Cellphone ban in cars likely this year - NZ Herald

**Bend-it** · 2nd June 2009, 11:08

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/ar...575872&ref=rss

Not sure what I think of this, tbh...

Initially, I thought it was a good thing, afterall, we have all seen drivers do really stupid things because they were distracted on their cellphones...

However, the principle of banning something because someone might do something bad with it is something I generally disagree with... Like banning guns because people have been shot by them, which means we should ban all knives, because far more people have been stabbed then have been shot...

I guess they're not banning cellphones out right, just banning the use of them while driving...

Your thoughts?

**James Deuce** · 2nd June 2009, 11:13

I don't think they should be banned.

I think there should be 3 months jail time and 12 months disqualification for texting whilst driving, and an increased fine/demerits/disqualification/Insurance premium if records indicate that you were using your phone when you have an accident.

Banning is the typical kneejerk response of the reactionary imperialist.

Viva la revolution!

**p.dath** · 2nd June 2009, 11:15

We are talking about saving human lives here. There is no doubt cell phones are a contributing factor in accidents.

I would be happy allowing cell phones to ring, so a driver can pull over and stop - but not allow the operation of the phone for two way communication (specifically for voice, TXT and email) while the vehicle was moving.

Now about using it for GPS and more modern applications, I don't know. But a ban on communications would be a safe start.

**James Deuce** · 2nd June 2009, 11:17

Talking to a passenger is just as dangerous as talking on a cellphone. Again, that is "proven" as well, depending on whose study you read.

If you ban cellphones, you have to ban passengers.

**Bend-it** · 2nd June 2009, 11:21

Originally Posted by James Deuce

I don't think they should be banned.

I think there should be 3 months jail time and 12 months disqualification for texting whilst driving, and an increased fine/demerits/disqualification/Insurance premium if records indicate that you were using your phone when you have an accident.

Banning is the typical kneejerk response of the reactionary imperialist.

Viva la revolution!

In order for the jail time, hard labour in Southland etc etc, it has to be banned first, and then punishment inflicted on those who flout the ban...

Originally Posted by p.dath

We are talking about saving human lives here. There is no doubt cell phones are a contributing factor in accidents.

But so is being tired, or distracted, so whould we ban tired drivers and naggy backseat passengers as well?

I guess alcohol is another example, where in itself is okay.... but when combined with piloting a vehicle on a public road, is illegal...

**Genestho** · 2nd June 2009, 11:47

Originally Posted by Bend-it

I guess alcohol is another example, where in itself is okay.... but when combined with piloting a vehicle on a public road, is illegal...

Ahh the grey area, alcohol and driving is not illegal, there is a limit.

Nobody can ever tell at any given time what their particular personal limit is!

Due to the variables...

Weight
Mental Health
Physical Health
Food Intake
Sleep
Alcohol Content
Liver Health

Banning cellphones? Don't know, as James said up there, physical distraction is no better, and studies show it to be true!

**Bend-it** · 2nd June 2009, 11:55

Originally Posted by T.G.W

Ahh the grey area, alcohol and driving is not illegal, there is a limit.

True dat...

**Mikkel** · 2nd June 2009, 11:55

Originally Posted by James Deuce

I don't think they should be banned.

I think there should be 3 months jail time and 12 months disqualification for texting whilst driving, and an increased fine/demerits/disqualification/Insurance premium if records indicate that you were using your phone when you have an accident.

Banning is the typical kneejerk response of the reactionary imperialist.

Viva la revolution!

Or even better - cut off their thumbs!

Viva la Shariah.

**CookMySock** · 2nd June 2009, 12:13

Originally Posted by Bend-it

(it's)Like banning guns because people have been shot by them [....] I guess they're not banning cellphones out right, just banning the use of them while driving...

Yeah its not like banning guns, its like banning shooting them out the window one-handed while you are driving, because it's very distracting.. for other motorists as well..

Ya know - someone could conceivably be hurt doing that..

The thing is, txting is so much of our culture now, it will be hard for folks to pull up on the side of the road to reply to a txt, and in many places it will be physically difficult, dangerous, or impossible. Gee we all might to get a CB radio installed instead! It will be just like the good ol' days, Luke!

I can see the cellphone companies modifying their software so cellphones are unable to send or receive txts while moving - that will not be difficult at all, and it will be easy to legislate and monitor, and that will be the end of the problem in one fell swoop.

I don't like the legislative approach either, but something has to be done I think. Thats also the good thing about bikes - a lot less distractions.

Steve

**Swoop** · 2nd June 2009, 12:34

Sales of hands-free kits will increase.

**EJK** · 2nd June 2009, 12:43

Heres what I experienced yesturday.

Someone was driving (with 3 passengers including me at the back seat) and we got on to the motorway. Well her cell phone begun to ring. So guess what she did? She pulled over on the side of the MOTORWAY to recieve her call. Wise? I dunno. Crazy? I guess so!

You know where my votes at.

**Hitcher** · 2nd June 2009, 13:02

This is typical under-thought political knee jerk nonsense -- similar to bans on "dangerous" dog breeds and fencing swimming pools.

(I can hear the whining starting up now: "How would you feel if you had lost a child...")

The issue is simple. It's about driver distraction. There are many things that are capable of distracting drivers, of which cellphones are but one or yet another. Children in the back seat are probably more of a distraction (at times) for mothers driving than cellphones. Yet I see no legislation mooted banning the transportation of petulant infants in motor vehicles.

I note too last evening's 60 Minutes programme extolling the evils of cellphones as a possible cause of malignant brain tumours. Perhaps cellphones themselves should be banned outright, thereby negating the proposed legislation for their usage in moving motor vehicles?

**yod** · 2nd June 2009, 13:21

Originally Posted by James Deuce

Talking to a passenger is just as dangerous as talking on a cellphone. Again, that is "proven" as well, depending on whose study you read.

If you ban cellphones, you have to ban passengers.

correct

and stereos, climate control, cup-holders, glove boxes, seat adjustment, mirror adjustment, eating, smoking, scratching your arse/balls/eyes/ears, farting, belching, laughing, ....basically anything else that a driver can do whilst driving, other than driving.....

**Blackbird** · 2nd June 2009, 14:19

Originally Posted by James Deuce

Talking to a passenger is just as dangerous as talking on a cellphone. Again, that is "proven" as well, depending on whose study you read.

If you ban cellphones, you have to ban passengers.

Compounded if you happen to be a female. Have you noticed how many of the fairer sex need to look at each other when talking and driving?

**Sits back and waits for the flak

**