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In reply to the discussion: U.S. ban sought on cell phone use while driving [View all]arikara
(5,562 posts)77. What people are failing to realize is that
the cell phone is distracting not because of the conversation. You can drive the car with live passengers and still concentrate on the road, people have managed that feat since cars were invented. The cell phone is distracting because the emissions screw up your brain functioning after a very short time. Its worse in the car because you are sitting inside a metal box that acts as a big antenna and it amplifies the effect, which like anything is worse for some people than others. Thats why hands free doesn't really help, and that's why its not good for passengers in the car to be yakking or texting on phones either.
I know this upsets some people and that's a shame I guess. But smoking was good for people too until it became bad.
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Ray LaHood is a Republican - the timing for this wedge issue is too coincidental.
kristopher
Apr 2012
#17
Next will have to be: no kids in the car. They're sure as hell more distracting than cell phones
williesgirl
Apr 2012
#81
Watch this video: Then tell me texting and driving is like "... {making} waffles ..."
panzerfaust
Apr 2012
#72
I've almost gotten hit several times by drivers who were distracted with their cell phones
Art_from_Ark
Apr 2012
#3
Like I said, I have been almost hit several times by drivers who are engrossed in their damn phones
Art_from_Ark
Apr 2012
#46
It hasn't helped in a measurable way here in California because the law is widely ignored
slackmaster
Apr 2012
#27
Accellerometers in the phones, which will explode above 15mph. Problem solved. (nt)
Posteritatis
Apr 2012
#42
I'd ban them. People drive like shit anyway...they don't need any help driving more shitty.
BlueJazz
Apr 2012
#9
Good. As a pedestrian OBEYING ALL LAWS I have nearly been struck by I-don't-know-how-many
kestrel91316
Apr 2012
#10
You can't ban phone use in cars. Texting, yes, that should be illegal unless parked, but hands-free
truthisfreedom
Apr 2012
#11
There have been studies; hands-free mobile phone use is as distracting as using a handset.
Spider Jerusalem
Apr 2012
#50
Hey now, brandishing a cane while using a cell phone is a complex juggling act. (nt)
Posteritatis
Apr 2012
#43
Hopefully, our cars will drive themselves soon and it won't be an issue (NT
Eric J in MN
Apr 2012
#20
I absolutely agree it should be banned but where in the Constitution would the federal government...
slackmaster
Apr 2012
#25
What is the justification for the seat belt? Airbags? Third, high mounted brakelight?
Thor_MN
Apr 2012
#48
Those examples, i.e. equipment standards for cars, all involve interstate commerce
slackmaster
Apr 2012
#49
You haven't addressed the issue of federal regulation of privately owned phones being used for...
slackmaster
Apr 2012
#58
The USES of brake lights and air bags and brake lights are regulated by state laws
slackmaster
Apr 2012
#64
I believe I addressed that, but you have still ignored federal regulation of cell phones themselves
Thor_MN
Apr 2012
#66
The Courts have long ruled, it is CONGRESS that decides what is interstate Commerce
happyslug
Apr 2012
#63
Having a certain weed growing in your yard is "interstate commerce" according to the SCOTUS..
Fumesucker
Apr 2012
#52
Yes, I've read all about Wickard v. Filburn and how expansion of federal power is based on ICC
slackmaster
Apr 2012
#54
Yes, of course. Also the frequencies, power, etc. are all regulated and MUST be to avoid chaos.
slackmaster
Apr 2012
#71
Not advocating texting while driving. Talking is a different matter. Fed law? - No.
leveymg
Apr 2012
#76
Anything that can effect interstate commerce in any way is the business of the feds..
Fumesucker
Apr 2012
#75