[N_C]

Could this be a law that can be used to prevent cell phone use while driving? At least for the out going calls. You have to read the dial pad to dial out, right? You have to look at the phone to use it when you dial out correct? At least most people I know do. So could this law be used against out going cell phone calls while driving in Iowa?

http://nxtsearch.legis.state.ia.us/NXT/gateway.dll/ACO?f=templates&fn=default.htm

For the states that do not have cell phone use while driving laws yet is there a similar law that could be used?

I know it may be a stretch to use this law for such a thing but for states that don't have one for cell phones yet it may be a good start.

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[noisebeam]

Speaking of such, Friday ride home a guy was deeply engrossed in a book ahead of me in line at a red light. It turned green, I yelled to no effect, then rode up next to him and banged his window, jolted him back to reality. I rode in front of him and the car behind me didn't make the light as the reading driver went on yellow.

Al

[noisebeam]

Most folks will claim that they don't need to look at the phone for dialing. But most folks do, even for answering the phone to read who is calling.

Al

[sbhikes]

Isn't it quite sad that you actually need a law on the books to tell people not to read while driving?

[noisebeam]

Isn't it quite sad that you actually need a law on the books to tell people not to read while driving?
I actually am amazed at how many folks I do see either reading or with book or newpaper on lap with vehicle moving. Puting book on steering wheel seems to be a favored position. Probably ~6 per year.

Al

[catatonic]

There is a way around that, bluetooth. On my phone, all I have to do is touch the buton on my bluetooth headset and say the name of the contact I want to call, and the phone automatically dials.

Of course there are also phones that you just open up, push a buton, and again say the name of the contact, and it will patch you through.

Cell phone use while driving is one of my pet peeves. Finally my old boss stopped holding the phone up to his head and at least uses a bluetooth headset after he nearly had a crash due to a field-of-vision impairment that using the phone causes. It's sad that it has to be like that before people realize how dangerous it is. It may not be the best solution, but at least it gets both hands on the wheel, and that very well could be the determining factor between a slight miscalculation on the road, or a car skidding out of control.

Pretty much that's what my whole gripe on people in cars....get both those hands on the freaking wheel...quit putting one hand on the shifter constantly...quit holding your drink (use the cupholder), and stop eating while driving...it may feel safe, but at car speeds it only takes one second to get into a very, very grave situation.

[noisebeam]

Totally off topic...
This AM while stopped in the RTOL next to me was a car with window shades pulled down on both the drivers, rear and passenger windows. I wanted to see what kind of idiot drives with only being able to see thru the front windshield, but couldn't since the shades blocked the view.
How does one check for approaching cars when making left/right turns into a street? OK there was like a 2" gap around the shade, so a peek may be possible.
Al

[supcom]

Could this be a law that can be used to prevent cell phone use while driving? At least for the out going calls. You have to read the dial pad to dial out, right? You have to look at the phone to use it when you dial out correct? At least most people I know do. So could this law be used against out going cell phone calls while driving in Iowa?

http://nxtsearch.legis.state.ia.us/NXT/gateway.dll/ACO?f=templates&fn=default.htm

For the states that do not have cell phone use while driving laws yet is there a similar law that could be used?

I know it may be a stretch to use this law for such a thing but for states that don't have one for cell phones yet it may be a good start.

Sorry, but 'reading' the numbers on a phone would be such a trivial instance that the law would certainly not apply. By the same logic, you would be able to outlaw looking at the speedometer, gas gauge, or reading "share the road" signs.

[catatonic]

Totally off topic...
This AM while stopped in the RTOL next to me was a car with window shades pulled down on both the drivers, rear and passenger windows. I wanted to see what kind of idiot drives with only being able to see thru the front windshield, but couldn't since the shades blocked the view.
How does one check for approaching cars when making left/right turns into a street? OK there was like a 2" gap around the shade, so a peek may be possible.
Al


Now that's just special....and I'm pretty sure is massively illegal.

[noisebeam]

Now that's just special....and I'm pretty sure is massively illegal.
Being an intensely sunny place, a few of folks have installed window shades that can be pulled down. A subset of these do leave a one or more down when driving. It is certainly not the first I've seen this, although offenders usually leave the rear and rear side window shades down, not both the front side ones.

Al

[noisebeam]

But officer, I didn't know the speed limit as I was avoiding reading while driving, which as you know is both illegal and dangerous. ;)

Al

[TYB069]

But officer, I didn't know the speed limit as I was avoiding reading while driving, which as you know is both illegal and dangerous. ;)

Al

That is so illogical and crazy that I could see it actually working in our illogical and crazy judicial system. Of course, the person speeding would also win a couple hundred thousand dollars for being inconvienced by being issued a ticket. :p

[Gurgus]

As per the cell phone while driving, cops are the ones I see the most. I see this all the time!

[N_C]

If you read the code pertaining to this it does state it does not apply to reading traffic signs, etc.

Don't know about most people but I do not have my cell phone dial pad memorized & I don't agree with the comment about it only takes as long to look at & dial a cell phone as it does to change the radio dial. First of all it's a good bet most drivers have the control console in their vehicles memorized so it is easy to adjust the climate controls, radio dial, etc with out looking. If you don't or you need to look at it to do so then pull over or adjust it before you start driving.

Also what about text messaging on a cell phone. Sending & receiving messages requires reading.

Wasn't there some cyclist killed some where because someone was either reading or sending a text message or something or other on a cell phone? I think it was in Colorado, wasn't it?

If it was what are Colorado's laws on cell phone use while driving? Is there on a law on reading things like books, mags, etc while driving?

[DieselDan]

That cyclist was in Colorado was Jim Price, aka sydney (see sig), a well respected member of the bikeforums.net community.

South Carolina has a "distracted driver" statute that is subjective to what the arresting officer observes. Dashboard cameras have helped enforce this law. Sadly, the General Assembly will not stiffen traffic offenses if someone dies in a car accident.