Are Car-Phone Restrictions Called For?

A study by researchers at the University of Toronto, recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, concluded that making a cellular phone call from a car may be as risky as driving while intoxicated.

Although the study was far removed from Southern California, many Angelenos took notice of the report. After all, the cell phone has become a seemingly indispensable feature for freeway fliers.

Brazil, Israel, Switzerland and two states in Australia have banned hand-held cellular phones for drivers, and the recent study has some wondering if new laws are needed in this country.

Should the use of cellular telephones in automobiles be restricted?

Richard Katz, former head of the state Assembly Transportation Committee:

“The government can only do so much. People have to use a little common sense. Faxing and talking while changing lanes is really pushing their luck. . . . I don’t think you can regulate how often or how long you can use it. Either outlaw them altogether, which I don’t see as practical, or people just have to be careful. . . . Given the amount of time we all spend driving, having the phone in the car allows everyone to get more work done. . . . But I can’t compare it with driving drunk. You can always put the cell phone down. You can’t stop being drunk in a second.”

David Crandall, a Calabasas lawyer who handles personal injury automobile accident cases:

“I have a cell phone and when I use it I have to remind myself to pay attention to the road. . . . I don’t think any of my clients have told me, ‘I was on a cell phone’ when they had an accident. . . . Would you tell anyone? . . . I think it’s going to have to be controlled more. I think when they start proving that it’s causing a lot of accidents, the government is going to start regulating it. . . . [With] more and more people getting the phone every day, I’m sure it’s going to be a big problem. . . . They can legislate that you can’t have an open bottle in the car, and they may say you can’t have a cell phone in the car unless it’s hands-free, and even then, I think it’s dangerous.”

Steve Crosby, director of external affairs, LA Cellular:

“We as a company say your No. 1 priority in the vehicle is driving. There are already laws to prevent people from driving recklessly when crossing lanes. What we tell people is . . . if you’re going to be on the phone, either get off the road or make it a very quick call. . . . People who use phones may drive longer distances. It’s just that the more miles you drive, the more chance you have of getting in a traffic accident.”

Layna Browdy, corporate communications manager of the Automobile Club of Southern California:

“We are aware of this Toronto study and there is no such study like that here in California to support what the [Toronto] study is saying. . . . We believe that cellular phones are a modern piece of technology that really helps people with their personal safety. . . . If your auto breaks down, you’re connected to the world in the safety of your car with the doors locked and the windows up. . . . Why don’t we just do a better job of sharing information and good safety tips? . . . Years and years ago, when radios were first installed in automobiles, there were arguments that the sound was a distraction. But then the people adjusted to using it.”

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