Operation Cell Phone Lockdown: Talk or Not to Talk

Am I the only person in this world that feels that a giant warning sticker should be placed on cell phone packages with the disclaimer, "Do not use while driving?"  Common sense is not so common anymore.  It is truly a shame that 25 percent of all accidents are caused because some moron was chatting away or deemed it necessary to text while they were driving.  Does anyone else feel that driving while using a cell phone falls under the category of reckless driving?  Technology and all of its advances is wonderful, but come on people we have to exercise better judgment when relying on technology's conveniences.

Tip No. 1

Pull over when possible if you must talk on your cell phone.

I don't think people realize how engaged they are when they are talking on their cell phones.  I witnessed two incredibly dangerous incidents where the drivers were so enthralled in their conversations they actually drove into oncoming traffic.  Yes, it can and does happen.  In one instance, I was sitting at the traffic light and a gentleman, when the light turned green, nearly hit me head on.  After realizing his mistake, passed on the right side of my car when he should have been on the other side of the road.  I was in shock to say the least.  As he passed me, he looked up with nervous laughter mouthing, "I am sorry."  I mouthed back, "You most certainly are."  Needless to say, with a car full of my young cousins, I was pissed off.  The young ears of my cousins had never heard such obscenities that I spewed.

Tip No. 2

This one is simple; purchase a hands free headset or Bluetooth.

My phone came with a hands free headset.  I believe they should be included with ever cell phone purchase.

Tip No. 3

Have a passenger make your call (if possible) or answer your phone for you.

I don't want to insult anyone's intelligence here, but too many times I have witnessed someone on their cell phone with a car full of passengers. WHAT???  Have them tell the person you will call them back, simple.  What could be that important, when clearly there were places for these people to pullover and continue talking.  I love in New York and like some places there are more than enough empty lots and parking for a person can pullover and burn someone's ear off.  Please, just try to do it.

Tip No. 4

Texting should never be done while driving, period! PULLOVER…

Tip No. 5

Utilize the speed dial function on your phone.

One button press function can be found on most cell phones.  With the convenience of technology comes the ease of use.  Read your phone's manual ever single time.  Get to know everything that it is capable of; too many times I have heard people say, "I had no idea my phone was capable of doing that."

Tip No. 6

Learn what the cell phone laws are in the state that you are driving in.

There are several states that do adhere to strict laws when driving and operating a cell phone.  Not all states are the same and there are several states that do not have any laws for cell phone usage and driving at all.  Why every state has not enacted some sort of cell phone law is beyond me, but in the wake of the recent Amtrak accident, ever single state should be vigilant in ensuring that any form of transportation operated should adhere to strict cell phone laws.  For more information on which states have cell phone usage while driving laws go to the Governors Highway Safety Association website at: www.ghsa.org.

Also, remember when traveling abroad; if you plan on driving in another country learn cell phone laws.  Most ban cell phone usage of handheld phones not hands free.  More information can be found at Cellular News at www.cellular-news.com/car_bans.