charli's Blog

That was you blowing the horn?

Actually I feel anything that takes a driver's eyes off the road should not be allowed. Any use of a cell phone, hands free or not while driving is asking for trouble. Driving is a full time job and should have your undivided attention.

I have seen passed people reading novels while they drive, play on laptops, watch DVD's, have oral sex, text message, do makeup.. you name it.
You can pass all the laws you want and it will not change a thing if the police fail to enforce them. Most driving laws are there to protect the insurance companies, not us. The cops can't or won't enforce the laws on the books now..except for speeding..and even that they are lax in doing. (IMHO) But I do agree that cell phones are becoming an increasing menace, but I think it will take education not more laws to fix the problem. It's amazing to me how rude and inconsiderate people have gotten behind the wheel these days. Maybe if enough people die or get hurt something will happen.

I consider, if it's not a 911 emergency, it's not important. I can understand if you pass an accident and want to report it to be helpful or if you've just witnessed a hit and run but, come on, some of these conversation you overhear in the grocery store are inane. And yes, it can wait until you get home. There is nothing so important that it has to be said immediately.

They say cell phones make people more connect but the truth is they are the most disconnected people around. If you can't pay attention while driving a car, you shouldn't have a car or a cell phone.
Actually I think they should give people licenses to own cell phones. And only let them have them if they can pass a test.

I was almost hit one morning by a lady doing something with her cell phone. She was not even looking at the road. My cell phone dosn't come out of my purse till I get where I'm going because no phone call or message is worth my life or someone else's. In seconds you can change your life or someone else's forever. I don't want to live with that.

Here is what I will be sending to Crist, family and friends.

Dear Friend, Family Member, and Governor Crist:

People using cell phones are becoming very annoying and dangerous. Studies have proven that people talking on cell phones, while driving, are causing severe problems… like accidents. It does not matter if they are using the “hands free” option. And now text messaging while driving is becoming a serious problem. Studies show that talking, hand held or hands free, or texting, while driving is worse than driving while drunk!

How many of you have been in accidents (while on a cell phone or watching someone on one), or seen accidents, or seen near misses? (Heck! I’ve been in “accidents” in stores because people were “Driving carts” while on cell phones!)

We need to make it a law, to protect ourselves and family, that cell phones, including “hands free”, can not be used while a vehicle is “in gear”. If you see an accident, pull off the road and report it. Don’t cause another accident!

While driving home, do not call your spouse to pick up something for dinner, or turn on the oven… wait until you get home. Take the cell phones away from your kids! Nothing is that important that it can not wait a few seconds for you to pull off the road, or wait until you get home!

Please make it a law that cell phones can not be used while driving. I have seen/been involved in…… (fill in your story)

Do this now… and save lives!

(add your name and contact info)

Email to friends, family, and the Governor (at Charlie.Crist@MyFlorida.com)

Damian... there has to be more to the story... like not using turn signals, or using them but not paying attention to the fact that someone was in the lane... turning on a signal does not mean you can automatically change lanes. I was unable to view the story... the link automatically transferred me to the home page.

Now we have the story of the teenager that was killed while walking.... and texting!

Maybe cell phones should come with these instructions...

"Users must be seated, in a place away from other people, and not in a moving vehicle, elevator, theatre, restaurant, etc. Personal injury to others caused by not following these conditions will result in the cancellation of you service, and our backing the injured person in any lawsuit."

Damian... thanks for the link. Everyone here should go to the link. Very interesting. Using the "ear bud" is also a problem... okay if receiving a call, but you still have to look at the phone to dial a number. But, you are still talking to someone and not paying attention to driving... especially if you are having a fight with someone on the other end, or taking notes while driving.

I ask again... anyone want to fund the device to make the phone unusable while a car is in gear?

wild... county rules state that you must pull off the road to use your cell phonem, etc. I know a lot of people who do not follow the rules. Guess Pat needs to put out a bulletin.

Can you imagine driving drunk while texting? Not only could you kill someone but your typos would be horrible! *lmoa*