It is estimated that cell phone distracted drivers are four times more likely to be in a car wreck according to www.car_Accidents.com.

 

In 2007, driver distractions such as cell phones or text messaging contributed to nearly 1,000 crashes involving 16- and 17-year olds according to Edgar Snyder’s & Associates attorney website.

Arizona has a few pending bills on this topic, which can be found on www.azleg.gov.

There is SB 1443 which would ban text messaging for all drivers in Arizona. This bill was rejected by the full Senate on a 15-14 vote, according to www.azleg.gov.

The website also includes HB 2492, which would prohibit text messaging on Arizona roads. This bill is still pending.

Another pending bill is HB 2590, which would outlaw use of handheld phones by drivers under the age of 18.

The Hands-free use OK bill and HB 2191 seeks to ban driving and talking on cell phones, unless a hands-free accessory is utilized. It is also pending.

Why HBs should pass

I am really hoping these cell phone bills pass. I cannot find the statistics for the decrease in accidents in other states since the passing of these bills but I have to hope that they have decreased.

It is tempting to answer a call while driving.  I for one have answered a call or two. The way I get passed it is to play my music loud so I can’t hear my phone when it goes off so I don’t answer it. Then I just listen to the voicemail’s and return calls. I follow this simple rule and I have never been in an accident due to cell phone use.

I drive often since I live in Yavapai Hills and it never fails that I see a driver swerving because they are texting or taking on a cell phone.

I was taught in driver’s education to keep both hands on the wheel, at ten and two.

In Ohio, a 49-year old bus driver was making a left turn while using her cell phone when she hit a killed a 59-year old man who was at a crosswalk.

May I ask: why on earth would a bus driver be using a cell phone? That is absolutely unacceptable.

Not only is texting while driving putting oneself in danger, it is putting everyone on the road in danger.

Is texting Tiffany about what Brad said last night worth putting other people’s lives at risk?

It’s hard enough to remain safe in Arizona with all the older drivers whose license do not expire for many years, it is up to adults and teens to drive responsibility.

Texting while driving causes a huge increase in time spent with eyes off the road.

A good friend of mine was driving on HWY 69, when she was hit from behind by a teenage driver. The teenage driver stated that she didn’t look up in time from texting so braked late and plowed into my friends car at a red light.

This is also unacceptable.

A motor vehicle is a deadly weapon. Attention must be paid when operating one.
The thing that really bothers me is that many drivers know how dangerous it is. Yet they continue to text and talk while driving.

Is texting Tiffany about what Brad said last night is worth putting other people’s lives at risk?
I can’t say I haven’t noticed people doing other things they shouldn’t be while driving: picking their noses, doing their makeup, eating. However these actions do not cause nearly as many accidents as texting while driving.
Hands-free devices can be purchased at cell phone stores. For about $20 for a wired headset, or about $50 for a Bluetooth headset you can be an actively safer driver.
Life can get busy and for people with long commutes, it seems the only way. I have seen Billy Mays advertise on television for something called a “Jupiter Jack”. It’s a small add on to a phone that transmits sound from a phone to the car speakers. It’s only $19.99. No wires, no ear pieces. It sounds like a good investment to me.
So next time you’ve got some extra cash, instead store of buying a expensive touch-screen phone or a colorful “look at me” cell phone case, consider buying an easy to use hands-free headset.

You could save a life.