Ahoy, Maties
It’s been a tough year for wireless phone users, what with driver distractions and such. So when there’s a bit of positive news, I embrace it. These days, a little good news is like light in the darkness.Boating deaths are at their lowest level in 40 years, even though there are far more Americans boarding vessels for the summertime pastime. And wireless devices are getting some of the credit. Because more people carry wireless phones, it’s reported that boaters can reach authorities in emergencies and get them to the scene pronto.
Of course, this same fact is at the heart of the benefit brought to the highways of America as well. However, because of the popularity of wireless phone use in cars and a perception of carelessness, legislators are attempting to regulate the use of them nationwide.
Over the past 18 years, I’ve maintained the same position on cell phones and driving. If you are a lousy driver without a cell phone, you probably are just as bad if you use one while driving. Likewise, if you are a safe and cautious driver, you will use the cell phone in such a way as to continue your safe driving record.
To regulate wireless phone use doesn’t address the core problem of driver distractions. It merely singles out one activity in the vehicle and penalizes it over, say, changing CDs, disciplining the kids or wolfing down a Burrito Supreme from Taco Bell.
Interestingly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.com
"If 3% of drivers are using phones, that clearly doesn't reach the threshold for legislation,” said Dee Yankoskie, Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (www.wow-com.com) manager for wireless education.
Further Yankoskie pointed out that of all potential driver distractions, a wireless phone is the only one that could possibly save a driver's or someone else's life.
To saddle wireless phone use with legislation doesn’t address the core problem. Educating drivers makes more sense. Make these rules part of drivers education programs and the exams to obtain drivers licenses. But don’t stifle use with needless legislation.
You never know though. This may only be the beginning; legislation could reach beyond automobiles to boats. After all, we all know how distracting it can be to put your life vest on while you are also talking on the phone.
Cell phones don’t cause accidents. Careless drivers cause
accidents. Below are suggestions from CTIA for the intelligent use of
wireless phones in vehicles. 1. Get to know your wireless phone and its features such as
speed 2. When available, use a hands-free device. 3. Position your wireless phone within easy reach. Let voice
mail 4. Let the person you are speaking with know you are driving;
if necessary, suspend the call in heavy traffic or hazardous weather
conditions. 5. Do not take notes or look up phone numbers while driving. 6. Dial sensibly and assess the traffic; if possible, place
calls when you are not moving or before pulling into traffic. 7. Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations that
may divert your attention from the road. 8. Dial 9-1-1 or other local emergency number to report
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