Should cell phone use be banned while driving?

Question

I have to do a debate for school. My opinion is no, because what if there is an emergency and you dont have time to pull off the rode and stop to use the phone?

Answer 1

For emergencies only buy in reality everyone will be saying that it was an emergency.

Answer 2

I'd say yes, because talking on a phone (even with a bluetooth headset IMO) is incredibly distracting.  

Mythbusters on the Discovery Channel dedicated a show to testing the effect of driving while talking on a cell phone.  With an instructor/examiner in the car for all laps, the did a lap of a test course distraction free, one lap while trying to talk on a cell phone, and one lap at just below a .08 blood alcohol level (with no cell phone).  

The results of their test showed that driving while talking on a phone was as bad (if not worse) than having a ~.08 BAL.  

As far as "emergency use" goes, I'm pretty sure if it's really a dire emergency and you don't possibly have the 1 minute or less to pull off the road, getting fined for talking on the cell phone will definitely not be your #1 concern anyway.  (I can't even think of one legitimate example of an emergency that would necessitate that you keep driving at all costs, but whatever...???)

Answer 3

Of course, it should be banned.

Cell phone and text messaging while driving is banned in NY, NJ and DC area according to police, so all others states/country who does not have law should do same.

If you're using cell phone/text messaging while driving, YOU NOT PAYING ATTENTION TO YOUR DRIVING.

It's most important that you focus on driving than using them.

In fact, there was former Mayor in NJ who was involved in crash and according to police report, Mayor was also text messaging while driving and he went through tough surgery.

If there was emergency, you should pull over to shoulder or on sidewalk and call police/sheriff.

Answer 4

I think it should be banned.  There should be a device installed in every vehicle that locks a cell phone so that it cannot be used while the vehicle is running.

Answer 5

It should be.

It already is here in Australia (we get a $140 fine if you're using your phone in the car) - and I think that's an excellent idea - its just too much of a distraction.

I can certainly see your point about emergencies - but the only emergency I can really see being that critical to ring in would be an accident on the road - and if that happens, you are better off to pull up straight away with hazard lights on and try to protect the scene - or else pull off to the side and phone as soon as you've stopped. If an accident has just happened - you are perfectly within your rights, if you feel safe, to block the road. If people honk, ignore them.

I'm a volunteer with the fire & rescue service - and I cut people out of car accidents far too often...quite a frightening number are caused by phones. Even worse, a lot of those are head on collisions - people get distracted on the phone and drift into traffic...it doesn't take long. Or they skid, and with one hand on the wheel, it is a LOT harder to recover from a skid/slide.

Trust me...we'd rather you took a few seconds more to phone in the crash than to add to it! You'd be amazed though - people see an accident, they panic and grab their phones - and they're in a panic trying to get help - and end up crashing too...sometimes we'll get called to one crash only to be told another car has hit it - or has crashed just metres up the road...quite often, that other car is the caller who rang us about the first one.

Also, bear in mind when you ring 911, you're under pressure to answer a lot of questions, fast - "where? what? how many people?" and you need to be able to think. If you're trying to drive and pull over, it's just too much. Stop, be safe, then ring it in. Same for any road emergency - if a person is hit, or even if you have a passenger having a heart attack - stop, then call. (Plus you can help your passenger if you're moving).

Time tends to feel much, much longer when an emergency is happening - but in reality, it'll take 5-10 seconds, maybe 20 to stop. That time, in making a call, doesn't matter. It honestly doesn't.

First rule of handling emergencies of any kind - your own safety first. People say to me "but isn't that kind of selfish?" and I know it sounds that way - but look at it like this. You have to look after yourself to help other people - there's no point rushing to ring for help if you end up crashing too...

Honestly, and in your debate, say this came from a fireman who cuts people out of cars with the jaws of life all too often - banning phones is necessary. No call is so urgent it can't wait the few seconds it takes to stop - including 911 calls. Phones are a lethal distraction!

I hope I helped! :-)

Answer 6

i would say that it should be because u see ifu have an emergency u will break the law and use the phone if it's a REAL emergency!! i know i would. so yes it should because a lot of people die everyday for that reason

Answer 7

The use of cell phones should be banned while driving.

But, that doesn't mean that using headsets isn't prohibited. They are very efficient, as the wearer can cleary hear the conversation and talk quite well. In my opinion, it's better than a cell phone and it's a lot more safer because of how you never have to take your hands off of the wheel. Just my two cents.

Hope this helps!

Answer 8

it already is in NJ! and it's very good. duh for emergencys it is important. but people who just like to talk? I've seen people texting on the turnpike.

Answer 9

it's better that you stop on safer place when you make use of your mobile phone even in an emergency. maybe if you tried to use it while driving your attention will be in your phone not on the road. this is very dangerous and this might lead you to the ER.

Answer 10

Your opinion is wrong.    If you have an emergency,   you don't need the cell phone to distract you from your driving even more.

At the very least,   hands-free devices should be required.   Just the physical act of holding the phone to the ear demands ones attention to the call,   most often prohibiting the turning of the head to check mirrors and blind spots,   preventing use of signals by taking the spare hand away,  and requiring the additional concentration.    

You can kill or maim someone while driving,  isn't preventing that more important than discussing dinner or gossip?

Answer 11

yes.  Even in an emergency you can pull over to use it.

Answer 12

The argument that you "don't have time" to stop and use the phone is only valid if you are in the city in heavy traffic.  That of course would only require a couple of minutes before you get to someplace that you can pull off the road.. To be honest, if it is a true 'LIFE THREATENING' situation for someone, it would seem to me it would be prudent to turn on your emergency flashers, stop right there, and make the call.

There should be a guideline for all cell users that define when and where it is appropriate to use a cell.  Definately, in heavy traffic, your total attention should be on driving and not gabbing with someone about something that may be of little consequence.  

I do think there is an appropriate time to talk and I simply refuse to answer if I am in traffic.  Whoever it is can wait till I get where I can talk safely and not worry about it.  If they can't understand that, then the call isn't that important after all.