Dialing & Driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Association recently released its report on highway safety and driving. The report encouraged wireless subscribers not to use their devices while driving. Instead, the association encouraged the use of hands-free technology. I, for one, hope this does not become legally mandated.

Don't get me wrong. I am all for highway safety. I understand the dangers posed by inattentive driving and the potential of these multiton vehicles in physical impacts. However, I firmly believe that if you are a good driver without a wireless phone, you likewise will be just as good, if not more cautious, while using one.

Further, I oppose any legislation outlawing the use of handsets in a moving vehicle because it unduly discriminates against wireless phone users.

Last week a local resident was involved in a serious multicar accident. When asked how she found herself crossing lanes of traffic and smashing other vehicles, she explained she was looking for a cassette tape under her seat.

If a phone user is distracted while talking on the phone, why wouldn't that same driver be equally distracted looking for the latest Sheryl Crowe cassette? Why wouldn't he be just as distracted sticking his hand over the air vent to find out why hot air isn't pumping into his car? Why aren't cigarette smokers just as distracted when they are lighting up? Or what about drivers who are trying to converse with their passengers or desperately trying to entertain a disgruntled toddler?

I have heard the argument that phone conversations can be heated or argumentative. To the hands-free proponents, this somehow justifies the notion. Does that mean drivers and riders never argue or suffer heated exchanges? Does this mean that drivers never get so caught up in the music -- literally dancing in their seats -- that they fail to observe safe driving procedures?

In the related National Public Radio story on highway driving safety, the reporter told of a driver who died, still clutching his cellular phone. Somehow, the evidence suggested his use of the phone had caused him to crash. Did he die upon impact, or was this an association made to explain the inexplicable? Perhaps he was using his phone after impact to call 911.

Yes, carriers should encourage caution while driving and dialing. However, for the government to legislate phone usage would show undue prejudice to an industry that brings a far greater good to our thoroughfares.

If you have an opinion you would like to share on this subject, write rhonda_wickham@intertec.com.