R1Kirby said:
...But one question still remains: "What do you do before cell phones?"
I find that argument rather tiresome (the argument, not you). What did we do before we had automobiles? Or landline telephones? Or televisons? I did fine before cell phones. I was able to change my own tires or walk my way out if I had car trouble. I was also one heck of a lot younger back then. Even now, the only reason I have a cell phone is for emergencies when I'm on the road or a land line is not available. It stays in my purse, turned off, until I actually need to use the thing or I'm expecting a call (which is rare; my friends know to either use my land line or e-mail, the latter being preferable if the call isn't urgent).
But the issue isn't the cell phones themselves. It's the improper and inconsiderate use and abuse of them. Why should we do without a technology that's convenient, makes our lives easier, and makes our lives safer just because of idiots who abuse it?
People talk about how talking on cell phones, eating, and drinking are distracting but what about talking to a passenger in the front seat on a long drive? That actually can be safer because it can keep the driver more alert. Boredom can cause drowisiness or "zoning out." I find long trips with a companion to be much less tiring than when traveling alone. When traveling alone, having the radio on or playing music also breaks that monotony on long stretches. I consider a radio that also plays multiple CDs or from a USB stick or mp3 player to be a safety necessity. I can let it play without any intervention on my part and prevents my mind from going on vaction when on long trips.
Snacking also breaks that monotony (I only eat things that I can easily reach by feel from a bag next to me and pop into my mouth; that leaves out things that require attention like burgers, etc.). The jaw action and crunching are what prevent "zoning out."
I have chronic dry mouth so having something to drink while on the road (or anywhere else) is a necessity. Again, I make sure the drink (usually soda or water) is in a covered container that I can pull out of the holder by feel and drink through a straw.
How distracting a cell phone is depends heavily on how and where the phone is being used. Hands off operation where no manual intervention is required is the least distracting. Idle chit chat is nowhere nearly as distracting as trying to conduct business. When not in heavy traffic, talking on a handsfree phone may actually prevent accidents by alleviating boredom.
Banning cell phones completely, or, as I have seen some people suggest, blocking all of them when the vehicle is moving or along Interstates is just throwing out the baby with the bath water. I agree texting should be banned. Period. So should hand held cell phones. but common sesnse also need to be used when deciding what is really dangerous and what is actually beneficial, keeping in mind when is also a factor to consider. More education is needed and, for those who can't be educated, more enforcement. Just passing laws alone won't change anything.
