Thursday, December 2, 2010

Driving and cellphones

Not too long ago, I read an article about the stats of driving while using cellphones. The statistics staggered me! The information that was given stated that driving drunk and using cellphones while driving had the exact same rate of accidents. This information was gathered by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, obviously  a group that has something invested in these facts.

The study was conducted in 2003, and truly the information has been kept under wraps until the fall of 2009. WHY?? While I will admit that some states have set laws in motion against using cellphones while driving, but what about the states that do not have this law on the books? What happens when a motorist hits a cyclist, pedistrian or anyone on the road ways? Are they truly prosecuted or given a slap on the wrist like so many other vehicular accidents?

Another area growing with the use of cellphones, is cyclists riding while on their phones. While cyclists lobby to protect themselves from the above problems, why on earth would someone use their cellphone while riding? I realize that many people carry cellphones while riding, but if you receive/ place a call while on your bike... what happened to simply getting off your bike until the call is completed?

Ok, here's my thought... please use your cellphones responsibly and think about how your actions can affect the safety of others PLEASE!!! Riding on bikepaths on your phone is simply selfish and putting others in harms way.

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HI Carl,

I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying your newfound "addiction". We certainly live in an outdoor paradise, so enjoy and spread your passion!

Jackie