by P. Brisdaine

Created on: December 01, 2008

First, let's get to the root of the problem. "Etiquette" no longer exists. Not related to table manners, family manners, boy/girlfriend, husband/wife, friends, driving, etc. So, lack there-of in use of cell phone should come as no surprise.

What does come as some surprise is when I watch people cut someone off in traffic and then get upset a few minutes later because someone 'stepped' in front of them in their lane without using their turn signal. Actually, it's quite comical yet unfortunate.

So, don't even waste your breath on cell phone etiquette. Yes, I wish to God that we had people responsible enough to have one. It all doesn't matter. We now get to deal with the obvious irritable people in society. Which seems to be one of the fastest growing groups we've ever seen. These people do the very things they hate others doing.

Let me be specific. Let me rub some people wrong, I don't care. What matters is if a life is saved along the way.

1) Driving with a phone. - This is not a topic of discussion. It's proven deadly. Failure to outlaw it in EVERY SINGLE STATE is a tragedy that will continue. If the very people that argue their rights to talk on the phone were to loose a friend or family member due to a cell phone call, i'd venture to guess they would ultimately see the value in outlawing phones on the road. Aside from this, I am a FIRM believer that a very stiff fine of $250 should be enacted. The second offense should be $500. The third $1,000. After that, a fine and stair step jail time. This is the ONLY way to make this stop quickly. This falls under 'deadly' ignorance.

Here are some facts to ponder :

- A 20yr old driver on a cell phone results in the reaction times of a 70yr old.

- 2,600 deaths annually (in USA)

- 330,000 injuries annually (in USA)

- Driver's 18% less likely to react to brake lights

- Driver's look but don't see. Driving judgement impaired worst than 0.08% alcohol impaired driver

- Canadian Research identified accident probability quadruples when cell phones are used while driving.

2) Restaurants / Standing in Lines - This falls under 'non deadly' ignorance but certainly is irresponsible and non courteous. However, as stated before, it should come as no surprise. Today I was reminded of this while walking into Subway to order. A kid rushed to get to the door before me. I could care less to be honest, I just wanted out of the rain. He stands outside the door with his hand on the door. Basically, I wait for him to move aside or enter. Because I knew

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>