As much as it might hurt my image of a great multitasker, I have to admit I can not drive while talking on the cell. I mean, I can physically do it, but when I hang up I get freaked out that I can not remember exactly what happened during the call. I made it my own rule not to talk on the cell while driving. I believe that banning cell phone use in cars is the easiest and simplest way to reduce the amount of accidents (technology can help here.) While it is not the major contributor to total accidents, any percentage counts.
Nearly all countries and only four US states already ban cell phone talk without a handset. That is a step in the right direction but I think all and any cell phone use in cars should be illegal. In fact, drivers should not be allowed to do anything but drive*. While talking, the mind is focused on something other than driving, and that’s what causes accidents. Period. Most times I see a car behaving oddly I also see a cell plastered to the driver’s ear.
Hands free sets may have the unintended consequence of making people feel as if it is safer and putting their guard down. Studies have shown this to be true.
Why aren’t cell phones banned while driving? My guess is that it is because the cell industry has a very strong lobby. It is also more convenient to legislators to go after the usual and un-debated suspects: speed and drunk driving.
* Music is fine because there is no interaction, but adjusting the radio’s setting should be easier (like steering-wheel controls and windshield displays.)
** This post was motivated by John Rinck‘s “IHateBayAreaTraffic.com”
We, in France, are not allowed (as stated) to have phone conversation when driving, even headset are now forbidden. Even if I admit the potential risk of having a chat for the driver, is there any difference between a remote correspondent and the person on the side seat?
It seems that we are more concentrated with phone conversation than in car one, maybe sound quality forces us to. If not, would we have to stop talking (or singing) when driving?
Alex,
I think there is a difference. First, you have two sets of eye on the road, which helps. Second, the person sitting next to you is aware of the surroundings which enables pauses and other considerations that are otherwise not available when talking on the cell.
As a driver, talking with a passenger is distracting and heated discussions should be avoided; but realistically, can not be eliminated (or enforced.)
We must realize that any distraction from driving impairs our reaction time and alertness.
I am happy to hear that France is banning cell phone use in cars altogether – it sends the right message.
@Saar,
Talking to people in the car can be really difficult if more than 2 are participating, think about 4 or 5. In that particular case, I guess it is probably worst than a phone conversation.
With regards to France, we still have right to phone but with a fully integrated car solution, phone in hand and headsets are now forbidden, probably because it is not possible to check whether someone is talking or singing…
Personally, I usually turn off the phone when driving (as in plane or train); it is an appropriate time for thinking.
Driving is dangerous – using cell phones while driving makes it that much more dangerous – handsfree or not. I remember when I got my first cellphone and received calls while driving how many times I almost got into an accident. Ditto for my wife. Smart people try not to use the damn things while driving, I can’t say that I am nearly as smart as you.
But why don’t we ban cell phone while driving? It is the nature of the American constitution – freedom rules, stupidity is not illegal. Smart people like Russell Roberts argue that even seat belts shouldn’t be mandatory as it goes against our culture. In a nod to practicality – we tend to legislate when the carnage is too high. Seat belts and other safety devices have saved a multitude of lives, if cell phone use leads significant casualties then it too will be regulated more commonly.