Ban Cell Phones while Driving in Texas?

[Jay Henley]

I know we do not have a cell phone ban in cars in TX, but in the last year I hear a lot of people talking about being in favor of one.

I hardly use a cell phone and have been furious at people driving 20 miles an hour under the speed limit because they are so engrossed in their conversations an not paying any attention to the road, but I still have a hard time with creating yet another law (cell phone ban) telling us how we should live our lives. What say you??

[johnastovall]

No...

[hookem]

I'd settle for hands free.

[Mike G]

another no vote

[Rick Waldroup]

No- we do not need another law like this.

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by hookem

I'd settle for hand free.

But the problem isn't the phone itself IMO. The problem is the distraction caused by having the conversation while driving. There's just something about conversing with someone who isn't in the vehicle that some folks cannot handle.

[AlexMorse]

On principal I'd say no. There's enough mothering done by uncle sam.

In practice this is one I'd really like. I can't tell you how many morons I see almost wreck or almost wreck in to me EVERY DAY because they can't handle talking on a cell phone while driving.

It would be better if cops simply pulled people over for driving wrecklessly. It's not like it's hard to spot. It's not really a stretch either, as usually when I notice someone that fits this bill, they're breaking something. Speeding, going under minimum speed, no signalling, running reds, drifting between lanes/into shoulder. It's a lot better here than it was in south florida but it's still pretty ridiculous.

[jeffkohn]

Originally Posted by JohnT

But the problem isn't the phone itself IMO. The problem is the distraction caused by having the conversation while driving. There's just something about conversing with someone who isn't in the vehicle that some folks cannot handle.

I agree, holding one hand to your ear is not the problem here.

[Steelsun]

There's already a law against driving while distracted. You can be pulled over for putting on makeup, shaving, cell phone chatting, eating, etc if the officer feels you are distracting and a nuisance/danger.
If only they would enforce it more often.

There's also a law already about driving with a video scree visible to the driver - it's aimed at the ceiling/headrest vid players, but I wonder if it could be applied to Cell Phones, since many do in effect have a video screen?

[AlexMorse]

Originally Posted by Steelsun

There's already a law against driving while distracted. You can be pulled over for putting on makeup, shaving, cell phone chatting, eating, etc if the officer feels you are distracting and a nuisance/danger.
If only they would enforce it more often.

There's also a law already about driving with a video scree visible to the driver - it's aimed at the ceiling/headrest vid players, but I wonder if it could be applied to Cell Phones, since many do in effect have a video screen?

Agreed. I don't think this is about new laws, just enforcing existing ones.

[NathanJK]

I'm definitely against a law like this. The problem isn't the phone, its the drivers!

[GonzoBernelli]

Do you really think it will work?

When was the last time you saw someone actually driving at the posted speed limit? Using turn signals? Dimming headlights at night? Not tailgaining?

[Terrancelee]

No one's mentioned texting. While I agree that people should pay attention more and there are generally many SUCK drivers .. I don't want another law shoved down my throat that won't be enforced anyway.

[markfh]

Cell phones don't talk. People do. Ban the people...

[Cope]

Originally Posted by Steelsun

There's already a law against driving while distracted. You can be pulled over for putting on makeup, shaving, cell phone chatting, eating, etc if the officer feels you are distracting and a nuisance/danger.
If only they would enforce it more often.

There's also a law already about driving with a video scree visible to the driver - it's aimed at the ceiling/headrest vid players, but I wonder if it could be applied to Cell Phones, since many do in effect have a video screen?

There are a lot of laws that are ignored by the police, such as seatbelts for children.