Please ban cell phone use while driving.

[Samuraimouse2010]

u fuckin faggot its their fault 4 not waiting to stop

[dagon1112]

Granted I did see the poster say that this video was a lead in to more statistics...

But why name a video, "Please ban cell phone use while driving." and then proceed to display a video with no statistics on cell phone accidents related to driving?

This should of been listed on youtube as "Sad music+statistics on car accidents."

[ChristheFuzzy]

I focused more on the driver distraction statistics of which cell phone use is a part. I suppose I should have altered the title to reflect this, but that would have made less of an impact while showing it in class (computer we had wasn't nearly good enough to be able to show it full-screen, sadly).

[phiitz]

Here in Ontario its not just cell phones...its mp3 players that aren't hooked up to the sound system...and gps devices not mounted on the dashboard. But as you can see driving around here it isn't the law that is going to make the difference. It's awareness...

[ylen13]

I drive and also test and talk on the cell phone all the time. Don't matter what law is passed, it will not result in people stopping using cell phone. It's really hard to spot people txting being that they can hold phone on their lapse while typing. Also, being how small phones today are you can easily hide them and cops will never even notice them.

[ChristheFuzzy]

They could conceivably use some sort of signal tracker, but that's well beyond my realm of understanding. I've actually noticed an odd trend in cell phone size favouring a larger phone with a bigger screen. Shouldn't be too tough for them to see.

[daninoregon79]

@ylen13

Easy to notice the swerving, late reactions, looking down. Not too difficult - either you're drunk driving or texting. Either one is STUPID and ILLEGAL! Take some responsibility for your actions and stand up to the temptation.

[draper73]

I'm with you... people should use hands free while driving but i am against legislation restricting cell phone usage while driving because there is no need... its already inattentive driving... ITS ALREADY ILLEGAL... JUST ENFORCE THE LAW!

[Daveb1391]

You didn't add any statistics that relate cellphones to accidents.

[ChristheFuzzy]

Yeah, I know. This was meant to be a lead-in to a class project proposal for my Political Science class. I cited all the statistics during the presentation rather than in the video. Apologies if this is irksome.

[DaveB0713Wins]

Yeah, I was watching this and I kept thinking to myself that cellphones have no part in this video, lol. Thanks for explaining.

[SWKandrewSWK]

Ok so you die because your a fucking Dummie (spelled with a U Mr.English Major. These laws are made so Assholes dont end the lives of people more important than them and people that take life more seriously than teens like myself. Not saying I text and drive because i dont own a car nor Do i even have temps yet. Asmet you sound like a fucking Socialist who has problems. Also its spelled Hell. Think before you type next time. Cos you sound like a dumbass

[ChristheFuzzy]

Please don't flame others for poor typing and then turn around and confuse "your" and "you're." Also, everything else that's grammatically incorrect about your post. It is clear that people are going to post as they please irrespective of correct use of language so it's really time to get used to it.

[asmetuyasiempre]

an if im in a car where the driver is texing drinking or craking , i make him stop the fucking car kick him out and let him do his thing walking,and for those that r claiming liberty and bull dont cry anymore u guys dont have liberty at all. u all r oveying laws that o ready end u liberties,example, u cant smoke, u cant make noise , u haft to wear seat bealts and u haft to do this and that and bla bla bla, u liberty of choice is going long time ago,u cant not die and peace any more,

suckers

[Jackle61]

asmetuyasiempre: Just curious,, how do you kick someone out of their own car. Wouldn't it make more sense to have them stop the car and you get out and walk?

[asmetuyasiempre]

common let life going, more accidents = more work= more jobs=more car sales=less dommies = less people= less problems= more happyness.,

so keep texing,talking,drinking,and craking., and fuck the goverment that want to get a pice of this fuckers., inventing more laws to ticket them., heel let them die., they dont care about they lifes be it., but no mames uncle sam let LIBERTY BE THEIR CASKET.

[ChristheFuzzy]

If human life is as expendable as you seem convinced it is, what's the point in any law?

[Rubyheart101]

ok heres the problem. TEXTING while driving is very dangerous. Because u cant watch the road. We all know that. But while talking you can see the road. And actually adults and parents especially should be able to at least talk on their cell phones when their driving if their kids have a problem. texting is the worst. you can still TALK!!!!

[ChristheFuzzy]

I wish it were that simple, but studies have shown that cell phone talkers - as opposed to people having a conversation in the car - are at an even higher risk of an accident than persons driving at the legal alcohol limit. Their concentration just isn't on the road.

[rugbynimbus]

Actually, studies have shown talking to another adult in the car is NOT as distracting as using a cell phone -- and in fact, it DECREASES the likelihood of having an accident compared to cell phone conversations because of the additional observations the passenger provides -- plus, they won't continue talking and distracting the driver should something appear that requires additional attention.

Apples.

Oranges.

Let's keep those separate.

[prime1357]

The banning of chatting on the phone is JUST as easy as the banning of chatting to passengers.

Flapping your lips? Get a ticket!

"We do what we can do" implies you CAN ban talking to an electronic box, and that you CANT ban talking to something else. It's the same thing.

NEITHER is a good idea. Who gets to determine that you cant ban talking to passengers? What rule says it's ok to ban talking to a box, but not ok to ban talking in person?

Either way, it's a step downhill.

[ChristheFuzzy]

That's a very complicated subject and not entirely as comparable as you have suggested. The mentality of a person talking on a phone vs. one talking with passengers is measurably different. Allow a minor clarification that seems to have inexplicably defied the bounds of implication: we do what may reasonably be done. And granted, this is almost entirely a judement call; it is reasonable, in my opinion, to impose restricion on the box-talking.

[prime1357]

Actually, the same stupid cellphone studies found that talking on a cellphone was as distracting as having a conversation in person. That was their argument against merely requiring the use of a hands-free device.

In fact, since a conversation with a passenger demands the occasional eye contact to read facial expressions, road awareness is reduced beyond anything a hands-free cellphone is capable of.

[prime1357]

As to the judgment call... who gets to draw the line as to what may reasonably be done? Where is this line?

Once the line exists, and becomes a part of everyday driving... it is soon forgotten, creating a position for another line to be drawn.

Every inch we give, while just an inch, accumulates into yards, and those yards then become miles.

Each one of those inches, while still merely an inch, is precious beyond all measure. Sometimes it's unavoidable, but dont volunteer them so quickly.

[ChristheFuzzy]

Regardless of all specifics discussed, it is the responsibility of the driver to maintain safe concentration on the task at hand: driving. In an ideal world, no laws would need to exist apart from that simple statement. However, human stupidity has, as it always does, eradicated this utopian notion and regressed to the point of micro-regulation. Regulatory inertia is not quite as unstoppable as you seem to believe. It's not like banning phones in cars will eventually lead to Big Brother.

[prime1357]

If you can ban a driver for talking to a little black box, you can ban a driver from talking to the person next to him... as it represents a danger to others.

All these things are done in the interest of public safety, and they are for the greater good (no arguments here)... but each little bit of footing we lose adds up quickly. That distant ledge below, while almost unimaginable... approaches suprisingly quickly. Stop and reflect on the view before rushing downhill, it wont come again.

[ChristheFuzzy]

Alright, at least one study has shown that it is as dangerous if not more so to drive while on a cell phone as it is to drive at the legal alcohol limit. By the logic presented in your argument, talking with people in the car is just as dangerous as that. Therefore it is just as dangerous to drink and drive as it is to talk with passengers in your vehicle. Should we abolish the drunk-driving laws because you can't outlaw conversing with passengers? (Study was by University of Utah if I recall)

[prime1357]

My point is, that under the current logic YOU display, we SHOULD establish laws which ban people from talking to others in the vehicle. Is that where you want to go with this sort of ban? For the sake of safety, we should totally abolish all conversation and have an isolated driver compartment?

Because anything short of that is technically a half-assed attempt at "safety"... not addressing the root of the problem; driver distraction through socialization.

[prime1357]

My point is, you CAN abolish conversing with passengers. And it's not a place that anyone wants to go... people see it as a major infringement on their rights. And rightly so.

We may as well ban people from driving entirely. There's no reason public transit cant be improved to the point where nobody needs a car.

The line of balance between safety and freedom will constantly be creeping along... at what point do we stop giving up freedom for safety?

All we can do is enjoy the ride down.

[ChristheFuzzy]

It is understood that clearly there is an inverse relationship between safety and freedom. There is nothing you can do about that. What you can do is try to find a balance that works for everyone. Besides, is it not worth giving up every inch if it saves even one life? You make it sound like some sort of battle between the citizen and the law. What would you have done? I'd be more than happy to hear suggestions.

[prime1357]

Who sets that balance? Where's the line?

And did you seriously just imply that we should infact give up every inch of freedom to save even a single life? Yep, you did.

Your grandfather.... his father.... and his father's father.... all of them, just rolled over in their graves. Give your effing head a shake, man.

The deeds of a few governing the freedoms of the many?

These idealistic, govt regulated, utopian futures you're hoping for have a tendancy to turn Orwellian, fast.

[ChristheFuzzy]

Dear me, it seems you've managed to misread that whole thing. It's clear that no progress will be made between us so this will be my last reply to you.

[prime1357]

I didnt misread a damn thing. You suggested we give up every inch of freedom to preserve a single life.

I said it before, and i'll say it again.... give your f*ing head a shake.

Your grandfather would be ashamed of you.

[prime1357]

The only natural response to the lack of a ban on conversations (and quite possibly, passengers), is that the governing body doesnt have the right to do such a thing.

See anything funny yet?

Things only go downhill from here folks.... whether you like it or not, we are... and have always been... standing on a steep slope. We cannot regain lost ground. Every inch lost, while only but an inch, is still another inch...

Inches become yards, and yards become miles. There is no bottom.

[ChristheFuzzy]

This is all mind-numbingly obvious. The only "funny" thing I'm seeing here is that you seem to have an all-or-nothing view on this. Either everything is okay or nothing is. Once you experience real life, you'll understand that there is a lot more to it than that. Yes we realize that conversation is distracting as well, but there is nothing that can be done about that. So we do what we can do. You can wait to chat on your phone or text until you pull over. It eliminates at least one safety risk.

[prime1357]

And it's not "all or nothing".... it's a much more complex and broad view on the subject matter. Rather than the tunnel vision approach that you've displayed.

take a step back... real life doesnt provide easy fixes for things. One little action can have drastic consequences down the line.

[prime1357]

Since we have established that hands free devices should be part of the ban....

(under the logic that conversations during driving should be held until the car is pulled over)...

We now have backed ourselves into a corner, in that if we ban cellphone use (conversations) entirely, anything short of a ban on CONVERSATIONS (even with LIVE passengers) is absolute crap.

If it's been shown to pose the SAME danger as regular conversation, you can go and ban one but not the other... idiots.

[prime1357]

*can't

[prime1357]

How about we inject some sanity into this?

1) Studies have shown talking to someone on a regular cellphone drastically reduces situational awareness

2) The same studies have shown that the effect is the same regardless of whether a hands-free headset is used or not (though safety is reduced when one hand is off the wheel, obviously)

See anything funny yet?

[fortfort55]

great video i used it in my persuasive speech in my oral communications class as visual aid thanks

[ChristheFuzzy]

Hahaha, that's funny 'cos that's exactly what I made it for! Glad I could be of help.

[fortfort55]

yeah im fifteen so my classmates and i are goin to be driving soon so it was the perfect topic

[vwbandnerd]

im curious where you found these statistics so i may look up more information on this topic. not to disprove you but so i can be more informed

[ChristheFuzzy]

It's been a long time since I made this, so I'm afraid I can't remember where they came from. Google around and you'll find them though. I know we got some stuff from a University of Utah study someplace if that's any help. Good luck!

[turboturtle73]

i don't get it: drinking and driving will get your licence suspended. since driving and using cellphone is equaly dangerous (according to some studies more dangerous) why texting and driving doesn't carry similar penalty

[safedriverpro]

Why do people need a phone stuck to their face at all times?

It's an ADDICTION that needs to be removed from certain situations in our society.

Drug Addicts, Gambling Addicts and now...

CELL PHONE ADDICTS!.

The sickness infected millions of people that can't go without their VICE.

Government is at fault for not regulating these devices in autos from the early days. Cell CO.'s have padded the pockets of our Government to help more & more die everyday while profits skyrocket. American shame

[IBMeddling]

Why don't we just ban driving?!

[ChristheFuzzy]

Thank you for your rational response. I'd be willing to listen if you back it up, but outbursts on unrealistic absolutes aren't exactly called for.

[IBMeddling]

That was an freedom outburst.

[ChristheFuzzy]

Alright, if we're playing the uncalled-for-absolutes game, why don't we legalise drunk driving? Murder? See how it isn't effective? It's all about the balance. Right now, in my oppinion, the banning of cell phone use in cars would level the balance a bit more. Safety vs. Freedom. You can't have both.

[ChristheFuzzy]

You can't have absolute freedom and absolute safety, I should say. Therein lies the need for balance.

[BayAreaLen]

We all want to see the same positive results, but let's go about it realistically. I stated a good point here:

watch?v=G_ZhqXh8_JI

[ChristheFuzzy]

I'm afraid I have to disagree with most of your points in that video. You seem to be suggesting that simply because it is impossible to eliminate all distraction while driving that it isn't worth doing anything about any of them. Your next point seems to assume that most will skirt any kind of laws regarding phone restriction. While this may be true, people also skirt laws on, say, murder for example. So because people still commit murder despite it being against the law, we should legalize it?

[ChristheFuzzy]

What you should be doing instead of trying to find ways around the law is to actually obey it and wait until you've parked your car to call the person back. I'm sure your friends won't mind if you don't pick up the phone immediately since it is, by all accounts, dangerous. I can understand if you need directions, but the safe way to do it is to pull over somewhere and then call. Your convenience is not an excuse for jeapordizing someone else's life.

[crumblyfairy]

I agree with you all the way. People don't realize how dangerous this is until something happens to someone they love.

[letmecnitellu]

Overall it would be an advantage even if it's a ban for everyone only during driving. and I expect that it should be for everyone no exception allowed.

[ChristheFuzzy]

Yes BennyFire, all of those things also cause distractions in a car. The difference is that they are only mildy distracting and only for a short duration if at all. Drivers can choose to ignore them the same way drivers can, and should, choose to ignore their phone. Now, the thing we need to REALLY find a solution for is sneezing behind the wheel. I swear I'm going to crash that way one of these days.

[BennyFire007]

If we take away Cell Phones while Driving, we need to also take away car stereos, friends in car, air conditions/heater controls, window switches, sunroofs, etc... The point that I am trying to make is that cell phones are not the only distractions that a driver has while on the road. If you really want to remove driver distractions, than we need to build a car that has nothing but the basics. I have narrowly avoided many accidents because of changing radio stations and messing with the windows

[elquicko]

Really? If you think turning on the A.C. for a split second is dangerous enough to cause a car crash you should really be taking the bus buddy.

[joelr2004]

it should be legal to shoot those damn fuckers

[jrlincoln75]

That was beautifully done. A very important message. Deaths from car accidents due to distraction from cell phones are more prevalent than most people realize. I hope laws are passed in all 50 states banning their use while driving.

[letmecnitellu]

totally agree with U my friend! Put a Ban this damn thing on anyone who drives experienced or not. Reaction time is bound to decrease if U use UR cellphone while driving. No one can deny this.