Bastards on cell phones.

[Maki]

There was a segment on 'Close up' recently (either 'Close Up' or 20/20) on cell phone usage in a vehicle, where they tested a number of people.

They discovered that the people tested actually drove better texting than if they were talking on the cell phone.

They found that most of them could text without even looking at the cell phone keyboard.

But for some unknown reason when chatting they got more distracted whilst driving.

It was an interesting test.

The reason is actually quite well known. The fact is that the microwaves you are exposed to while talking on the phone (the phone is next to your head) affect your brain. That's right, your brain works by sending electrical impulses between brain cells. These can and are disturbed by the electromagnetic field generated by the cell phone. It follows that texting is less dangerous because the disturbing electromgnetic field is farther away from your brain when you are texting than when you are talking.
Cell phone companies know this. Now you do too. Why didn't you know this before? Because megabucks are involved in the cell phone industry and if it becomes common knowledge that cell phones have a negative effect on your brain function and may also increase the incidence of certain forms of cancer money will be lost.
You dont' believe it? You think agencies such as the governement, etc. should protect you against such things? Look at the history of cigarettes. The risks were well known for decades before cigarette companies admitted anything or governements began warning people. Your health is YOUR responsibility, no one is going to take care of it for you.
Driving while talking on the cell phone is as bad or worse as driving while drunk and the same penalties should apply.

[swbarnett]

The reason is actually quite well known. The fact is that the microwaves you are exposed to while talking on the phone (the phone is next to your head) affect your brain.

Interesting theory.

This would suggest that the length of the conversation is of importance i.e the problem may just be those that are glued to the phone, whereas those like myself that only engage in short exchanges (of usually less than a minute or two, whether driving or not) are not as affected.

[Skyryder]

I see on the news tonight some dick gets Home Detention after killing an elderly couple while texting. Did not catch all of this but seems forking out $10,000 might have saved his bacon from doing porridge. Govmt. Not interested in banning cell phones.

Skyryder

[BiK3RChiK]

I see on the news tonight some dick gets Home Detention after killing an elderly couple while texting. Did not catch all of this but seems forking out $10,000 might have saved his bacon from doing porridge. Govmt. Not interested in banning cell phones.

Skyryder

Oh, he was twice over his legal alcohol limit too...

[Manxman]

But you can't consider cell phones in isolation while those other distractions are also still legal. Besides, we don't need to ban cell phones because the police already have a law that covers drivers that are not paying due care and attention to their driving.

Couldn't agree more...why create specific legislation (costing how many $m ??) for something that is a l r e a d y c o v e r e d by existing law? The answer lies in the application of the existing law (oh, and driver education).

[Swoop]

Oh, he was twice over his legal alcohol limit too...

He was probably ordering a pizza.

[heyjoe]

'Dick' is too kind as a word for this guy. His actions (using the cell phone to text whilst being drunk and driving) killed an elderly husband and wife on their way home from celebrating their 49th wedding anniversary.

IMO there is NOTHING so so important that it has to be communicated whilst driving while intoxicated. He could have stopped and used his phone if need be.

[PrincessBandit]

He was probably ordering a pizza.

Perhaps a nice hot curry?