US proposes cellphone ban for truck drivers

[quote name='javeryh']I think they should ban cell phone use while driving - it is dangerous as hell (it is illegal in NJ at least). So is texting. Hands free should be OK though - I think the dialing is the hardest part. Some day there will be phones built into every car that are voice activated and things will be a lot safer.[/QUOTE]

That's what Knoell and many of us have a problem with. It's not the phone itself that's dangerous. It's the conversation that's distracting. If I remember correctly, it's even more dangerous to have a conversation with someone that's inside your car.

Ban cellphones period if you're going to ban bringing it up to your head.
 
[quote name='2DMention']They already have CBs.

I think we should make CBs standard in all cars so we can bitch out nearby shitty drivers.[/QUOTE]

Right, but anyone can listen in on that. Say Carl found some good squish, if he broadcasts that, the lady will likely get arrested. However, if he can just call his buddy Bill while he's on the road, then Bill knows what's up and the cops are none the wiser. Win - Win.
 
[quote name='depascal22']That's what Knoell and many of us have a problem with. It's not the phone itself that's dangerous. It's the conversation that's distracting. If I remember correctly, it's even more dangerous to have a conversation with someone that's inside your car.

Ban cellphones period if you're going to ban bringing it up to your head.[/QUOTE]

Really? Just the conversation itself? Maybe but I've never ever been distracted to the point that I'm not paying attention to the road and the other cars around me by just talking with someone - I have missed an exit or a turn because of a conversation though so maybe there is something to it.

I don't know - when I get in the car my primary concern is getting from point A to point B safely. I find that talking on a phone while holding it to my ear is distracting but just talking in general whether to someone in the car or via hands free is not distracting at all but I guess everyone is different...
 
[quote name='javeryh']Really? Just the conversation itself? Maybe but I've never ever been distracted to the point that I'm not paying attention to the road and the other cars around me by just talking with someone - I have missed an exit or a turn because of a conversation though so maybe there is something to it.

I don't know - when I get in the car my primary concern is getting from point A to point B safely. I find that talking on a phone while holding it to my ear is distracting but just talking in general whether to someone in the car or via hands free is not distracting at all but I guess everyone is different...[/QUOTE]

I think people would be surprised if they could take these distraction tests and see how much talking does affect their driving. I bet it would be similar to drinking and driving where some can handle it better than others.
 
[quote name='cindersphere']I think people would be surprised if they could take these distraction tests and see how much talking does affect their driving. I bet it would be similar to drinking and driving where some can handle it better than others.[/QUOTE]

That would be interesting to see and I bet there is something to it.

I suppose singing along to the radio or whatever would be equally dangerous or even just listening to talk radio too. Ban it all I say!!! Ban ban ban!!!
 
Lots of things are distracting while driving. Radios, GPS, even vanity mirrors on the underside of your visor.

Gov't is setting a dangerous precedent here: We're outlawing a distracting activity to save lives and for safety. What is going to be outlawed next?

The way I see it, fuck those lives. I like my GPS, I like that mirror, I like my cell phone. I use these things (not the mirror so much, lol) all the time and have never been in an accident. You can't make something illegal just because it is dangerous. You have to balance the freedom that is being taken away against the benefit of allowing it.

To repeat, I have no problem with outlawing texting or other TYPES of cell phone use that is particularly distracting, but to outlaw ALL celly use is ridiculous.

Nobody ever thinks of the lives that may be saved by those types of phone calls made from cell phones while driving "There is a killer in the basement, run!" or "There is a bomb in bathroom, evacuate the school!" If that person isn't allowed to make these calls from thier car, lives could be lost!
 
[quote name='javeryh']Really? Just the conversation itself? Maybe but I've never ever been distracted to the point that I'm not paying attention to the road and the other cars around me by just talking with someone - I have missed an exit or a turn because of a conversation though so maybe there is something to it.

I don't know - when I get in the car my primary concern is getting from point A to point B safely. I find that talking on a phone while holding it to my ear is distracting but just talking in general whether to someone in the car or via hands free is not distracting at all but I guess everyone is different...[/QUOTE]

I'm with you but many people can't reliably do two things at once. That includes talking to another person, yelling at the kids, messing with the radio, putting on mascara, or any of the crazy things that people do while in motion.
 
[quote name='pittpizza']Lots of things are distracting while driving. Radios, GPS, even vanity mirrors on the underside of your visor.

Gov't is setting a dangerous precedent here: We're outlawing a distracting activity to save lives and for safety. What is going to be outlawed next?

The way I see it, fuck those lives. I like my GPS, I like that mirror, I like my cell phone. I use these things (not the mirror so much, lol) all the time and have never been in an accident. You can't make something illegal just because it is dangerous. You have to balance the freedom that is being taken away against the benefit of allowing it.

To repeat, I have no problem with outlawing texting or other TYPES of cell phone use that is particularly distracting, but to outlaw ALL celly use is ridiculous.

Nobody ever thinks of the lives that may be saved by those types of phone calls made from cell phones while driving "There is a killer in the basement, run!" or "There is a bomb in bathroom, evacuate the school!" If that person isn't allowed to make these calls from thier car, lives could be lost![/QUOTE]

While we're at it we should abolish speed limits. Same principles apply, it might be dangerous but some people can do it safely.
 
[quote name='pittpizza']Lots of things are distracting while driving. Radios, GPS, even vanity mirrors on the underside of your visor.

Gov't is setting a dangerous precedent here: We're outlawing a distracting activity to save lives and for safety. What is going to be outlawed next?

The way I see it, fuck those lives. I like my GPS, I like that mirror, I like my cell phone. I use these things (not the mirror so much, lol) all the time and have never been in an accident. You can't make something illegal just because it is dangerous. You have to balance the freedom that is being taken away against the benefit of allowing it.

To repeat, I have no problem with outlawing texting or other TYPES of cell phone use that is particularly distracting, but to outlaw ALL celly use is ridiculous.

Nobody ever thinks of the lives that may be saved by those types of phone calls made from cell phones while driving "There is a killer in the basement, run!" or "There is a bomb in bathroom, evacuate the school!" If that person isn't allowed to make these calls from thier car, lives could be lost![/QUOTE]

And this dumbass is a lawyer. Too many fucking idiots in this country.
 
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I was listening to NPR recently and they were discussing why even using a wireless headset or other device doesn't make driving and talking on the phone any safer. They talked about the difference between talking on a hands-free device versus talking to someone in the car. The person involved in the research said that they found the difference to be that with someone in else in the car, it gives you a second pair of eyes on the road, which means that even if you're distracted, they may be watching the road. You can't get that with someone on the phone. If you're distracted, no one is going to scream "STOP!!!" when you don't notice the car ahead has stopped.

They were basically saying that there is no real way to make talking on the phone and driving safer. It isn't about holding the phone, it's about being distracted, and hands free devices don't solve that problem.
 
[quote name='Knoell']Nice try but your example doesn't compare.

How can you not see that if I temporarily accept one's logic, I can critique it effectively. How is it outrageous to say I don't want to ban cell phones while driving, but if you really think it is too dangerous and you are going to push a law through, then ban CELL PHONES while driving.[/QUOTE]

Because it's bad logic unless banning only handheld cell phones actually makes the problem worse. If it improves the situation then the legislation is doing what it needs to do, is it not? How are you critiquing the logic by saying they must go farther to improve it further?

I'd rather they ban headsets as well, but if this helps then what's the problem with the logic? What if this legislation is easier to pass?
 
[quote name='SpazX']Because it's bad logic unless banning only handheld cell phones actually makes the problem worse. If it improves the situation then the legislation is doing what it needs to do, is it not? How are you critiquing the logic by saying they must go farther to improve it further?

I'd rather they ban headsets as well, but if this helps then what's the problem with the logic? What if this legislation is easier to pass?[/QUOTE]

Cell phone use in a car is dangerous, so is eating, putting on makeup, looking in the backseat, looking at yourself in the mirror, gpsing, etc etc etc. I do not think we should ban having a conversation with someone over the phone because it is dangerous. All of those things are dangerous yet we leave it to the police to police them. Why are cell phones different? Because police can ticket them more easily?

If you still believe that cell phones are too dangerous to allow in cars, and you are going to go over my head and ban them, then don't you think they should ban all them? Especially when there is conclusive evidence pointing towards the conversation being the main distractor? You already anwsered that, but I just am not understanding how you think I can't point that out, even if I think they shouldn't be banned at all.

It is simple really. I don't think the benefit of a ban outweighs the negatives, but if there is a ban I think the law should live by the logic that created it.

You are right this legislation was easier to pass, at least in new york, but it neutered the law. Everyone who doesnt just use their phone to their ear has a headset, and a select few refuse to use them while driving. Alot of those select few, didn't use them while driving before the ban. Right now in new york millions of drivers use cell phones while looking over their shoulder for a cop. This is also why I don't agree with the ban, it just doesn't work as a deterrent. Noone listens to the ban.
 
[quote name='RedvsBlue']While we're at it we should abolish speed limits. Same principles apply, it might be dangerous but some people can do it safely.[/QUOTE]

They've done it in Germany. Parts of western Canada, Alberta and BC specifically have done it on some stretches of their roads.

In these places, they've decided that the increased danger is worth the benefit of having no speed limits.

Sooo, obviously a balance needs to be struck. Me, I'd like some places with no speed limits if the roads and vehicles can take it. I also like to be able to talk on my celly in my car.

How many people do it? From those that I know, I'd guess the majority do.

@ Knoell, you're absolutely right about deterrence not working. It only works when there is an immediate threat of enforcement. I wonder if blue tooth and other hands free device companies are lobbying for this law, even if there is evidence that it really doesn't make us much safer.
 
Do keep in mind the number of drivers in some parts of the country versus a place like Germany. What do you think the traffic density is like on the autobahn vs. a given stretch of interstate in the U.S.?
 
[quote name='pittpizza']
@ Knoell, you're absolutely right about deterrence not working. It only works when there is an immediate threat of enforcement. I wonder if blue tooth and other hands free device companies are lobbying for this law, even if there is evidence that it really doesn't make us much safer.[/QUOTE]

I am sure they are, think of the number of headsets sold, and they are definately interested in people relying and being connected to their service 24/7.
 
[quote name='Clak']Do keep in mind the number of drivers in some parts of the country versus a place like Germany. What do you think the traffic density is like on the autobahn vs. a given stretch of interstate in the U.S.?[/QUOTE]

When I was in Germany and I asked someone about driving on the autobahn they told me that the police/ambulance doesn't rush to the scene of an accident because the assumption is you are dead. LOL!
 
Well here's the difference between GPS, the radio and cellphones. Cellphones are more interactive or rather active. You're conducting a two way conversation, going back and forth, engaging yourself in it. Radio you mostly turn it on and forget it. The same goes for a GPS, except when it mentions that you have to turn left in 5 miles or whatever.
As far as I'm concerned they shouldn't ban the cellphone's while driving, just jack it up to draconian fines. Make it so it's so expensive that it's not worth it.
Granted the other choice, the one I'd PREFER, is to just place those idiots on cell phones on a separate road where they can all kill themselves by their inattention. That way they win the Darwin Awards they so richly deserve and innocents don't have to be killed in their quest for one. At least when idiots text on the streets, chances are they just kill themselves, winning themselves their minor Darwin award.
As you can see I really wish people had the common sense just to not use them....period.
 
[quote name='javeryh']When I was in Germany and I asked someone about driving on the autobahn they told me that the police/ambulance doesn't rush to the scene of an accident because the assumption is you are dead. LOL![/QUOTE]
Probably a safe assumption. There are speed limits even on the autobahn anyway.
 
Wikipedia says "About one quarter of the total length of the German autobahn network has no speed limit, about one quarter has a permanent limit, and the remaining parts have a temporary limit for a number of reasons."

and...

"A 2005 study by the German Federal Interior Ministry (Bundesministerium des Innern) indicated that Autobahn sections with unrestricted speed have the same crash record as sections with speed limits."

So I guess it is a false assumption that going super fast is more dangerous. It reminds me of a similar possibly false assumption.
 
I'll give you the chance to read what you posted and tell me if you can see what it leaves out.
 
[quote name='Dead of Knight']It should be banned for everyone. Almost every fucking time I see someone do something stupid on the road, they're using a cell phone. It should be treated like a DUI.[/QUOTE]

100% agree. If you want to be a dumbass and drive while talking on your phone, do it on your own property. Don't endanger the rest of us because you're a dumb fuck.
 
I'll be honest and tell you that the first time I drove on a crowded road and answered my cellphone..that I ended up concentrating on the conversation rather than the road. No, I didn't get into a accident, but I realized I couldn't do both and made it a point not to talk on the cellphone/bluetooth/hands free when I'm driving.

Not only do I agree that truck drivers should be banneded using cellphones, but the annoying person sitting next to you in the passenger seat too!


Driving on the autobahn
 
Yeah I bet it was sick. I'd love to go there, rent a BMW and just open it up. It'd be nice to have some places close to here without speed limits. I think I read there might be some places in Kansas and Montana.

One place I know they could do it for sure is Alligator Alley in S. Florida. Theres a highway that cuts right across the everglades. Flat and straight as can be.

CLak if you're reffering to me leaving out the reasons the autobahn has a limit, it went on to say that it was because of traffic and construction and things like that.

My point hasn't been that every road shouldn't have a speed limit. I only used it as an example of some people who have decided to keep a dangerous thing legal because they like the freedom to do so.
 
[quote name='Dead of Knight']Probably he just thinks he's a good driver. Like all the other bad drivers.[/QUOTE]

Oh, it has nothing to do with driving. 2DMention is probably the dumbest, most illogical person I've ever encountered on the Internet, and I needed to point that out.
 
[quote name='whitecastle']I'll be honest and tell you that the first time I drove on a crowded road and answered my cellphone..that I ended up concentrating on the conversation rather than the road. No, I didn't get into a accident, but I realized I couldn't do both and made it a point not to talk on the cellphone/bluetooth/hands free when I'm driving.
ort.[/QUOTE]

I'm still able to concentrate myself. I'd never dial or text while driving etc., but I don't find talking on the phone any different than talking to a passenger. I'm still focused on the road first. But I won't do either if I'm in crazy traffic and needing to make lane changes etc.

I'm ok with handsfree laws though. I don't often use my bluetooth headset (only if I'm on the phone when I get in the car) as I drive one handed anyway 99% of the time. But it's probably safer since you can get your other hand on the wheel if needed easier/faster if you're not holding a phone.
 
A ban would be silly, regardless of ho's...

If distracted driving is really what they're trying to get after, then doing anything in your car while it's moving should be illegal. Opening a soda can make you spill, eating a taco, swatting at a bee, lighting a smoke, changing CDs, getting a blowjob, etc... All dangerous, can cause accidents, but should just be an assumed risk of operating a motor vehicle on US roads.
 
[quote name='pittpizza']
One place I know they could do it for sure is Alligator Alley in S. Florida. Theres a highway that cuts right across the everglades. Flat and straight as can be.[/QUOTE]

Really not a smart idea. If something happens out there, you are boned.
 
[quote name='nasum']A ban would be silly, regardless of ho's...

If distracted driving is really what they're trying to get after, then doing anything in your car while it's moving should be illegal. Opening a soda can make you spill, eating a taco, swatting at a bee, lighting a smoke, changing CDs, getting a blowjob, etc... All dangerous, can cause accidents, but should just be an assumed risk of operating a motor vehicle on US roads.[/QUOTE]

I agree, they are assumed risks, and if someone is driving erratically we let the police handle it.

If you open a soda, and spill it, you can very easily (trust me people do) sideswipe the car next to you or go off the road.

What is the difference between a cop pulling you over for swerving when a pop spilled on you, or you swerving because you were talking on your phone? Both swerves are fairly dangerous, yet one we let the cops police, and the other we let the cops make preemptive stops.

Also if you are going to claim a phone conversation distracts you longer, then feel free to use anything else such as gpsing, reaching in the backseat, changing a song on your ipod, etc.
 
[quote name='Knoell']I agree, they are assumed risks, and if someone is driving erratically we let the police handle it.

If you open a soda, and spill it, you can very easily (trust me people do) sideswipe the car next to you or go off the road.

What is the difference between a cop pulling you over for swerving when a pop spilled on you, or you swerving because you were talking on your phone? Both swerves are fairly dangerous, yet one we let the cops police, and the other we let the cops make preemptive stops.

Also if you are going to claim a phone conversation distracts you longer, then feel free to use anything else such as gpsing, reaching in the backseat, changing a song on your ipod, etc.[/QUOTE]

Exactly my point.
 
I think I can agree with you guys halfway - no texting, no truck drivers with cellphones, but with a headset you should be ok. With all these new technologies, we have become better at multitasking.

My opinion is coming from driving literally 20 miles in a straight line without merging, lane changing, sharp turns, or anything. If you get into an accident while talking in those circumstances, you truly are retarded.

So, to summarize, these should be illegal

holding the phone to your head
texting
Pro truckers
Soccer moms in SUVs

Scratch that - anybody who drives an SUV shouldn't be allowed to use a cell phone while driving. They've already proven they can't drive because they need all that metal around them to be safe and need 4 wheel drive in the winter.
 
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