Outlaw the use of all electronic devices, while driving
 

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board recommended on Tuesday that states outlaw the use of all electronic devices, while driving, including cellphones with hands-free kits.

Safety agency: Ban all electronics for drivers | Macworld

Yeah Right.... Won't happen

But it should happen.

:iagree:

It is all about being reasonable. I would not take a important business call in traffic but a quick call with the wife is fine. In a quiet stretch on the highway you can talk and drive. I find that adjusting the radio can be distracting as well. Maybe they should stop making cars with sound systems?

I find that having a heated conversation with a passenger can be distracting maybe they should make cars for a single occupant? I remember that having a child crying in the car can also be distracting.

90% of drivers support the NTSB suggestion.

I don't think the federal gov't should be the ones enforcing/dictating this. Should be a state-level decision and enforcement.

I agree in principal. But seriously... "Hows that working?"

Forget driving.

Top 10 Reasons To Bike Instead Of Driving - Bicycles West, Burien, Lynnwood and Tukwila, WA

Thats why its a RECOMMENDATION from the NTSB to all the states. Its not a Federal mandate.

Back at the Draconian Ranch, and trying to look at the situ 'reasonably', (which my being reasonable is a reach), I feel:

Hands free is acceptable for driver, as that isn't going away, in any/most states, imo.

Texting, NAV TV/DVD, laptops on the passenger seat, etc., is the real danger. And, I don't care if the texting/TV watching is by kids, adults, ex-astronauts or stunt drivers...it's BS and, dangerous,imo.

The real prob is enforcing the current code; many states have no text laws, but hard for the traffic cop to peer over the other door sill to see what is going on in the driver's hand...

Again I agree in principal:

However we're dealing with humans who (as you well know) aint buying "obey the law". Being reasonable may be in the eyes of those of us who have lived long enough to know what that means. The rest of the population is in the "decide for themselves mode" and have no intention of discontinuing behavior that is clearly not in the interest of public safety.

Every excuse will be given for not complying. From changing radio stations, to blowing their nose..to I can handle it. The results of that flawed thinking is a serious accident or
as the data has shown dead people.

It's time to get a grip and stop using a cell phone in the car period.

QwkAg,
I agree & hear you, and I agreed with JCL earlier in this thread, as to supporting the rec'd. But, I really doubt banning hands free cell calls will happen in any state.

And, enforcement would be impossible: how would a cop know one isn't just singing along to Simon & Garfunkel, or talking hands free? Even if they could 'anti-gizmo' the phone not to work, what about the passenger(s)? Pull over, turn off car and then talk?

Ain't gonna happen. Same prob with the severe/deadly issue of texting. But, texting is potentially worse/more distracting than staring down the road while gabbing.
None of it is 'good' or helpful to the act of driving, but enforcement and acceptance is really the basic hurdle.
BR, YBFAM

Police across the state combined to write almost 61,000 tickets last month to drivers who were using a hand-held cellphone, texting or for other distracted violations.
This is up from the 52,000 tickets issued in the April 2011 crackdown and more than double the usual monthly amount. Keep up the good work officers.........:thumb up:

Average ticket price for using a cell phone $286.00

Outlaw radios in cars!!!!!

When the Car Radio Was Introduced, People Freaked Out - Mental Floss

In 1930, laws were proposed in Massachusetts and St. Louis to ban radios while driving. According to automotive historian Michael Lamm, “Opponents of car radios argued that they distracted drivers and caused accidents, that tuning them took a driver’s attention away from the road, and that music could lull a driver to sleep.”

Read the full text here: When the Car Radio Was Introduced, People Freaked Out - Mental Floss
--brought to you by mental_floss!

:rolleyes:

I guess with a state as broke as ours I'm not surprised