CELL PHONE BAN

I’ve been reading articles concerning a Federal ban on any use of cell phones in vehicles.

As is often the case, I find myself scratching my head pondering the ramifications.

Driving is certainly an important responsibility. But the demands while driving vary dramatically. There are times it requires every ounce of attention and skill you can muster (and, at times, more skill than some people can muster!). On the other hand, there are a few scenarios where you can literally take a short nap without negative consequences. Hence, blanket prohibitions not only downplay the need to evaluate risk and then accept personal responsibility for one's assessment, but they also tend to breed disrespect for the law.

This situation is reminiscent of the national 55MPH speed limit enacted in 1974. Do you remember that? People migrated into two camps. One that espoused the faulty concept that you would be perfectly safe (“stay alive”) if you drove 55. The other camp bought CB radios to help them circumvent the law.

If a total cell phone ban is enacted, I predict widespread disregard for the law. Perhaps Chip Davis will write another ‘Convoy’ song about it. After all, how can law enforcement determine whether the driver or the passenger was talking on the car BT speakerphone?

Granted, distracted driving has negative consequences. But does that mean government should ban outright any activity that contributes to an auto accident? Frankly, I think a better approach would be to increase the fine for any auto accident violation where driver distraction of any type contributed to the severity of the accident.