California Bans Teen Cell Use While Driving

[ken0042]

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A message from the state of California to its 16- and 17-year-olds: Dnt txt n drv — thx.

A law signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday will require those teens to put down all cell phones and other electronic devices while driving.


I know we've had this debate on here many times- and I personally think this is a great compromise. Not just because I'm over that age myself, but I think this might help curb some of the habits that form. For example seat belt laws came in just as I started to learn to drive. Now I don't even think to buckle up.

[llama64]

Originally Posted by ken0042

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A message from the state of California to its 16- and 17-year-olds: Dnt txt n drv — thx.

A law signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday will require those teens to put down all cell phones and other electronic devices while driving.


I know we've had this debate on here many times- and I personally think this is a great compromise. Not just because I'm over that age myself, but I think this might help curb some of the habits that form. For example seat belt laws came in just as I started to learn to drive. Now I don't even think to buckle up.

ORLY?

Just kidding, glad to see people starting to realize how much of a liability it is for people to be using cell phones while driving.

[Table 5]

good law, but it really should be banned for people of any age.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by llama64

ORLY?

Just for clarification, I mean that I always just buckle up- I don't really think about it; I just do it. So if habbits are started when we are young; they might continue.

I see now how that could have been taken the wrong way.

[Sparks]

Great move. They should ban it for adults as well. Until a couple of months ago, I had no idea that there were people out there who actually were text messaging while they drive - and they say that even talking on the phone while driving is a serious safety risk.

Wow. And by the way, don't do crossword puzzles as you drive. Maybe we should make that a law.

[llama64]

Originally Posted by ken0042

Just for clarification, I mean that I always just buckle up- I don't really think about it; I just do it. So if habbits are started when we are young; they might continue.

I see now how that could have been taken the wrong way.

I know, I was just pointing it because it gave me a chance to use my favorite online acronym.

I've never understood people who don't buckle up. I can't sit in a moving care without having a belt across me. Just doesn't feel safe to me.

[Clever_Iggy]

Originally Posted by Table 5

good law, but it really should be banned for people of any age.

Absolutely.

[Temporary_User]

I don't get it...
As far as I know, California doesn't have any symbols on the back of their cars like BC does for new drivers. How is this law supposed to be enforced? Is every young looking person who is talking on their cellphones going to be pulled over and ID'd?

[Nuje]

Stupid that it's just teens....should be anybody. It should especially be noted in parking lots, where if I didn't look out for stupid people driving vehicles the size of the average hamlet, I'd be dead many times over by now.

[Flashpoint]

Its a good start.

As soon as society recognizes that talking on a cell phone is as bad as drinking and driving there will be a total ban. I look forward to that day. The more studies that are conducted, the better IMO.

There is a reason 50,000 people a year in the US are killed on the road, and cell phones aren't helping.

[MolsonInBothHands]

This may be a stupid question, but would this include bans on blue tooth car kits for cell phones and services like on-star?

Are hands-free type phones acceptable? or is just having a phone conversation distracting enough?

[AaronSJ]

Originally Posted by MolsonInBothHands

This may be a stupid question, but would this include bans on blue tooth car kits for cell phones and services like on-star?
Are hands-free type phones acceptable? or is just having a phone conversation distracting enough?

I don't know about this particular law, however evidence indicates that the conversation itself is the major distraction, not the actual device. It seems to require quite of bit of concentration on the part of the driver to have a conversation with someone NOT in the car (as opposed to having a conversation with a passenger), and that's the main danger.

I would also support a total ban on cell phone use while driving. I've seen too many people who simply can't handle the extra distraction, and I just think it would be safer for everyone if we followed the lead of NYC, Washington DC, Newfoundland, etc... and just outrighted banned their use while driving.

[Dion]

This is a great move.

My only question is why only 16 and 17 year olds. Why not make it for all ages.

[HOZ]

Nice idea but you cannot legislate common sense.

Just think...they have banned murder in most countries too....fat lot of good that has done!

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Sparks

Great move. They should ban it for adults as well. Until a couple of months ago, I had no idea that there were people out there who actually were text messaging while they drive - and they say that even talking on the phone while driving is a serious safety risk.

Wow. And by the way, don't do crossword puzzles as you drive. Maybe we should make that a law.

At the University this year, you cant even have your cell phone on you. I usually use my phone to keep track of time during tests, but recently not only at the University, but at junior highs across the country, kids are getting caught text messaging during tests while their phones are in their pockets. Unreal.

I have seen some weird things driving to school/work in the mornings over the years. This could be a whole other thread.

- An older lady who taped a Map to her steering wheel on Deerfoot.
- A guy reading a novel while on the highway to Edmonton.
- Someone shaving in traffic on 14th Street.

Insanity. You cannot legislate insanity.