Premier eyes cellphone ban

[Flames in 07]

Originally Posted by ken0042

Why do you think its acceptable at a red light? You are still driving, other cars are counting on you to be able to go when the light turns green, not the light turns green, you get a honk, look up, looks clear, oops- you didn't see those kids by the side of the road who suddenly darted out.

I can buy the arguement that there are safe ways of driving while talking on a cell phone. I do it from time to time, and take steps to reduce my risks. I cannot fathom how anybody can find it acceptable to text while driving.



Yes, there are other distractions, and those are already covered with cell phones under the Highway Traffic Act. You aren't allowed to do anything that distracts your ability to drive. However that law relies on common sense, and from what I see in my travels not only is common sense apparently uncommon, but I've overheard people plan to talk to people once they get into the car.

Now here's the kicker; I am also opposed to them taking away my ability to drive and use a cell phone. But I'm one of the self proclaimed "smart ones." I only use it sparingly and often its a handy tool to help me find where I'm going. Like the first time going to my sister's cottage; I got turn by turn directions over the phone.

The problem is too many people cannot show the common sense that is required to know when it is and isn't safe to use the phone.

You know what is even safer than taking measures to reduce your risk when talking on a cell phone while driving? Not using a cell phone when you are driving. Whatever your measures are, they are still accepting of some kind of risk.

Clearly common sense is different to different people eh?

[HOOT]

Originally Posted by ken0042

Why do you think its acceptable at a red light? You are still driving, other cars are counting on you to be able to go when the light turns green, not the light turns green, you get a honk, look up, looks clear, oops- you didn't see those kids by the side of the road who suddenly darted out.

I can buy the arguement that there are safe ways of driving while talking on a cell phone. I do it from time to time, and take steps to reduce my risks. I cannot fathom how anybody can find it acceptable to text while driving.

So what is the difference of you talking on your phone sparingly compared to me being stopped at a red light and giving a quick "Ill be right there" text. You also have a pretty good idea of when a red light is about to turn green, when I do text they are quick and I usually have watched the light go from green to red so I have a pretty good idea that my text conversation wont go much more than a quick sentance.

I use to text while going 110km down Deerfoot. STUPID is what that is, just as stupid as talking and driving that fast!!! But being 19 I knew everything about driving, Im just a younger Jeff Gordon BUT better, and I can't be touched. Big deal...well now I wont even text or talk if the car is moving unless its important or like yourself need directions.

I just don't see the difference between text and talking and how one is better than the other, they both are just distracting.

[Flames in 07]

Originally Posted by HOOT

So what is the difference of you talking on your phone sparingly compared to me being stopped at a red light and giving a quick "Ill be right there" text. You also have a pretty good idea of when a red light is about to turn green, when I do text they are quick and I usually have watched the light go from green to red so I have a pretty good idea that my text conversation wont go much more than a quick sentance.

I use to text while going 110km down Deerfoot. STUPID is what that is, just as stupid as talking and driving that fast!!! But being 19 I knew everything about driving, Im just a younger Jeff Gordon BUT better, and I can't be touched. Big deal...well now I wont even text or talk if the car is moving unless its important or like yourself need directions.

I just don't see the difference between text and talking and how one is better than the other, they both are just distracting.

To text you need to take your eyes away from your windshield and focus on your phone from time to time.

But you are right they are both brutal.

[kipperfan]

Originally Posted by peter12

Individuals within government, ie. elected officials and bureaucrats, when you boil it down, have exactly the same incentives as the rest of the citizenry.

Maybe, maybe not. Doesn't really matter though as they have the obligation to seek change whereas the general populas(ie. "individuals") have no such obligation.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Flames in 07

You know what is even safer than taking measures to reduce your risk when talking on a cell phone while driving? Not using a cell phone when you are driving. Whatever your measures are, they are still accepting of some kind of risk.

Clearly common sense is different to different people eh?

I am fully aware that any type of cell phone use is taking a risk. However by limiting my use; I am limiting the risk. I'm now into the same category as the eater, the smoker, the guy changing stations on the radio, or the parent telling their kids to quit fighting back there.

What I am trying to say is that we all do things that distract us on the road; so the best thing to do is reduce the amount of time you are distracted. A 20 second phone call is better than a 30 minute gossip session.

Hoot- as for how texting is the same as talking; I just don't see it. As mentioned, talking doesn't involve taking your eyes off the road.

[HOOT]

Originally Posted by Flames in 07

To text you need to take your eyes away from your windshield and focus on your phone from time to time.

But you are right they are both brutal.

I have had a Palm Treo for so long it is like typing on a computer I don't have to look down to text anymore. Maybe thats why I think of it differently, forgot about how horrible it is to text on a cell phone. My bad!

[soulchoice]

Originally Posted by Juventus3

They can do what they want, my car's bluetooth handsfree link makes it impossible for them to know.

My thoughts as well. Bring whatever laws they want, I am on the phone quite often when I drive regardless, and 99% of the time on bluetooth. It would not change with or without the law for me.

[browna]

I'm for it.

I am guilty of being on the phone and the odd text message when on the phone....Bluetooth and Handsfree all you want, the physical hinderance is minimal issue in this case in my opinion.

But what's a bit scary is getting on the phone when you start the car, and, you're finishing up the call when you get to where you were planning on going.

You get out of the car and realize you've just driven that distance and are there...without remembering one part of actually driving a 3000lb+ hunk of metal down the road on that the 7-10+ minute drive, and, thus being oblivious to everyone and everything around you in that time too.

Slowing down, drifiting in and out of lanes, cutting someone off, all dangerous driving that is mainly a result of being mentally being unaware and distracted of things going around you, not just because you're holding a phone to your head.

Sure, cops can't catch you if you have a handsfree, but in my opinion is not to evade the law as an individual in this case, its to use common sense and common courtesy when you're sharing the road with everyone else...that is best done by not being distracted mentally.

If the cops can get some teeth to pull someone over who's clearly distracted by a cellphone conversation, as opposed to being helpless about it, I'm all for it.

[Devils'Advocate]

What is the fine for running a red light and running over a 5 year old while text-messaging yer GF?

[Cowperson]

I rarely use a cellphone . . . . it's permanently in my vehicle and on the rare occasions when I'm accessing it it's usually on a straight-as-a-board prairie highway for a brief conversation with a colleague or the spouse.

About 15 years ago, I pitchforked a guy - low speed collision - who decided to make a u-turn right in front of me while talking on a cellphone.

A law wouldn't change my useage.

Cowperson

[HelloHockeyFans]

I actually agree that some people can't talk on the phone and drive at the same time... especially if the conversation is pretty involved... but I've always wondered if audio books might have the same effect? The level of concentration would be the same, no?

[HOOT]

Originally Posted by Devils'Advocate

What is the fine for running a red light and running over a 5 year old while text-messaging yer GF?

I would assume it would not be a fine but rather some time of jail or parole time.

You could say the same thing about changing a cd, the radio station, talking to a passenger, having a drink of coffee, eatting or anyhting besides what you should be doing besides just driving.

[mykalberta]

Originally Posted by Azure

Does the government have to control every aspect of our lives? What happened to people taking responsibility upon themselves when they drive...and pulling over when someone calls? Just like many have said they do here in this thread.

The whole public health care system again bites private citizens in the a$$.

Govt pays for Health Care so they can inact laws that are an abnormal drain on its funding - most likely IMO.

MYK

[mykalberta]

Originally Posted by Devils'Advocate

What is the fine for running a red light and running over a 5 year old while text-messaging yer GF?

Should be a conviction of manslaughter but our society is to Left of Centre for that.

MYK

[mykalberta]

Originally Posted by Thunderball

So are we banning 70 year old drivers next? Cause that's essentially what this quote is suggesting... logically its saying we should ban cellphones cause they are dangerous, because they lower reaction time to that of older drivers that we freely allow to drive?



Funny that they mention hands-free... since that is essentially like carrying a conversation with another person in the car. I guess it brings new meaning to the term "drunk with talk"

No, but 70yo drivers go through medical exams, and driving tests more regularily than the average 20yo. Maybe make the 20yo take the test while talking on the cell and then get back to us.

MYK

[RougeUnderoos]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

Should be a conviction of manslaughter but our society is to Left of Centre for that.

MYK

Yep, goddamn child-hating, cell-phone loving lefties have ruined it for everybody.

[Ford Prefect]

Originally Posted by RougeUnderoos

Yep, goddamn child-hating, cell-phone loving lefties have ruined it for everybody.

Not true ... they support gay polygamists.

[Flames in 07]

Originally Posted by fotze

I was just throwing that out there as a potential idea, jerk.

Fotze, I think it was a fair comment, I think the point is that the real concern isn't wanding into someone else's lane here and there, it is to deter from serious accidents.

The big fine is a good idea, but the real goal is not to rid the streets of people driving 10 km/h under the limit because they are on the phone and don't know what they are doing.