Cell Phone Automotive Usage Thoughts?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of a new law in Washington that makes cell phone usage while driving a primary offense. Participants express their opinions on the effectiveness of this law, the dangers of distracted driving, and the role of hands-free devices in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses gratitude for the new law, suggesting it is necessary to improve road safety by reducing distracted driving.
  • Another participant shares concerns about the driving behavior of others, indicating that even with hands-free devices, they expect insurance rates to rise due to accidents caused by distracted drivers.
  • A participant argues for a complete ban on Bluetooth and hands-free devices, suggesting that such measures would be more effective, although they acknowledge that telecommunications companies would likely oppose such legislation.
  • There is skepticism about the influence of cell phone companies on driving laws, with one participant questioning the lack of advocacy from these companies for safer driving practices.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus. There are differing opinions on the effectiveness of the new law, the necessity of banning hands-free devices, and the role of cell phone companies in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express assumptions about the behavior of drivers and the potential impact of laws on driving safety, but these assumptions are not universally accepted or substantiated within the discussion.

Char. Limit
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http://www.wrcbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=12166928
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9ED5BI00.htm
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100313/NEWS01/703139877&news01ad=1
http://www.kimatv.com/news/local/87601672.html
http://blogs.zdnet.com/cell-phones/?p=3263

I think the title speaks for itself here... There is a new law that's been passed by the House in Washington (the good Washington). It makes cell phone usage a primary offense. As a present and future Washington resident, I am currently thanking God for this. We need to get these people off the roads. However, these are just my $0.02. I want 50 people's opinions, so I can go buy a candy bar with $1.00 of thoughts.
 
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I drive a very winding road on the way home. 1/3rd of the yahoos can't control their trajectory in a manner that keeps me from hugging the shoulder on an inside turn in anticipation of their ineptitude. 1/3rd are incapable of taking my half of the road in their persusit to get from where they are to where they want to be. Give them all hands-free cell phones and I expect my insurance rates to increase dramatically.

My next vehicle will be a snow plow, 10 feet wide, which I shall drive through the sleet free streets of sunny southern California.
 
Well, I'd personally prefer that Bluetooth and hands-free be banned as well, but I know that Verizon and TMobile and the like would never let such a bill pass, so why bother?

It's even worse if you commonly (twice daily) drive in the vicinity (to or from) a high school. It has to be at least 80%...
 
Char. Limit said:
Well, I'd personally prefer that Bluetooth and hands-free be banned as well, but I know that Verizon and TMobile and the like would never let such a bill pass, so why bother?

What? Why would they care?

I've never heard any real push from cell phone companies to keep driving on the cell phone legal, and I don't see why they would start pushing to ensure hands free is legal. It's not like people are going to stop using cell phones (it's not like they stopped using them in the car just because it's illegal either)