Published: February 03, 2006 11:59 pm         

Cell phone gadgets contribute to inattentive driving

By Cindy Allen

Commentary



I have to say I have mixed feelings about a state lawmaker’s bill that would make it illegal for people to drive while holding a cell phone.

The bill would call for drivers to use only hands-free devices. It really makes a lot of sense. More accidents are being caused by inattentive driving, and cell phone use is part of that.

However, I love my cell phone. The minute I get in the car after work, I usually am on the phone to home or to my husband. It’s a convenient time to make sure we don’t need to stop at the grocery store for something or to confirm if the kid is at practice or lessons and needs to be picked up.

I don’t have trouble talking and driving. I do have trouble dialing and driving, and I think that’s where the danger comes in. That’s why I rely so much on voice activation.

In fact, particularly with young people, it’s the text messaging that is the most dangerous. Kids today text message instead of dialing up someone and talking to them. I don’t see how someone can type on a phone and drive at the same time. That is definitely a distraction.

So, while I can see the logic of the bill to outlaw holding a cell phone while driving, I can’t help but think it’s really going to cause me a lot of inconvenience. Personally, it will impact me, and as they say, when it’s your ox being gored, you tend to stand up and pay attention.

Perhaps our cell phone services have become too sophisticated. Now, you can get e-mail, videos, take photographs, get podcasts — just about everything on your cell phone. Do we really need all that stuff?

I say the responsible thing would be for cell phone companies to trim back and quit offering all this stuff on these phones. If we didn’t have all these gadgets on our phones, we wouldn’t be using them.

Of course, I know the cell phone companies are just laughing at this suggestion. In fact, they probably love the idea of the new law because people will have to purchase the hands-free devices with the phones. But, I suspect even if the new law is passed, it won’t stop people from using their cell phones — and all the junk that comes with them — while they drive.

Some people will get caught and fined. But, most won’t. And, that means a major cause of inattentive driving won’t go away. Whereas, if all the gadgets weren’t available, perhaps that would make a difference.

Just a thought.



Allen is managing editor of the Enid News & Eagle. She can be reached at 548-8163 or by e-mail at editor@enidnews.com.