Cell phones dangerous

Have you ever been driving on the freeway at a reasonable 70 mph when a driver suddenly cuts you off who just can't seem to maintain a constant speed only to pass the car, look over, and find out the driver is on a cell phone? I'm sure everyone has experienced this or a similar occurrence in his or her life. The question is, should we or should we not be allowed to talk on a cell phone while driving?

In the United States, some states have issued a ban on cell phone use while driving. Take New York, for example. In January of 2002, their legislature passed a law prohibiting the use of cell phones while operating motor vehicles, unless the drivers use a hands-free kit. Violations of this law could cost up to $100 in penalties. A similar law has been introduced in California legislature three times and has not yet been passed. For the life of me, I cannot understand why.

Any logical person recognizes that there is a direct correlation between cell phone use and delayed response time. Any behavior that distracts drivers' attention affects the time and ability to respond to unplanned events. This fact alone proves that driving while talking on a cell phone is significantly more dangerous and increases the risk of accidents. Using a hands-free kit that leaves the driver with both hands available to grasp the wheel, as the California Drivers' Training Manual suggests, can reduce risks but it still doesn't completely eliminate the danger.

If drivers choose to talk on cell phones while driving, it is important that they understand the risks involved for themselves as well as the risks for other drivers caused by the choice not to purchase and use a hands-free kit.

For more information about cell phone safety and laws please visit www.rfsafe.com.

Lesley Nickus is a print journalism major at CSULB.