Hot Topic (10/14): "Distracted driving" . . . time to crack down?

[Cafe GroupAdmin]

Support in Senate for cellphone driving ban

A bill would give federal funds to states that forbid driving while texting or talking without a hands-free device. It could pass this year.

Reporting from Washington - Amid calls from the Obama administration and traffic safety advocates to ban texting and talking on hand-held cellphones while driving, Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) has thrown his support behind the effort -- a sign that the Senate could pass such legislation this year.

The powerful chairman of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee has written a bill that would offer federal funds to states that enact laws against driving while texting or talking on a hand-held device. That incentive approach probably would have a better chance at passage than punitive legislation introduced in July by Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) that would require states to ban texting while driving or risk losing federal highway funds.

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How do you feel about laws banning driving while texting and talking on cellphones?

Do you think the federal government should be involved in this type of legislation?

[CODYSMOM_00]

i never text while driving, but i answer my phone if it rings.

[hsteele]

I think its a good idea to talking on a cell while driving unless you have a handsfree device, but they need to crackdown on other driving distractions like putting on make up etc.  I think that if you get in an accident while doing something that could be considered distracting then the fee should be higher, like when you get speeding ticket in a construction zone or school zone.

[JenE4]

It's against the law in my state (NJ). I agree with it.

[sillyone]

I would never text while i am driving. But yes I do talk on my cell. I don't see it any different then talking to someone in the car. THe way I see it if anyone gets in a wreck becuase of talking on the phone they would probably got in the wreck if they where talking to someone already in the car. I do most of my talking on the phone while I am driving.

[mmtosam06]

I agree no one should be texting while driving 

[Talee]

I have texted and driven....bad bad bad idea....I think the handsfree devices for phones are safe....talking on the cell without one is iffy in my book...

Someone said something about makeup...omg...was driving down the freeway and this chick was actually speeding next to me and applying MASCARA while driving....THAT is pure stupidity! 

[sappharie]

Quoting mmtosam06:

I agree no one should be texting while driving 

[Mommy_of_Riley]

Texting while driving is crazy... but I do talk on the phone.  My van has the blue tooth thing where you hear the phone through the speakers so I don't have to touch my phone.  Just talk.  It works and I feel safe.

[la_bella_vita]

Quoting mmtosam06:

I agree no one should be texting while driving