for their lives and for other people's lives. There are sooooo many things you have to watch for on the road, and they didn't want to hurt someone by taking risks of distraction while they were still inexperienced and learning. My 16 yr old son didn't even argue about driving his girlfriend. Driving is not a "right", it is a privilege, and it carries responsibilities. If my kids could understand that @! 16, I don't get why adults think they have the "right" to put other people at risk, including my kids.

This topic is interesting because of the way it blurs individual responsibility and public protection.

Some people can't walk and chew gum at the same time... but they are not likely to injure others. Driving is a different matter.

While it is difficult to understand, I think we need to accept that some people just can't have a conversation while driving.

Short of an intelligence test, and selectively allowing SOME, but not ALL to talk and drive... perhaps a ban is the only solution.

But at what point do we draw the line on restricting the actions of some because of the limited capabilities of others?

I agree totally that new teen drivers should be absolutely restricted from ANY cell phone usage while driving. This would go along with the other kinds of restrictions already in place with new teen drivers. BUT, for those who advocate banning any usage by adult drivers is going way too far. So many comments here mention that see people drivers with erratic driving practices while talking on their cell phones. But if they propose banning people doing that, then it also would seem appropriate that people would be ticketed if there were any other passengers in the car with them on the chance they would carry on a conversation with them as well. Or, maybe we should ticket people if a cop sees their lips moving since they are probably singing along with a song on the radio and their attentions diverted as much as any other other in-vehicle diversions with entertainment devices, GPS, yelling kids, etc. If there would be any movement towards further cell phone usage restrictions, I can agree with only allowing usage on a hands free speakerphone: no hand held usage at all. Although I am not in complete agreement with further restrictions, I could accept this much since all cell phones now come with hands free features, as well as “driving mode” activation that allows voice activated dialing, etc. . More and more newer vehicles are being equipped Bluetooth syncing as well that is completely hands free.

You have completly missed the point. It has nothing to do with hand free devices or any other issue of what is happening in the vehicle. It is the simple common sense issue about talking or texting WHILE DRIVING! Would you want to go into surgery and have the doctor talking on his mobile phone? Yet the doctor can talk within the surgery to others. Along with RIGHTS comes responsibility!

No---I do NOT miss the point---I miss and totally disagree with YOUR point!! Tell me---if you think I am missing the point, read my post again, then please answer why you think using a phone while driving using a hands free telephone is so different than talking to someone next to you in the passenger seat? And, how would a cop be able to even tell when someone is talking on the phone with a hands free telephone? With My Ford Sync, all one has to do it press a small button on the steering wheel, tell the in-dash technology to "call John"...bingo, the phone is ringing. But, with your illogic, if John was sitting next to me, I wouldn't be distracted at all. To me, you people don't make any sense at all. You, and other people’s comments, are using the same illogical thought process as Obama and other take away-your-rights dunderheads in over-reaching, and unnecessary solutions in regard to gun control. Make more laws that criminals have never, or ever will, obey and punish those who are law abiding individuals. It’s like locks on your door…they only keep honest people out. Same with cell phone usage. Responsible people will use them responsibly.

It's everyones right to talk when they want, just remember, call LEE-FREE!

What on earth does this have to do with President Obama! Please! In my previous post I gave the example of a doctor doing surgery and you still do not get it. It is called common sense. Since you brought up politics, why do you Republican/Tea Party folks have to be against everything if it is not your idea.

To Laplateau: You suck and are incredibly lame! Funny how the people who spout off the most about politics like you do are generally the biggest idiots!

Oh, thanks Bill, for the well thought out response. I did notice, however, there was not an iota of response to my points. Do both you and Duke belong to the same Mensa group? Oh, well, you probably have no idea what I am talking about...I guess I use too many syllables and use a bit logic. Yes, we should never talk about politics or national news and have an opinion. Go back and sit down and catch up on the re-runs of watch Jersey Shore and Dancing With The Stars...so much easier for you and it doesn’t hurt your brain to think.

How do I stop following this thread? I'm getting notifications every time someone responds, and it's filling up my inbox (not to mention dominating the ticker).

Thank you!

"THE CONSTITUTION DOES NOT PROTECT THOSE WHOSE VIEWS WE SHARE; IT ALSO PROTECTS THOSE WITH WHOSE VIEWS WE DISAGREE."
SENATOR EDWARD KENNEDY

To Laplateau: I bet you are ugly to boot!!!!

certainly too ugly to have anyone marry you and reproduce! Any parent (or educated adult) knows that teen drivers are too easily distracted and inexperienced as is.

I don't think people are questioning whether teens should be allowed to talk.

I think the question is whether the general adult population is intelligent enough to talk and drive. It seems that the general consensus on this board is that people are not smart enough... and cannot be trusted to show good judgement.

All that sidebar indicates are "studies show" statements...but no reference to who made the study, their credentials or where it can be found. And that idea that talking to people in the car is less dangerous because the passenger is aware of traffic conditions and apparently becomes a back seat driver. So, does that mean only adults can be passengers, only people, under 80, no children, blind people? I don’t buy it. To paraphrase that guy in Jerry McGuire…show me the study!

Lianne...thanks for the compliment..At least I take it as such because I see how you abhor those who are "insulting". So, being a "knuckle dragger" in your opinion must be a good thing. Thanks again!

Not a compliment, I was thinking a lower form. I realize I might have insulted the knucle draggers, so we'll go with mouth breather.
Happy rear ending!

AW shucks Lianne...stop it please. You are making me blush. Mouth breather...rear ender. Wow, it's such a pleasure to converse like this with such a "lady" as you. Tell me, do you talk like this all the time? Bet you get lots of dates...or if married, what a "lucky" guy he is. By the way, what makes you think I am a guy?? And, why should I think yo are a "lady"?

Would one of you mercy killing moderators please do us all a favor and put this thread out of its misery?

Gender neutral observation. I will admit you're knee jerk reactions to the smallest disagreement land you squarley in the bat s%#! Crazy section.
Please don't follow too close, I do look in my rear view and I will sue if I have to.
Happy rearending.

I guess it really comes down to the political tourette's syndrome that's the end result of all disagreements you seem to have. It's your fall back. Bengazi should surface soon, it's just a matter of time. I'm sure this relates to the subject at hand, somehow???????

Lianne, Where was Obama during the Bengazi incident anyway? On his car cell phone getting distracted? Why is he still on the campaign trail when he has won already?

Pretty soon technology will do the driving for us as well, then no more accidents.

Can the patch please retire this thread, it has gone way off course.....

Lianne...you equation of Bush and the Tillman death is specious at best. You have absolutely no comprehension of the horror of actual armed combat. Tillman was killed by friendly fire, something that thankfully has been rare in the recent conflicts in the Middle East, but was certainly much more common in other of our country’s wars. And, what does that have to do with Bush anyway? He was the Commander in Chief, not the commanders on the ground…not that they could have done anything about it. If you want to comment about Bush and your hatred of him, fine, but please do not in the slightest even hint of Tillman’s death in a political sense. You should be standing erect and saluting at the mention of his name!

Thanks everyone for contributing, we're closing comments on this thread.