BS: Mobile/Cell Phones

Subject: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: DebC
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 03:20 PM

Have to rant a wee bit.

Just now, in a parking lot, I nearly had two separate collisions with two different cars. These occurred within minutes of each other and each driver was talking on their mobile phone.

I own a mobile phone. In fact, I own an iPhone. Mobile have become quite a nice thing to have, especially for myself who travels a lot and needs a way to keep in touch with family when I am not home.

But when I am driving, I cannot take my attention from the road. When I had a regular old phone, I just turned the thing off whilst driving, or in a restaurant, or a concert or any other place where I didn't want the phone bothering me or anyone around me.

The research is now showing that even hands-free is a dangerous situation.

I wrote about dealing with my own mobile phone use in my blog..

Is it time for a national law in the USA?

Debra Cowan

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 03:22 PM

I would use my mobile phone once I had parked and call a report into the police with their car description, license # etc. and I would take a picture if I could. Then I would leave them a note to that effect. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 03:33 PM

Debra, you had had me agreeing right up until the last. We have too many 'national' laws micromanaging our lives, and we're getting more, looks like. why don't we leave common sense sort of things to local communities?

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 03:38 PM

Typically states each set their standards regarding driving regulations. And municipalities micromanage in some of the rules like not driving in certain zones while on the phone, etc.

Driving under the influence, speed limit, etc., they're regulated by state laws.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: DebC
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 04:55 PM

John on the SC...the only example I can think of right now of "micro managing" laws that might affect me are the laws restricting women's access to health care due to the abortion debate. I am sure there are other examples, but I can't think of any at the moment.

Laws keeping us safe on the roads are needed and should be enforced. I have to drive for my work and I see too many people these days who drive way too fast, do not pay attention to their driving and put the rest of us at risk. Turn signals? They are there for a reason...

The research is now showing that talking on a phone, even hands-free is just as dangerous as having the phone in your hand.

I do wish Massachusetts would have made it illegal to drive while talking on a hand-held device.

I just want to be safe on the road, that's all. I drive 55 mph on the highway and I am finding that not only am I getting 40 miles to the gallon, driving slower has made me feel safer and not as fatigued as when I drive 65+ mph.

Just my tuppence.

Debra

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: gnu
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 05:19 PM

I have been opposed to any such law from the start.

But, I have since witnessed a phenomenon which I should have understood would be the case. Fact is, 50% of people are below average intelligence. Many can not even operate a grocery store cart. Any distraction... well, today... a rather large lady in her 20s bumped into me at the grocery store, said "Excuse me." and kept on walking and talking. She came from behind me and bumped me while talking on her cell. She was WALKING... BEHIND me.

Nowadays, I am all for banning cells on the road... and in shops unless they pull over to talk so that people can get by the fat ass ignorant twits.

Sometimes, I just wanna reach out and smack the cell outta their hands... or smack them. No manners, no brains. Agggghhhh.

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Bill D
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 05:35 PM

I recently was almost hit by a woman talking on her phone while trying to turn, beside me in the other lane, out of a side street. She was using one hand to turn and ended up partly in my lane. I only avoided her because I don't trust those situations!

"We have too many 'national' laws micromanaging our lives.."

nonsense! We need as many laws as will cover the important situations. If people engage in dangerous behavior, there needs to be consequences...and not to me! Just having some arbitrary notion of 'too many' doesn't mean we should NOT require folks to wait a few minutes, or pull to the side to talk on the phone! It used to require finding a pay phone, having change, getting out of the car...perhaps in rain or unsafe areas..and trying to talk above traffic noise....and you couldn't receive calls!

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Bill D
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 05:40 PM

(I have a cell/mobile...I will NOT answer it unless stopped or pulled over, and I will not make a call unless I am where I do not have to watch traffic or steer. I used to call my son to tell him I was near when I was picking him up from college, but ONLY after I got off the road about 5 min. from him. It really wasn't a big deal to do that!)

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Greg F.
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 05:48 PM

There ARE laws in the U.S. banning talking on a cell phone while driving.

Problem is, nobody bothers to enforce 'em.

When was the last time you saw a cop pull some cellphone/texting asshole over & write 'em a ticket??

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: DebC
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 05:51 PM

You know Bill, I think you are right that it's probably not about the phone, it's all about manners. I was in a shop in Madison, WI where there was sign on the counter that said "If you are talking on your cell phone we will not help you".

Debra

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Bill D
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 06:20 PM

There are laws in SOME areas about cell phones. Other places are considering them. As of this moment, it is still legal to talk while driving here. Many places are considering 'hands free' phones (bluetooth) etc... which would be better, but still distracting to a driver.

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 07:39 PM

DebC, that's a great sign. It drives me nuts when people treat the clerks like things, warm blooded machines. Like it isn't important to be polite to them.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 01:55 AM

Here we have laws against driving while using mobile phones which get as ignored by some folks as other laws. I decided sometime back that lotsa' folks believe they are god - rules don't apply to them, especially on the roads. Accidents & fatalities have happened due to the inattention of drivers using mobile phones.

Another thing that's been brought up here is the young mothers who wheel their babies/toddlers with phone glued to their ears. Baby is not important. The person who was being interviewed asked them to give their attention to their child, so it knows it's important, & not make calls at the same time.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 02:30 PM

DebC--
Laws are needed at the local level (which could mean the State you live in.) But you asked about a national law. We are way over the limit of national laws beyond what the Founders envisioned, and that's what I'm against.

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Greg F.
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 06:21 PM

We are way over the limit of national laws beyond what the Founders envisioned

I'm not sure what the Founders envisioned, John- did they take automobiles and cell phones into account?

Even if a national law is the most logical and effective way to address the problem?

Why should we continue the nightmare of trying to remember 50 different state statutes on this sort of thing?

This "states rights" bulllshit went down the toilet in 1865, John- it is one country, after all.

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: gnu
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 06:41 PM

I got almost smacked three times today. Veer away and brake. Two were on cells. One musta been late... or was too long at the tavern. And that was in about 15 km of road. Thanks goodness Mum's coconut cream pie was okay. I had it wrapped in a towel on the passenger seat for good measure.

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Slag
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 06:45 PM

Greg F., think again. Under the US Constitution, states rights still exist. Whatever is not covered by the Constitution devolves to the several states. So, though I do agree with your intent, your argument is fallacious and inflammatory.

Given the federal highway system, it would seem to me the DOT has the perfect right to make such regulations. Virtually all DOT regulations have the safety of motorists and their passengers in mind and using a cell phone while operating a vehicle should fall under their purview.

Over the last twenty or so years the "several" states have been striping many roads other than federal highways. By striping, I mean mostly putting a double yellow down the middle as well as shoulder limiters. Why? Because if the states do not follow the "requests" of the DOT, ie, the federal government, the fed will withhold the funds for the upkeep of roads from the state that does not comply. The same could be done for a federal ban on cell phone use while driving. I'm all for it. Sometimes a little coercive pressure is just the thing.

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 07:44 PM

Frankly, I don't see a proper FEDERAL interest in no-cellphone-driving laws.

The long history of laws in this country has left and leaves speed limits in the hands of the several states. Also, whether and where right turn on red may be permissible. And other such traffic matters, such as blood alcohol content to be chargeable with DUI. And of course the police who enforce traffic laws are all local or state, not federal.

How is cellphone driving different in any essential character from what's in the previous paragraph?

I'm all in favor of stringent state laws against cellphoning and/or texting while driving, and in favor of stringent enforcement by state and local police. But this kind of proposal makes no sense at all for the federal government to get into.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Joe_F
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 08:07 PM

Well, you're safe from me. I don't have a car *or* a cellphone.

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 17 Sep 10 - 09:32 PM

Savonarola, come back from the dead, we need you.

Erect the stakes, stack the fagots, torch anyone caught using a cellphone in public.

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: GUEST,Guest - Lin
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 02:23 AM

Today I was trying to walk to a bus stop and this young woman who looked to be in her 20's was walking and talking on her cell phone. Well she almost walked right into me as she was so involved with her cell phone call that she was not even paying attention to where she was walking. I had to quickly move out of her way fast otherwise she would have walked right into me and she didn't even apologize. I have a cell phone myself but hardly use it and have not used the text feature. Yes, it is true, I do not text at all.

We have a cell phone/texting law in my state but it is not enforced at all. I see people all the time talking on a hand held phone or texting while driving and it seems to be getting worse.

My other pet peeve is when I am in a bank line waiting for a teller to help me, I see people all the time who have reached the teller counter and they are still talking on their cell phone even when the teller is trying to help this customer. There are no manners anymore or so few people have manners and just talk on their phones no matter what. I take the bus sometimes and there are passengers aboard the bus who talk really, really loud on their cell calls that everyone around can hear the entire conversation. It's very irritating and there is just no getting away from it. Some passengers keep their voice low but most don't and this is also in restaurants, shops, libraries and church!!!

At one time the librarians used to say something to people using their cell phone inside the library and also signs were posted but now they don't even bother to enforce it anymore.
I can't believe it's come to that now where you cannot even go to the library and avoid it.

Another thing I noticed is that young people in their 20's and 30's ALWAYS HAVE THEIR CELL PHONE IN THEIR HANDS. They may not be using their phone but it is not in their purse, not in their pocket but it is almost like an extension of their hand-----they cannot be without their phone. There are older people like that too of course but most seem to be anywhere from teens, 20's and 30's. They just cannot put their phone away at all.

I saw this one lady who did put her phone in her purse but every few minutes she would take it out and look at it again and again and again for at least 45 minutes.

I have to live with it of course because it is everywhere and people just cannot live without texting or constantly on their cell phone.
I used to be able to ride a bus in peace and read a book or newspaper but just not possible anymore as everyone is on their cell phone and talking loud! I think the worst thing though is the ones who drive and text or holding a hand held phone and driving. It really is dangerous.

Unfortunately even though there is a law now about not doing it, no one pays attention to this law and they continue to drive and text.

Someone posted a message that there is a shop where they live that has a sign posted that they will not help you if you are on your cell or something like that...wow, I have never seen that before but not a bad idea!

Bottom line is is that I just wish people would consider the safety factor about using their cell phone while texting & talking and others had manners when using their phones in public places, such as libraries, on buses, at the bank, church, etc.

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 02:50 AM

I used to know someone who irritated many people by his self-centred behaviour, but at least if he answered his phone in public, he whispered into it & kept his conversations private.

I've heard many allegedly personal mobile phone calls in public places.

One woman was talking about a legal case & gave first, middle & surnames of the people on the other side. I think she was the plaintiff, not one of the legal team, but ...

Another time I eventually worked out that the man filling the silently listening bus with an incomprehensible conversation was planning the music for his wedding.

Sometime back I read an article about the harm people can do to their shoulders & necks by holding telephone receivers on their shoulders, now that small mobile phones are held in the same position, I assume more damage happens.

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Acorn4
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 04:20 AM

Gobbindownmimobile

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 05:25 AM

Is there anywhere that I can buy a mobile phone jammer? Then I could zap the noisy, inconsiderate, stupid bastards with their trivial chatter on the bus, in shops and in other public places!

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 05:36 AM

I can't get my head round why builders (biwders) and the like in the UK need to wear a high visibility jacket and a helmet in order to use a mobile (moboiw) phone

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Greg F.
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 09:17 AM

In seem to remember something in the U.S. Constitution about "promoting the general welfare", no?

A Federal statute, equally applied in all states, to keep me from from being killed by some asshole talking/texting on a cell phone would seem to be in order.

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 01:39 PM

A federal anti-cellphone-driving law would probably be (allegedly) justified by appeal to Congress's jurisdiction of interstate commerce.

Almost anything can be and does get justified as federal jurisdiction by the assertion of "interstate commerce". Want to have a law that a hot dog vendor on wheels should be federally regulated as to the hours worked by the salesman? The sausages of hot dogs are manufactured, sold, and shipped interstate. Voila, federal jurisdiction!   

"Automobiles might travel across state lines; thus there's a claim of interstate commerce! So Congress needs to have a nationwide law against cellphone use while driving!"   If such a law is proposed, depend on it, that claim will be advanced in support of its passage. "Promote the general welfare" is too general and vague for the purpose, but interstate commerce is sure to be claimed.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: EBarnacle
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 01:50 PM

Many states have put cell phone bans on their motor vehicle legislation. It comes under the heading of defining safe operation.

When Lady Hillary and I are driving, the passenger picks up the phone, screens the call and tells or asks [depending upon the circumstances] the driver whether or not the call is important enough to interrupt our drive. If not, the caller gets told that we will call back.

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: romanyman
Date: 18 Sep 10 - 04:13 PM

here in the uk there is already laws in place re mobile phones and driving, sadly very few people take notice of the law, the fines are minimal even if you kill someone whilst using the phone hands free or not.

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 01:54 AM

It's not a legal requirement that one should answer a mobile phone call immediately. In fact it's not a legal requirement that one should answer a mobile phone call at all.

If it rings while you're driving - ignore the f***ing thing, let the call go to voicemail, listen to it once the driving's finished and call the caller back if necessary.

It's not Rocket Science, is it? It's that old-fashioned thing called 'Common Sense'.

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 02:33 AM

there's something about a ringing phone ...

I read a novel many years ago where a couple were very intimately involved in bed when the phone rang & they answered it.

sandra (who doesn't have a mobile phone & often lets the answering machine answer the phone)

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 05:03 AM

Sandra, if my wife and I were intimately involved in bed and the phone rang (and yes, it's happened on a number of occasions!) absolutely the last thing on either of our minds would be to stop what we were doing to have a social chit-chat with our friends and family, or discuss our elctricity and gas supply with a pushy telesales-numpty 'Humanities' or 'Social-Studies' graduate who could only get a crap job in a call-centre. It could ring itself stupid for all we'd care.

The couple in the novel must have been having a particularly unsatisfying shag! :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Greg F.
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 10:37 AM

There is a way not to be be bothered by a ringing cell phone when you're driving (or at the teller's window, or having a conversation, etc. - TURN THE FRACKING THING OFF fer Chrissakes.

Most anti-cell-phone-while-driving laws in the U.S. have a maximum penalty of a $150.00 fine- HELLO??? Penalties should be the same as those for Driving While Intoxicated.

Common Sense? Pretty thin on the ground these days.

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: gnu
Date: 06 Jun 11 - 04:34 PM

I see the WHO has released that cell phones cause tumours. My cousin is having surgery mid month to remove another brain tumour. The first one nearly killed him but he got a chemo from Switzerland that worked well after the doc removed a tangerine sized tumour that "exploded" when he cut into it. I hope mine doesn't come back. Cell phones kill.

On a happier note, the province of New Brunswick, Canada has, as of today, banned cell phone use while driving. I didn't travel far today but I saw red-and-blues flashing a half dozen times. It's far beyond time. Not everyone can chew gum and talk on a cell at the same time.

Oh... my cell is sitting about two feet from me... dead as knit as it has been for four years.

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Bill D
Date: 06 Jun 11 - 04:59 PM

As of last year, there are now signs on major roads entering Maryland which say "No texting or using hand-held phones while driving"

As to safety, I don't use a phone often enough to worry about radiation from it....maybe 15 minutes a month......but the reports are getting scary and I would urge those who DO use them a lot to get Bluetooth or otherwise keep them at recommended distance.

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 06 Jun 11 - 05:24 PM

It has been illegal here in UK for many years to use a mobile phone while driving, but you often see a twit doing so, while steering with one hand. I don't know how they change gear as they only have two hands!

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: DebC
Date: 06 Jun 11 - 05:27 PM

Gnu wrote:
"I see the WHO has released that cell phones cause tumours."

Just want to offer a wee correction and that is that the WHO said that there is a *possible* cancer link to cellphones. Not that we shouldn't pay attention; I always did wonder.

NYTimes Artcle here

Deb

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: gnu
Date: 06 Jun 11 - 05:32 PM

My cous was a trucker... on the cell a lot. Another cous's husband is the top neurosurgeon on the east US coast at NYU and he and his buddy, the top same in California, say they don't need any studies... cell phones kill. Ya need a hands free for driving and nothing near yer head fer tumour free.

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: gnu
Date: 06 Jun 11 - 05:46 PM

DebC... my apologies. My memory is what it used to be. Probably that cell.

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: DebC
Date: 06 Jun 11 - 06:34 PM

No probs, gnu. As for the cell phone, I don't use mine as much as some folks, so I don't worry about it. But never never never never when driving. Even hands-free. I put the iPhone on airplane mode in the car and folks can leave me a voice mail.

I am just not that fond of the cell phone. They are everywhere and I find it sad that places like my gym, or the airport shuttle or even restaurants have to post signs asking folks to not talk on cell phones as it disturbs others.

And I'll be traveling up through New Brunswick at the end of July to go to Lunenburg. Can't take cell calls in Canada anyway. :-)

Deb

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Leadfingers
Date: 06 Jun 11 - 07:08 PM

My Cell Phone is purely for emergencies when out of the house - Or to tell my Old Mom that I am OK when away from home ! And definately NOT when I am at the wheel !!

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 06 Jun 11 - 07:29 PM

it has been illegal here in UK for many years to use a mobile phone while driving, but you often see a twit doing so, while steering with one hand. I don't know how they change gear as they only have two hands

They're just clever dicks, that's what it is.

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 06 Jun 11 - 07:35 PM

I don't use a phone often enough to worry about radiation from it

"Radiation" from mobile phones is not the same as radiation from X-rays or nuclear power or your old telly cathode-ray tube or your smoke alarms. They are all emitting ionising radiation that can smash up your DNA if you let it. Mobile phones and microwave ovens emit non-ionising radiation, an inconvenient fact that the scaremongers usually neglect to apprise you of.

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: gnu
Date: 06 Jun 11 - 07:52 PM

Steve... I hope you didn't sign up for a long term cell plan.

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 06 Jun 11 - 07:59 PM

I did. I can think of at least a dozen unwise things that I do that will far more likely get me first. It's the way I live.

Subject: RE: BS: Mobile/Cell Phones
From: CupOfTea
Date: 07 Jun 11 - 06:51 PM

I've never indulged in bumper stickers, but if I could find one that said "Hang up and DRIVE" I might slather that on the Grace car, though I wonder if the term "hanging up a phone" is too dated for the generation who may never have HAD a phone that you can hang up?

In the days when my friends had cell phones and I didn't, I got freaked out every time they'd call me from a moving car they were driving, worrying about their safety. Now that I've joined the cellphone crowd, I feel guilty using the phone IN the car, even when I'm parked. I still tell 'em if they call while they are driving "call me back when you stop the car, please"

The proliferation of cellphone use among the young seems to have unfortunately coincided with a severe decline in manners and the discarding of social mores that seem common sensical to me. Rudeness rules the day in so many more ways than just cellphone usage in inappropriate places/audiences. Driving while on a cellphone is a good way to show Darwinian principles - I just hoping that the innocent don't get taken along in the crash.

Joanne in Cleveland