[AbsoluteJustice]

Just more of our personal freedoms being stripped away.

[Lunatic Fringe]

Well, I dont recall the Constitution guaranteeing the right to drive and talk on the phone at the same time. I encourage laws that make sense, and this law makes sense. Hands-free devices are much safer, and come with all cell phones now.

I was cut off in traffic the other day by an oblivious woman talking on a cell phone. She was holding it up on her shoulder. As I passed her I yelled, "I bet you would drive a lot better if that phone was shoved up your a$$!"

[Dr Warmoose]

I am convinced that this "Hands Free" cellphone law is designed to kill more people so only limosine liberals can make phone calls while on the road.

As a motorcyclist, life and death is often separated by noticing what is going on in different vehicles. A person on a cell phone is distracted and is very much unlikely to notice things around them. For my own safety I need to know that this menace is in proximity. As it has been for some time, I can tell when someone is on the phone because either their head is cocked over unnaturally to one side, or something as obvious as their hand stuck to the side of their head.

What in effect the legislators are saying is that it is only the act of placing one's hand along-side their head is what causes the greatly diminished driving abilities. So for a fraction of time where someone is scratching their ear, or adjusting their glasses, that person is more dangerous than the hands-free cell phone user.

I know why they are making it a crime to move one's hand up near the skull, because if they claimed that talking to another person is distracting, then it would be an argument against car-pooling. At least those who operate the busses know that talking to the driver is a bad idea and that is why they prohibit it.

So for the sake of justifying HOV lanes, they are willfully jeopardizing the lives of others by criminalizing the act of holding an object against one's ear - thus removing a clear sign that the driver is impaired and dangerous. Yet another victimless crime that makes the city revenue while creating even a greater hazard to life and limb.

[templar]

I've been wondering what makes cell phones more dangerous than CB radios and the other hand held radios of various sorts. They've been around for decades and their use has not been outlawed. Is it the nature of the device or the nature of it's common useage? If it's the useage, I don't see how hands free devices are less distracting.

[kellynla]

It is unfortunate that laws have to be made for morons who lack common sense. Anyone with a just a fraction of common sense would know that if they absolutely feel that they must make a phone call that those people would pull over to the side of the road and make their call. Makes you wonder how important these people really think they are and what they did before we had cell phones. Meanwhile the rest of us will have to continue to drive defensively and avoid such idiots. The question that automobile insurance companies should be asking is. How many accidents did you CAUSE last year?

[MineralMan]

"Just more of our personal freedoms being stripped away."

So, you have a right to talk on your cell phone while you drive? I guess that woman who almost rammed my rear in stop and go traffic on the I-405 last week while she chatted on her cell phone was just exercizing her rights.

Hang up and drive!

[Chancellor Palpatine]

Speaking as a guy who makes a lot of cell calls while driving, I can unequivocally state that I am an accident waiting to happen unless I get a hands free system.

[John Lenin]

I think it's a good idea. I was almost killed by a driver on a cell phone.

[RightWhale]

It's not the holding of the cellphone that is distracting. It is forgetting that a car is being driven while talking and driving right up the tailpipe of the car in front. That is distracting to other drivers.

[Consort]

When a driver using a cell phone drives over your pet wallaby, then you might change your mind.

[xfmrman]

My hands free device plugs into my lighter. I need only push one button to a number or a voice will ask me whom to call. To answer, I need only to say "Yes" when the incoming call is announced. Safe and Simple.I love it and I think that with the sound in front of you it is even less distracting than an ear plug type device...

[goldstategop]

Yup. Its all for the chirrun doncha know?? ;-)

[Weimdog]

And still no budget from the nannies in Sacramento.