Comments on: I won’t take the Oprah pledge against cell phones while driving

By: kristine gonsalves

kristine gonsalves — Thu, 05 May 2011 15:41:08 +0000

this is no offense to you, or anyone who chooses to talk on thier cellphone and drive, but it is very dangerous. ive nearly been run over by people who are chatting on thier phones. not only that, but there are many deaths attributed to this. people have lost loved ones, and are badly injured because of someone else’s negligence. im a criminal justice major, and speaking from that aspect, its wrong for two reasons: criminal negligence, which is someone else being at harm because of someone else’s negligence. can you honestly tell me you’re being 100% attentive while you’re on your cellphone? the other reason is vehicular homicide, which is the death of someone due to a driver’s carelessness. so morally speaking, and legally speaking, its too dangerous. if we can frown on drunk driving, why should this be any different?

By: sarah

sarah — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:48:19 +0000

Take politics and your own personal feelings out of this!
I work in the Driver distraction field and I can tell you that there is clear conscenus that talking on a cell phone while driving (either hands-free or hand-held), or text messaging is very dangerous and puts you and other innocent road users at risk.
The scientific researchers are certain of this – it is because stupid politicians and people who do not want to stop using their cell phones use the data to twist it to their own means – just like global warming.
So stop using your cell phone while driving and think of other people!

By: Debofly

Debofly — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 17:12:05 +0000

Yeah I understand the argument to but I’ll be damned if I’m not going to use my cell while driving. I’m not stupid enough to try to text while driving, I mean damn its a phone why would i text when i could call. But I’m not going to pay for a bunch of stupid people’s mistake either. Just because they have somebody who they left behind. So what. People die of all sorts of thing everyday and you don’t see that stuff getting taken away. This coming from somebody to who probably rides around in a limo all day and can use her cell any damn time she pleases. It’s like this. If you screw up, you pay but this country is already Bi Communist as it is. Stop making everyone pay for a few dumb peoples mistakes. How about make the phone companies make all text phones with a gps device that knows when your going over 5 mph (it can be done) and then people cant text while driving.

By: BRD

BRD — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 03:52:13 +0000

I’m a big car/cellphone user. Scratch that. I was. I’m giving it up because Oprah told me to. I do what Oprah says. Maybe if she staged a “spontaneous” inspirational musical number featuring the Black Eyed Peas, you’d listen to her too, Matt. For the children, obey Oprah.

By: Matt J. Duffy

Matt J. Duffy — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 09:42:00 +0000

I think distracted drivers have more to do with the drivers, rather than the cell phones. I would point out that other peer-reviewed studies show that inter-car conversations are far more likely to lead to distraction than cell phone conversations: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phones_and_driving_safety#As_compared_to_conversation_with_a_passengerBut, I'm trying to avoid basing my belief on "science." To go off on a tangent, I think it's interesting that society is increasingly heading in that direction. I blogged about that here: http://mattjduffy.com/2009/03/the-religion-of-science/

By: Hope Theresa

Hope Theresa — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 08:59:00 +0000

It is getting to the point of when you can talk on the phone (finding the ringing phone, dialing the phone, etc.) that is distracting. Plus… how many times have you said “what is up with that driver,” only to find out when you pass them they are holding a phone and talking. I am a multi-tasker but I also know that with every task I take on, my attention to each task is diminished. Some humans cannot walk and chew gum, cannot talk and tie their shoes… I could go on but I think you get my point, as free as I want our world to be there has to be a degree of regulation. Will I sign this petition … no, will I write my congressperson…YES. Regulate but don’t ban cell phones.

By: Cyndie Lott Mitchell

Cyndie Lott Mitchell — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:01:00 +0000

The study Patty quotes says it all…multitasking behind a wheel really doesn't work.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:29:06 +0000

I gave up using my cell phone in the car last year. I find that I have enough distractions as it is — I’m sure passing snacks to the back seat, mediating toddler conflicts, and starting the dvd player are probably all more dangrerous than talking on a cell phone. But I’ve found that I like being unavailable some of the time. It is a nice break. So I’m sticking with it.

By: Honey Judith Rubin

Honey Judith Rubin — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:55:00 +0000

When two or more people are in the same car and they are talking, there are two or more sets of eyes to be aware of the road. The study that Patty quotes says it all. Personally, as soon as I realize that someone is talking to me on their cell phone while driving, I ask that we continue the conversation later.Being fully aware of what all is going on around you while you are drives increases your ability to drive safely and make timely, appropriate decisions. As Lynn said, how many things can be SO important in your life that you are willing to split your attention from the task of driving.

By: admin

admin — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:56:12 +0000

Good stuff. Thanks, Elizabeth. I feel further validated. (Because I pay attention to research that buttresses my beliefs; and ignore research that doesn’t.)