by Elizabeth Pear

Created on: July 29, 2007

The idea of banning mobile phone use while driving may seem logical on the surface, but really makes no sense when you examine the concept more closely.

The arguments most people make in favor of banning cell phones for drivers are 1) you can't drive safely if you don't have both hands on the wheel; 2) accidents are frequently caused by people who have their eyes on the phone for dialing instead of on the road and their surroundings; and 3) the concentration required to carry on a conversation diminishes the driver's ability to concentrate on their driving. And while each of these hypotheses are true, each of the problems can easily be handled by existing laws in most states.

The kind of law that makes the most sense when it comes to traffic accidents is to have some sort of universal 'driving while distracted' statute. Distractions can be caused by any number of outside influences: arguing with a spouse or child; talking back to your radio talk-show; eating take-out food; spilling hot coffee in your lap; etc. None of these things should be illegal in-and-of themselves, but if a driver is doing anything that causes them to drive unsafely, then they should be be penalized for the unsafe driving - not for the specific activity that caused it.

It's important to remember that mobile phones do have the potential for preventing problems as well. When driving through an unfamiliar area, many drivers will quickly call their destination for directions so they don't find themselves lost and confused. Confusion while driving is not a good thing. Many drivers also use cell phones to report unsafe road or traffic conditions and accidents to law enforcement or radio station traffic reporters. Reporting these things can help all the drivers on the road make it safely to their destinations, and it is usually more dangerous to pull off the road, make a call, and then re-enter heavy traffic than it would be to make a simple call while driving.

Every driver needs to remain aware that driving is a privilege. I do think that most drivers should minimize or completely avoid extended social calls while driving. I also think most drivers should utilize some kind of hands-free device whenever possible. Either a wired or wireless headset or a car-mounted speaker phone system can allow you to keep both hands free for driving while still enabling you to answer an incoming call or phone a friend for directions.

I think those who are calling for banning all mobile phone use for drivers are looking at too narrow an issue and painting with too broad a brush. Drivers in general should remember that driving is a privilege and a serious responsibility. Drivers who don't take their responsibilities seriously should not be driving at all - nobody should ever get behind the wheel who isn't prepared to do whatever is necessary to remain in complete control of their vehicle. For some being safe may mean putting the cell phone out of reach until they arrive at their destination. But most drivers are able to exercise good judgment and use their phones safely while driving.

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