No Cell Phones For Teenage Drivers?

[Marc]

According to this article from an AOL news site, the NTSB
want to prohibit teen drivers from using cell phones while driving.
This is a moronic idea on the part of those bureaucrats.
People of all ages cause accidents while talking handheld.................................................................


Feds Want Cell Phone Ban for Teen Drivers
By LESLIE MILLER, AP

WASHINGTON (Sept. 21) - New drivers have enough things to worry about without adding cell phones and other wireless devices to the mix, federal safety regulators say. They want all states to make it illegal for teenagers and other novice drivers to jabber on phones.

The National Transportation Safety Board on Tuesday voted to add to its annual list of "Most Wanted Safety Recommendations to States" a ban on novice drivers using any wireless communication devices.

"Learning how to drive while distracted is definitely a recipe for disaster," said the safety board's acting chairman, Mark Rosenker.

The NTSB only has the power to make recommendations, but its staff and board members personally lobby - often with success - for changes the board considers most important.

"It does make a difference," said Judie Stone, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, which supports the ban.

Already, 11 states and the District of Columbia restrict cell phone use among novice drivers, and some ban hand-held cell phones completely, according to the safety board. The states with restrictions on wireless communication while driving are Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee and Texas.

Many states are reluctant to completely forbid drivers from using cell phones, but are willing to restrict their use among new drivers, said Jonathan Adkins, spokesman for the Governors Highway Safety Association, which supports the recommendation.

"It's a good compromise for legislators who want to do something about the issue," said Adkins. "People get in these big heavy conversations and they're not focused on their driving."

Adkins applauded the NTSB's decision to focus on new drivers, rather than just teenage drivers.

"It's an issue of experience with driving, not the issue of maturity," he said.

Teenagers, though, comprise the vast majority of new drivers, and automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers. They account for 14.3 percent of accidents but only 6.4 percent of the driving population, according to the NTSB.

The safety board also added to its "Most Wanted" list:

Improve protection of children in vehicles.

Pass primary seatbelt laws.

Promote youth highway safety.

Eliminate hard core drinking and driving.

Improve grade crossing safety.

Improve recreational boating safety.


aolsvc.news.aol.com/news/article.adp?id=20050920194909990008&ncid=NWS00010000000001

[kobalt]

I agree - how about we all stay off the phone while driving? Most people seem to have trouble with driving by itself, not to mention when multitasking.

[BuccaneersFan]

That is so ridiculous, like only teenagers talking on cell phones cause accidents. From my experience women, of all ages, are the most likely group to be talking on a cell phone while driving. Really I think talking on a cell phone while driving should be banned nation wide.

[scottydl]

It's headed that direction, don't worry. Illinois just enacted a law prohibiting 16-17 year olds from using a handheld cell phone while driving. It's already illegal for school bus drivers. I've seen a reliable study (I wish I remembered the source ) that clearly explains how cell phone usage, among other sensory distractions, seriously affects reaction time and can easily raises the risk of a vehicle crash. And anyone in the insurance industry will tell you that teens are the #1 demographic of those responsible for crashes, so it seems like a logical place to start the ban. Just my 2.5 cents...

[stevensolds]

Its illegal in new jersey too. I dont talk on the phone anyway, I only really accept calls so it doesnt matter.

[auroralover]

I think talking on a cell should be banned while driving period. I cant get over how many people have to talk on the phone while driving. Most people are not in their cars for over 30 minutes at the most, I would say. What is so important that it can't wait a half hour? Maybe insurance rates would go down in the future if this is enacted.
P.S. Does it also aggravate anybody in a restaurant when someones cell goes off and they insist on talking loudly? Turn it off while you eat!
Sorry, but I think people that do this want to make themselves seem more important than they are, in some cases

[Custom88]

well, I'm management where I work and I have to leave my cellphone on at all times so that if another manager needs to ask a question or an employee needs something, I have to be able to respond to them. I must be available and able to take phone calls all day. There have been times where a customer got hurt, or they needed help asap. For times like this half an hour can be the difference between losing your job, and keeping it (or getting sued). I have been guilty of talking while driving but only when necessary. I always leave my cellphone on, but it's on vibrate so it doesn't bother anyone else. I agree, if it does ring in a restaurant, step outside!

[betonthis1]

well i talk on my phone while driving but unlike most people, i can multi-task. but i always see the 50 year old women driving on the freeway talking on her phone going 35 miles per hour. that pisses me off. i know there are a few of us that can actually drive and talk at the same time and not affect their driving but majority of people cant.

there was an actual study on this and i cant remember which show did this but it was based on talking on the cell phone as opposed to talking to a passanger in the car and they both were equal in slowing down response time.

[oldsauroraman1]

auroralover said:

I think talking on a cell should be banned while driving period. I cant get over how many people have to talk on the phone while driving. Most people are not in their cars for over 30 minutes at the most, I would say. What is so important that it can't wait a half hour? Maybe insurance rates would go down in the future if this is enacted.
P.S. Does it also aggravate anybody in a restaurant when someones cell goes off and they insist on talking loudly? Turn it off while you eat!
Sorry, but I think people that do this want to make themselves seem more important than they are, in some cases

Bingo! Cells should be banned for driving - excluding hands free. In the restaurant, its just common decency to shut that thing off.

[20inchaurora]

over here in CT, starting october first, we're required to go hands free while driving.....doesnt make much sense to me considering the real distraction is from the content of conversation, not the action of holding the phone!

[scottydl]

20inchaurora said:

over here in CT, starting october first, we're required to go hands free while driving.....doesnt make much sense to me considering the real distraction is from the content of conversation, not the action of holding the phone!

I can understand it somewhat... if you're holding a phone and talking on it, two senses are being occupied (hearing and touch) and one hand is not able to immediately respond if needed. With hands-free, you might still be distracted with the conversation, but at least both hands are available.

betonthis1 said:

well i talk on my phone while driving but unlike most people, i can multi-task.

This is actually the most dangerous perspective to have. If you think you're doing fine, then your brain is less likely to anticipate a possible crash and react as quickly as possible. The important thing is not whether you can talk on a cell phone and drive in a straight line on an average day (which I'm sure you can do better than that lady you mentioned ), but whether your brain/body will be able to immediately respond in a sudden crisis situation if needed.

[Letitroll98]

beonthis1 brought up a great point about normal conversation with a passenger being just as distracting as cell phone usage. Should we ban this as well? I completely agree that hands free must be manditory, at least have two hands on the wheel and eyes looking at traffic. Half of the problem is with people holding a phone to their ear or looking to dial a number. My phone is hands free with voice dialing, as all phones used in cars should be.

However I don't think we as a society are at the point where we want to ban music in cars or talking between passengers and drivers. I don't see how we can't include hands free cell use in the above conditions, no matter how much we agree they are distracting.

[betonthis1]

i personally dont drive with both hands on the wheel. but thats a comfort thing. i for one dont have conversations on my phone. i usually do the, "What do you want to eat?", or "Need something before I come home?". I talk on the phone for a living so anything outside of work, I don't.

[scottydl]

letitroll98 said:

beonthis1 brought up a great point about normal conversation with a passenger being just as distracting as cell phone usage. Should we ban this as well? I completely agree that hands free must be manditory, at least have two hands on the wheel and eyes looking at traffic. Half of the problem is with people holding a phone to their ear or looking to dial a number. My phone is hands free with voice dialing, as all phones used in cars should be.

However I don't think we as a society are at the point where we want to ban music in cars or talking between passengers and drivers. I don't see how we can't include hands free cell use in the above conditions, no matter how much we agree they are distracting.

I agree with all of those points... but there's no realistic way to ban music or talking to a passenger while driving. That being said, if your a teen driver and a post-crash investigation can reliably prove that you were distracted (due to a passenger conversation or music) and caused the accident, any insurance company will be glad to show you at fault. You just may not get a ticket from the police, as you might with a cell phone.

[Letitroll98]

I really hate loud booming car stereos. They are very distracting to the drivers and those around them and I'm certain they contribute to accidents. They are also illegal, violating the noise and nusance ordinances of almost every city and township. Yet I've never seen a cop writing a ticket or towing a car with these installations.

While I completely agree about cell use being distacting, and I would like to see all the distracted drivers using them off the road, I can't get past the fact that it's just the latest hot button of societal control by the intrusive do gooders. Go save a baby seal somewhere far away, like Canada.

Perhaps your idea about insurance liability would be the best. If you're in or cause and accident while on a cell, it's your fault automaticaly, no matter what other conditions. The phone records could be pulled for indisputable evidence. I dunno, it's just that I don't want another reason for cops to look in my car. Don't they have enough to do? Use hands free, it's a no brainer.

[BuccaneersFan]

Today I was driving down a road were the speed limit was 55mph. To make it worse the average speed people drive on this road is like 60-65mph. I come up behind this freakin idiot on his cell phone going 40mph. I got right behind him and held down my horn, gave him the one finger solute, and then got over and passed him. If I had a crappy old truck or something similar, I would be very tempted to just ram into people like that. ;D

[oldsauroraman1]

That would have really helped the problem.

They need to outlaw those things - handheld - while driving. People talking on cell phones while driving are as bad or worse than drunks.

[betonthis1]

letitroll98 said:

I really hate loud booming car stereos. They are very distracting to the drivers and those around them and I'm certain they contribute to accidents. They are also illegal, violating the noise and nusance ordinances of almost every city and township. Yet I've never seen a cop writing a ticket or towing a car with these installations.

Well I am one of those people. But I tend to respect people right next to me at a light or whatnot. especially when i see older people or kids i turn my music down. i know people that have received tickets for loud systems but you will not see a person get their car towed for that.

its like when you buy a home theater system. you dont get small speakers and play it quietly. you get the best. thats how we feel with the sound in our cars. you want your car to be your own personal night club or concert.

[stevensolds]

yup agree with betonthis1 on that one. I like to have a great sounding stereo, and i LOVE to crank it up. I am having my Alpine Type-R 1000-watt sub system put in tuesday too. cant wait to hear it kick. I might even have another 12" added at one point depending on how much bass i get with this.

btw was someone saying here music should be baned in cars or something along those lines? LOL!

also bucsfan you should always be armed with this tool at all times:

Countless times that sucker has been used at people driving 50mph on the highway on the phone. Even i can multitask and still go 70mph perfectly fine.

[Letitroll98]

betonthis1 said:

Well I am one of those people. But I tend to respect people right next to me at a light or whatnot. especially when i see older people or kids i turn my music down. i know people that have received tickets for loud systems but you will not see a person get their car towed for that.

its like when you buy a home theater system. you dont get small speakers and play it quietly. you get the best. thats how we feel with the sound in our cars. you want your car to be your own personal night club or concert.

Well, no it's not. I'm an absolute stereo nut with a complete home theater and a seperate system for audio that would knock your socks off. And I love great sound in car audio as well. None of it has anything to do with high SPLs generated by the boom boxes in urban warrior cars. High quality sound does not mean loud, overblown, indistinct, out of purportion bass. The sole purpose of those systems is to say, "Hey, look at me, I make a lot of noise so pay attention." It has nothing whatsoever to do with high quality audio, even loud high quality audio.

But thanks for understanding and turning down your sound when next to other cars. When not bothering others, hey, be as loud as you want, it's your car and your hearing.

Steven, no, I was saying how stupid it would be to ban music in cars, talking to others in cars, or talking on hands free cells in cars.

[oldsauroraman1]

letitroll98 said:

I really hate loud booming car stereos. They are very distracting to the drivers and those around them and I'm certain they contribute to accidents. They are also illegal, violating the noise and nusance ordinances of almost every city and township. Yet I've never seen a cop writing a ticket or towing a car with these installations.

While I completely agree about cell use being distacting, and I would like to see all the distracted drivers using them off the road, I can't get past the fact that it's just the latest hot button of societal control by the intrusive do gooders. Go save a baby seal somewhere far away, like Canada.

Perhaps your idea about insurance liability would be the best. If you're in or cause and accident while on a cell, it's your fault automaticaly, no matter what other conditions. The phone records could be pulled for indisputable evidence. I dunno, it's just that I don't want another reason for cops to look in my car. Don't they have enough to do? Use hands free, it's a no brainer.

Mega Dittos.