I have to agree 100% with 2kturkey. I know the subject of freedom is another topic, but in this case, I feel he is right on. What "freedom" meant back in the 1700's has very little bearing on today's ever changing world. "Personal freedom" implies that everyone is expected to do the right thing - and if this doesn't work, then laws have to be passed to protect other people, and protect people from themselves.

 

I'm still waiting for someone, anyone, to answer me this simple question: If laws already exist that cover this type of behavior why pass new ones? Can't we just enforce the existing laws?

 

I think the use of cell phone should be banned from the driver, period. Making them use the headphone doesn't help at all.
They should not be allowed to use a phone while they are driving.
That will not seperate your hard earn money from your pocket either, as Greg suggested.
They should simply be ticketed and charged points on insurance so they will think twice about doing it again.

My wife, of course, wouldn't want to see that change.
She enjoys driving, shifting, paying toll and talking all at the same time.
The road is dangerous enough, we really don't need all those drivers who aren't paying attention. Cell phone was a great invention. Allowing drivers to use them while driving was a big mistake.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by gregstevens
[B]I actually DON'T use a handheld cell phone, I use a headset and I wouldn't have it any other way.

 

2kturkey, I most certainly do not disagree. I have never advocated personal freedom without personal responsibilty. In fact, freedom without responsibility is anarchy and that would never work in a civilized society. I totally and completely agree with you on that. That, in fact, is one of my frustrations...many people who do NOT accept responsiblity for their actions make things like this an apparent necessity. That is what disturbs me more than anything...

And now there is a move afoot that I heard about on the news tonight. There are groups advocating the banning of car radios now. Apparently, they are killing people, as well. A fact of which I was previously unaware. I suppose soon that talking in cars will be banned...where does it stop? I have major issues with this...I also understand that shopping carts have killed a few people too, perhaps those should be banned, as well?

And as I said before, at least in Illinois, there are laws against what is called "distracted driving" ... it is a ticketable offense and it's on the books now. Why the need to make a cell phone-specific offense when it's already against the law to drive in such a manner? Yes, more laws, we need them...must feel safe.

A terribly unfortunate accident happened in Chicago the other day that I heard about on the radio in my car (yes, that's still legal here...for now) was a 21 year old girl who was crossing two railroad tracks. A train was going southbound and as soon as it passed, she proceeded to walk across the tracks. She was stuck and killed by a train going northbound. How come she didn't see or hear the other train? She was wearing a walkman or some such device. We should ban those, as well. Pretty soon, we'll ALL be living a completely regulated, sanitized and orderly lifestyle like those in Singapore. What a joy that would be. I actually like to chew gum occasionally. I mean, it's all about public safety, right? I'm sure others have been killed by walkmans...where's the outcry? Could it be an agenda out there who are advocating banning cell phones in cars? Hmmm, no, that would be conspiratorial...

I vote for liberty, not for more and more legislation. But that liberty comes with a price...and that price is personal responsiblity. If you want to be a moron, please, by all means, be one...but when the grim reaper comes and asks for payment for your choices, don't come running to me (or the government trough) and whine about how unfair everything is.

In the meantime, I am going to continue to be a responsible citizen, one that listens to the car radio, talks on the cell phone in the car and makes choices for which I am 100% accountable. I, personally, don't need the long arm of government reaching into my vehicles and telling me what I can and cannot do. Perhaps I am out on a limb here...but liberty is a valuable commodity, but one that should be taken seriously. It is unfortunate that many people do not see this very simple fact...

Over and out...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by gregstevens
[B]many people who do NOT accept responsiblity for their actions make things like this an apparent necessity.

 

I think calling me whilst I'm driving (or on the loo, isn't it amazing how often that happens) should be banned. Hence, my favourite feature on my phone is the OFF button.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by gregstevens
[B]
And now there is a move afoot that I heard about on the news tonight.

 

Johnny B. Goode, I like you pic of greg noll.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 2kturkey
[B]Greg, I agree with you on a lot of things and think you bring a lot of common sense to this forum,..... but......

in this case you are spouting the typical yank angle of demanding