Dave's Download

Get Off the Cellphone, You Idiot!

By David LaGesse

Posted: December 2, 2008

So we get yet another study showing that talking on a cellphone distracts drivers. All of us have seen it. The guy creeping along at 15 miles below the speed limit, or turning awkwardly, or weaving a bit in the lane. The phone stuck to his ear.

And that's just the worst of the bunch. Many other bad drivers are using hands-free kits. We can't see the phones, but they're there.

We all end up doing sometime. I also fiddle with the radio sometimes when driving and know I shouldn't. Nobody should be in denial anymore about cellphones and driving. Bad combination.

How does it compare to talking with a passenger

Is talking with a passenger any safer than talking on a completely hands-free device? It seem the latter would be a little safer. Maybe we should be ticketing drivers talking to their passengers too!

Mike Bruno of IL @ Jan 14, 2009 13:00:59 PM

Barring a life threatening situation,

i.e., heart attack or other serious emergency, no one should be prattling off on a cell phone while driving. Some people, sadly, are just plain stupid. For those who are travelling around via their feet, there seems to be a remarkable lapse of judgement as well. I was standing in line at a grocery store, and heard a woman giving here checking acct #, complete w/bank routing # over her phone. I pulled out a pen and began doodling, then turned and asked her to repeat the last 4 digits of the routing # as I had missed them, (I did not take down the #'s), and I thought she was going to die on the spot. Reminds me of the adage, "no brains, no headaches".

Robert Funke of NE @ Dec 03, 2008 07:53:14 AM

Does not make sense

The other day I received a ticket for not having my seat belt fastened. I know I may be endangering myself, but it only involves my safety. That person on a cellphone endangers many more lives. Who should get a ticket? Am I distracted by not having a seat belt attached?

of AL @ Dec 03, 2008 06:54:02 AM

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Dave's Download

Our in-house gadget guru, Senior Writer David LaGesse, checks out the latest technologies and gizmos, from computer software to GPS systems -- and reports back to you in plain English.


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