There has been quite a bit of debate here about the dangers of driving while talking on cell phones. Well, I had an experience that convinced me that it is indeed dangerous.
Last week I was returning home on a city street, two lanes in each direction, at about 30mph. There was this guy in the car beside me in the left lane talking on his phone while driving. Up ahead there were three cars stopped in his lane, waiting to make a left onto the freeway. As we approached I noticed that he was still matching my speed. This idiot didn’t even hit his brakes until we were about ten feet from those three cars. He slammed into the rear car, driving it into the other two cars.
Because of traffic, I was unable to stop for about a block. I walked back to the accident to see if anyone was hurt and if I was needed as a witness. As it turned out, there were about twenty witnesses. Well, nobody was hurt (probably thanks to airbags) and the cops had already been called. All four cars were heavily damaged.
I’m now totally convinced that drivers have no business talking on the phone, hands-free or otherwise, while driving. It’s not just the physical act of holding the phone that’s dangerous. While you’re talking, a good part of your attention is busy conjuring up the person you’re talking to. Much more so than when that person is right there with you.
This same thing could have (and probably has) happened on the freeway at 70mph. With much worse results.
The debate, for me, is over. I’m sorry for those who disagree, but this one you lose.
Peace,
mangeorge
I agree with you a hundred percent!
A few years ago I was at a stop sign waiting for a can approaching from the right at a reasonable speed, with the driver on the phone. He signalled left, but instead of crossing in front of me, he turned directly into a head-on.
Stupid, stupid, stupid.