Foo - Cellphone use while driving isn't legal, and yet...

States like NY have laws that impose minimal penalties for this 'offense'. Ditto for riding a motorcycle without a license ('out of class' minor traffic ticket, sometimes they'll impound your motorcycle, but typically they do not). I will never understand why governments pass traffic 'laws' with no intent to enforce them. If using a cellphone while driving results in accident rates that approach DUI, the offense should result in a far more severe penalty. If anyone actually gave a **** about motorcycle fatalities (they do not) then riding a motorcycle without a proper license would result in the suspension of your regular driver's license, not a slap on the wrist.

Bottom line: if labor under the illusion that our society at large really cares if you die while riding your bicycle or motorcycle, get over it.

I agree completely. If I have to take the time and study to get my motorcycle endorsement I think everyone should. What is even worse is that most of those people riding without a license are also riding without insurance. :mad:

Greetings!

Unfortunately, there are lots of laws on the books that are not enforced, at least, not uniformly. The use of cel phones while driving is one of the most dangerous things I see drivers do, yet I have never, ever known anyone to be ticketed for it, even when they caused an accident. Thanks to laws not being enforced, and the liberal judges of our justice system, the victims of those who break the laws never get any justice.

And, as for the uninsured motorists, it is the most expensive part of my car insurance. What does that tell you?

Regards,
Jefferito

It isn't illegal to use a cell phone while driving here in PA, and I am appalled by how often I see people doing it, how poorly they are driving while doing it, and that it is not yet a law here.

I always make a point to honk at people who I see driving poorly while on the phone, and I look straight at them and mouth in a very exaggerated manner - "get off the damn phone".

note - it's one thing to take (when the circumstances permit doing so safely) a call and tell the caller - "I'm in the car, will call you back". It's quite another to use your drive time to multi-task. If that's what they want to do, they should carpool and do that while they're the passenger, or hire a chauffeur (if they're so freaking important tat they have to talk while they're in the car). If people insist on endangering others while they drive, they should have their license revoked, and be locked up on a repeat offense.



Rant over.

I will never understand why governments pass traffic 'laws' with no intent to enforce them.
To make sure Americans feel the freedom to break the rules. That's the only reason I can think of.

What they should have is much stricter penalties for collisions where cell phones are a factor.

There have been many studies published that find that drivers on cell phones are more impaired than those driving drunk. Yet the legal penalties are nowhere near as severe as for driving drunk even though the loss of life ones may be moreso.

How many people talk about personal responsibility yet engage in this sort of activity? Self loathing on a cultural level - subconscious attempts to exterminate ourselves.

I always make a point to honk at people who I see driving poorly while on the phone, and I look straight at them and mouth in a very exaggerated manner - "get off the damn phone".

I agree with your rant (and Pcad's, BTW) but would like to add that holding your fist to the side of your head with thumb out at ear and pinky out at mouth in the universal "phone gesture" pretty clearly indicates what you're honking about. I suggest adding it to your repertoire. :D

I have a friend who worries about me riding my bicycles and motorcycles, yet didn't hesitate to ask me (twice) to switch my phone conversation with him from hands-free to handheld while I was driving. :rolleyes:

I refused, I don't even like talking hands-free. One more nice thing about the bikes.

What I truly want to know is what a mother driving their kids to school at 7:00a in an Escalade needs to be talking on the cell phone about? I mean who are you talking to, another mother driving her kid to school in their Expedition?

What I truly want to know is what a mother driving their kids to school at 7:00a in an Escalade needs to be talking on the cell phone about? I mean who are you talking to, another mother driving her kid to school in their Expedition?

+1

What I truly want to know is what a mother driving their kids to school at 7:00a in an Escalade needs to be talking on the cell phone about? I mean who are you talking to, another mother driving her kid to school in their Expedition?

Probably discussing either Montel's guests or Oprah's newest reading list.