How KansDem was almost struck by a mobile phone booth this morning: His rant

[KansDem]

What a coincidence that yesterday on DU a thread or two appeared about cell phone use and driving and the incident that happened to me this morning...

HANG UP AND DRIVE!!!

I shouted this to a motorist this morning. Let me explain…

I stopped by a grocery store on my way to work. I was a little miffed as I was running late for work and was running an errand which should’ve been taken care of last night while I was at work by someone in my family who shall remain nameless. And I had just noticed a problem with my transmission which seemed to be getting worse. So I parked my car and started for the store entrance with these things on my mind and already feeling the mugginess of a June day in Kansas City.

While I was approaching the crosswalk that takes one from the parking lot to the store entrance I noticed a car to my right moving slowly toward the crosswalk as well. I thought “Hmmm, going slow so the driver must be intending to stop." Well, I get into the crosswalk and notice the car was not stopping. I then put all my thoughts aside and made a quick calculation based on the information at hand and concluded that if we both proceed unabated, that we would make contact at a specific point in the crosswalk. So I decided that since the right-side of my body would be no match for a mid-size automobile, I would be the one to come to a complete stop. So I did and as the driver passed before me, I noticed the window was down and she was talking on a cell phone. I took this opportunity to lean forward a little so I was almost on an eye-to-eye level with her and stated in a firm, senatorial-like voice “HANG UP AND DRIVE!!!” I don’t know if she even heard me, or if she did if she understood what I was saying. She seemed rather distant. I don’t know if she took what I said and could see how it applied to her behavior, but at least I was able to articulate to one person the reason why one shouldn’t drive and gab at the same time.

As I’ve said before, if it wasn’t a tool for business or a toy for the affluent, cell phone use while driving would be illegal.

[sinkingfeeling]

1. I recently discovered that there are millions out there text messaging while driving!!

I thought that these people were trying to dial their cells, but turns out there typing on them. God help us all.

[KansDem]

2. I never thought of that!

When I would see them looking at their cell phone while driving, I thought they were going through their "phone book." Little did I know that they were typing messages... :scared:

[TransitJohn]

4. So I just drove across state

to visit my mother on last Monday and returned last night. There are an incredible amount of big rigs on I-80 all the time. My daughter and I counted scores of drivers texting. It's an addiction, and very, very dangerous.

[AZBlue]

10. I saw one on the highway coming to work this morning!

I was in shock. His attention to the road vs. the phone was definitely 80% to 20%. I changed lanes and got the h*ll away from him.

[GreenPartyVoter]

3. I'm sorry but I laughed at yer headline. It's a very serious situation but

you wrote it so funny!

[Bitwit1234]

5. While driving......

How many times have you been run into...in a supermarket... or department store by someone engaged in talking on a cell phone. I tell you one thing, I have.

[eppur_se_muova]

6. It IS illegal in NY, DC, UK, ... (list)

http://mobileoffice.about.com/cs/traveladvice/qt/usingcellphone.htm

Don't drive and use your cell phone here
From Catherine Roseberry,
Your Guide to Mobile Office Technology.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
Travel Tips
It's important for mobile office professionals to be aware of the fact that many jurisdictions have made it illegal to use your cell phone while driving. In some cases you can still use handsfree devices.
Ignorance of the law is no defence, so make note of where you cannot use your cell phone.

* In Newfoundland and Labrador it is illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving.
* Brooklyn, Ohio have passed an ordnance making it illegal to use handheld cell phones.
* Marlboro, NJ prohibits the use of hand-held cell phones.
* New York is the only state which has made it illegal to use hand-held cell phones.
* Washington DC bans the use of hand-held cell phones.

Countries which have banned hand-held cell phone usage:

* Australia
* Brazil
* Israel
* Italy
* Japan
* Spain
* United Kingdom


This is not an exhaustive list but one which I will maintain to ensure that mobile office professionals stay on the right side of the law.

[TommyO]

7. Your list is definitely outdated

Handheld cell phone use is illegal in all of New Jersey, not just Marlboro.

[eppur_se_muova]

9. In this case, that's good. ;^) nt

[windbreeze]

8. This is awful...and scary...

so I ask...when personal walkman's/cd players came out...people were absolutely not allowed to drive and have earphones in their ears....sooooo, is a cell phone any different? NOT!! it should be illegal everywhere...and should be enforced to the hilt...I cannot tell you how many times I have almost been hit, by people driving, talking on a cell phone, while totally ignoring what's going on around them...it's shameful...and stupid...
wb