Sense and Cell Phones
Cell phones, like bad breath, are bothersome to others. Our own phone use is reasonable, of course, because our calls are important. But who needs all that meaningless public yakking by others?
Given the increasingly vitriolic criticism of cell phone users, the notion of regulating the devices in automobiles might seem attractive. What driver wants to be in front of some yahoo squinting at backlit numbers instead of brake lights?
The accident anecdotes produced by supporters of regulation are compellingly sad. But let’s hit the hold button here, before we yet again respond instantly to emotional claims. These may have value as talk-show fodder but often lead to laws that prove unenforceable. Anecdotes make good sound bites but not sound policy. And anecdotes mixed with malleable statistics don’t establish dangerous trends. The truth is that reliable stats on cell phone yakkers injuring others have not yet been collected. Nor do we yet count drunk drivers spotted by cell phone tipsters or highway casualties saved by an ambulance summoned quicker by cell phone.
It will not surprise Westerners that the idea of controlling one more thing in our lives comes from two urban Eastern congressmen, Rep. Gary Ackerman (D ) of Long Island and Sen. Jon Corzine (D) of New Jersey. Both men admit to previous cell phone use in cars. Their proposed laws would ban the use of handheld phones in vehicles while leaving some discretion to the states, which could lose highway funds for noncompliance. Many states are already considering restrictions. But the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration calls limits premature, pending real study. We agree.
If we want to curb driving distractions, what about radios, CD and tape players? How about theater-sized car speakers? We’ll ban lighted cosmetic mirrors, of course. And maps the size of the hood. Cup holders? Got to go, along with all fast-food drive-up windows. Also grumpy spouses, excited pets and feuding siblings.
It feels good to call for something. But we don’t need new laws for everything that’s wrong. Existing safe driving laws already allow police to cite a cell phone user--or a coffee drinker--who is driving recklessly. What we need for a change is more responsible individuals. Let’s make common sense a little more common by showing self-discipline. Set a good example for our children through our own actions. If you’re moving a 3,500-pound object among other vehicles, pay attention to that and let the phone ring with whatever chirpy tune you’ve programmed. Add a page to driver’s ed and questions to license exams. Try some public service ad campaigns.
If studies later prove a need for regulation, call us when you get home.
