Virginia Considers Ban on Text Messaging While Driving

Iria · Jan 13, 2008, 04:53 PM

Source: Tech-Ex
___________
When California enacted its law banning 16- and 17-year olds from cell phone use while driving (it takes effect July 1st), I asked, "Why stop there?" While there is also a law on the books (starting the same day) which requires all drivers to be hands-free when using a cell phone while driving, that law doesn't address text-messaging or email use - and I know from experience how hazardous that can be.

**dj_stick** · Jan 13, 2008, 04:58 PM

considers banning it? it should be common sense to ban using a mobile phone at all while driving (except for hands-free)

Iria · Jan 13, 2008, 05:52 PM

That would require waaaay too much common sense, right?

germanjulian · Jan 13, 2008, 05:52 PM

lol

mkk · Jan 13, 2008, 05:53 PM

Hands-free isn't necessarily better as it's not the control of the hands that is the main problem. By the way, text messaging 40-year olds are probably more dangerous.

cozumel · Jan 13, 2008, 06:02 PM

Handsfree means you don't have to look at the phone looking for the phone for incoming voicecalls and can keep your eyes on the road. Dialling while driving is dangerous too. Handsfree is redundant for SMS and email but as they will hopefully be fully outlawed it doesn't matter. Talking into a headset/mic is no different to talking to someone who is in the car as you still have the same ability to stay focused on the road in front and any potential dangers.

Jan 13, 2008, 04:53 PM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 74	Virginia Considers Ban on Text Messaging While Driving Source: Tech-Ex ___________ When California enacted its law banning 16- and 17-year olds from cell phone use while driving (it takes effect July 1st), I asked, "Why stop there?" While there is also a law on the books (starting the same day) which requires all drivers to be hands-free when using a cell phone while driving, that law doesn't address text-messaging or email use - and I know from experience how hazardous that can be.

Jan 13, 2008, 05:52 PM	#4
germanjulian Back in London Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: London Posts: 1,794 Rep Power: 0	lol __________________ /\|\ Asus P5W DH Deluxe, Intel C2D E6600, 2GB Corsair XMS2-6400C4 DDR2, E-VGA GeForce 7800 GT, Creative X-Fi Extreme Music, 500GB Seagate 7200.10 SATA, Lian Li PC-V1100 Aluminum Case Black, etc. http://germanjulian.com /\|\

Jan 13, 2008, 05:53 PM	#5
mkk cheap philanthropist Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Gefle, Sweden Posts: 3,698 Rep Power: 67 System Specs	Hands-free isn't necessarily better as it's not the control of the hands that is the main problem. By the way, text messaging 40-year olds are probably more dangerous. __________________ Playing Dragon Age, might forget everything else.

Jan 13, 2008, 06:02 PM	#6
cozumel I'm dangerous but cute... Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Under the waves... Posts: 3,619 Rep Power: 42 System Specs	Handsfree means you don't have to look at the phone looking for the phone for incoming voicecalls and can keep your eyes on the road. Dialling while driving is dangerous too. Handsfree is redundant for SMS and email but as they will hopefully be fully outlawed it doesn't matter. Talking into a headset/mic is no different to talking to someone who is in the car as you still have the same ability to stay focused on the road in front and any potential dangers. __________________ Don't worry about money - Be a beach bum! Scuba Rocks