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POLL: Ban All Cell Phones on the Road?
The National Transportation Safety Board says so, but we want to know what you think.
According to a New York Times article published yesterday, "The National Transportation Safety Board is urging states to ban drivers from using hands-free devices, including wireless headsets. No state now outlaws such activity, but the board said that drivers faced serious risks from talking on wireless headsets, just as they do by taking a hand off the wheel to hold a phone to their ear."
Let us know what you think! Vote in our poll and sound off in the comments.
Editorial note: this article and the comments section are shared with the Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and South End Patch.com sites.
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Jean Rebello
10:18 am on Wednesday, December 14, 2011
This is an easy problem to solve. All the insurers should have a signed agreement with their insured customers that cell phone use while driving that results in an accident will void all coverage for any damages, loss or death. Money talks. JR
Kasey Hariman
10:38 am on Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Interesting idea! Do you think insurers would willingly make a rule like that, though? I worry that in that scenario people would just flock to the remaining insurers who would still pay out in situations involving cell phones.
Irene Smalls
2:40 pm on Wednesday, December 14, 2011
I have almost gotten killed five times by drivers who were talking on their cell phones and did not see me. Now when I see a driver on a cell phone I am extra cautious.
The other side of the issue is when I am traveling in unfamiliar territory a cell phone is usually the only way I can find my destination. There must be a way to make cell phone use in a car work without endangering the lives of pedestrians and other drivers.
SM_bos
11:49 am on Thursday, December 15, 2011
1) Agree with banning texting "while vehicle is in motion". Current Mass law even bans sending, "I'm running late" while you're at a red light. I think (have not read the law for a while) it even bans pulling side of road, out of traffic, and sending that same text while parked.
2) Agree that even hand-free calling is a risk. But I also think it's where society is today. I bet the 77% of you voting to ban it, still do it on occasion.
3) If this moves ahead, there better be NO EXCEPTIONS for anyone. Cops, congressmen, etc.
SM_bos
11:50 am on Thursday, December 15, 2011
ps Irene is a perfect example. A responsible person who understands there is a danger, but also a great value to being able to talk while driving. Not an easy solution, but I am against bans at this time.
Husaria
5:59 am on Saturday, December 17, 2011
There is absolutely no danger!
Buy your kids some asbestos pajamas.
Yet another product with promised positives that falls short.
Pull over, stop the car in appropriate place and............talk your jaw off. Simple.
DJ Gary
9:08 am on Sunday, December 18, 2011
What about women who put on their makeup while driving to work, or eating while driving, or reading...these activities cause just as much of a distraction, if not more, as talking on a cell phone.