Cell Phone Addicts II

[JD Spydo]

A couple of months or so ago I did a thread on this very subject. I regret to say that things have gotten worse since then. It is as though a lot of the ladies ( and some men) can not operate a vehicle without a cell phone glued to their ear. Forget about the fact that driving is "life & Death" serious type business and hundreds of people are losing their lives daily because of this travesty. Since the mid 80s there has been a pro-active push by law enforcement, citizens action groups and other interested parties to eradicate drunken driving. And rightfully so.

However I submit that cell phone addiction has far more reaching distractions, diversions and just overall disregard for the other motorists and the very lives of the people around them than even drunken driving. Cell phone addiction poses problems that even bad drunken driving had little to do with before this dilema ever came about. I am seeing red lights being run in Blue Springs ( a town I live by) to such a magnitude that I have adopted a saying/phrase: "THE REDDER THE BETTER" In other words the Redder the light is the better these Yuppie women, Cell phone Suzies, and overall dorks like to run it. Oh nevermind about the carnage which can result. It's their right to talk about the most insignificant chit-chat no matter what results from it. I am not being sexist here at all. There are plenty of guys who ride down the middle stripe of the road and ride 4 feet on the shoulder of the road as well. I just happen to observe more women doing it. :mad:

I submit that this cell phone problem is far worse than drunken driving, Handicapped people driving or even 16 year olds driving by a high exponential margin. This problem has reached the point of total disgust and has added an element of danger that nothing at this point can compare to it. What's really bugging me more than anything about the problem is the "UP Yours" attitude that 90% of these electronic dysfunctionals display. Get the petition!! I am ready to sign. And understand I am about as pro-Civil rights and pro-Constitution as one can get. I am a nut about protecting our liberties but this is a problem that absolutely has to be dealt with. JD :spyder: O :mad:

[greencobra]

Couldn't agree more.

Get caught with a cell phone up to your ear, moving violation...period. Insurance goes up, points, etc. whole nine yards.

Just buy a headset and now the danger is reduced to no more than talking to someone beside you.

[WOTANSON1]

There is a company that sells something like "road rage flashcards" I down loaded one that reads "I HOPE THAT CELL PHONE GIVES YOU F#@%^$&! CANCER" It's in huge type and yes I do flash it from time to time, makes me feel better. Yes, cell phone=accident imho. I would think a reckless driving ticket is the only way to stop it, ya gotta hit em where they hurt ie; insurance rates

[pjrocco]

Chicago just passed a law.. If you drive and talk on your cell phone you get a ticket. If you want to talk on the phone and drive you must wear an earpiece. I couldn't agree more with this law, most people can't drive anyway and using the phone at the same time is just an accident waiting to happen..

Rock

[WORKER#9]

Funny You Bring This Up Jd As Just Yesterday I Had A Guy In Front Of Me Run A Stop Sign As He Was Dialing His Cell Phone! Luckily I Was Paying Attention So I Did Not Hit Him As I Had The Right Of Way What A .....#9

[Michael Cook]

:mad: write your senator. Demand hands free driving laws! If a cell phone rings in the theatre kill the fool and go happily to prison knowing you've made the world a better place! :mad:

[JD Spydo]

One other item I didn't address earlier is the "rudeness factor" of these electronic dingbats with the single digit I.Q. Especially the more than Stupid "Cell PHONE Suzie" variety even having kids in the vehicle and not even caring at all as to whether or not they kill, cripple, mame or dis-figure for life what should be the most precious thing in their life. Total disregard for anything but them and the totally mindless content of their phone call :mad: .

The true blue "CELL PHONE ADDICT" is easily spotable. They stick out like Janet Reno at a beauty contest. You see them windmilling their "bucket mouth" while they never use their turn indicator signal, never come to a complete stop at a stop sign and they have no idea even within 10 MPH even how fast they are traveling. This is becoming such an unbearable menace to this state that I know it has caused "road rage" incidents of nuclear proportions. I think if someone is in an accident and kills somebody and they can prove that a cell phone was involved then the charge ought to be Voluntary Man-Slaughter with no plea bargaining possibilities. And keep in mind I am very anti Intrusive Government, Pro Constitution, Pro Civil rights all the way. But this is a problem of such monsterous proportions that something very drastic is going to have to be done. :mad:

Oh By the Way ROB (WATANSON) where did you get those road rage cards. You can PM me. JD :spyder: O

[Simon G]

For about a year now in the UK, it is an offence to use a mobile phone whilst driving. It will get you a ticket. Hands free units are fine.

Still see the individuals as described by JD, flouting the law regardless.................. :mad:

[HoB]

Also I couldn't agree more, I got a hearty laugh out of you posts JD. I think I have to adopt some of you christenings, especially "Cellphone Suzie", "Electronic Dysfunctionals", and "Electronic Dingbats" suck in my mind :) ! I know a couple of people that I will be addressing as such in the future :D .

[JD Spydo]

I don't know exactly why people lose their ability to comprehend when they are on these Cell Phones but it is undeniable. There is just absolutely no rationale for the behavior of these folks who are hoplessly addicted to these electronic "roach motels". When even life itself becomes less important than the cell phone they talk on it really makes you wonder if it isn't electronic witchcraft of some sort. :mad:

I have seen people in financial "dire straits" and they still will not give up the cell phone. But they will give up groceries, clothes for the kids, house utility bills and even medical insurance but not the cell phone :confused: . I am not kidding I have seen a first hand instance of that. If you were from another planet studying these morons you would be saying "totally illogical" just like Mr. Spock used to on Star Trek :confused: . And with good reason. I would love a rational explanation for all of this. I would love to hear it from a mental health professional. If there is one here on this fine forum. JD :spyder: O

[WORKER#9]

I Could Not Agree More Jd What A Bunch Of Zeros... I Was Riding My Road Bike Through Campus This Spring, On What Has Become A Rare Ride For Me Due To Lower Back Problems, From Crushed Discs. But I Was Feeling Good, It Was Spring And What The **** I Will Take The Pain. As A Headed Through The University, Every Student I Saw Was On There Cell Phone!! I Could Not Believe My Eyes, Here I Was Thankful To Be Out Among The Cherry Blossoms, And Warm Temps And Every One Else Was Looking Down In There Own Cell Phone World! Insane I Thought, The Most Beatiful Day And People Just Walking Through It On There Phone!

I Have A Cell Phone So Dont Get Me Wrong But There Is A Time And A Place, And I Just Turn It Off In The Car Or On My Ride, Yes It Is With Me But Turned On No Way! Its For Me To Call Out In An Emergency, Like When Two Of My Vertabrae Start Pinching A Nerve, Not For Mindless Chatter On A Perfect Spring Day. #9

[The Deacon]

Well, I agree that cell phone usage in a moving vehicle is a very bad idea. Problem is that the most recent studies seem to be showing that using a "hands off" phone is not much less dangerous. The conversation itself is the major mental distraction. Of course hands off use is much more difficult to spot, so regulation would be fairly useless as enforcement would be next to impossible.

Education is probably the only hope, although I am old enough and cynical enough to figure it won't help any more than the "drink responsibly" and "friends don't let friends drive drunk" platitudes tacked onto the end of beer commercials have helped reduce the number of alcohol related cases of vehicular homicide.

As for rudeness, will just say that one of the more pleasant side effects of not smoking is that I no longer am forced to share the sidewalk outside my office each day with folks who think nothing of standing right next to you, dialing a relative or friend and discussing all the gory details of their daughter's yeast infection or their son's latest arrest.

[JD Spydo]

Deacon I can always count on you for a terrific feedback. You make some super points in that last post. I have even heard ladies going into detail about their hysterectomies and guys asking their girlfriends if they can have sex that night while I am eating in a restaurant no less :eek: . While in a Dentist's office the other day I was hearing a lady talking to her daughter about the most personal of female problems :o . My point being is that these people totally lose their brains, their manners, their common sense ( if they ever had any) and their overall dignity on these little electronic "idiot boxes".

Did Alexander Graham Bell ever envision such insanity? I don't think these people even have the foggiest idea that they are being listened to :eek: . You know they could take that old Public Service Announcement about "YOUR BRAIN BEING ON DRUGS": Instead of throwing an egg in the frying pan they could just throw a cell phone in there instead. I still don't think they would get it :confused: . JD :spyder: O

[The Deacon]

Amen JD! I have a hunch we are both of the generation that, when using a pay phone, would always close the door, talk softly, and make sure nobody was within earshot, when calling to let the wife know we'd be late for dinner. IMHO, the slide downward began when they took the doors off phone booths, but at least you could still position yourself out of earshot of the phones. The cell phone eliminated that possibility.

Then again, I must admit to being a bit of a hypocrite. :o Last summer the apartment directly above me was inhabited by two strippers, and their cell phone conversations they'd have out on their balcony detailing the behaviors of some of the guys who patronized the place they worked were quite entertaining. :eek: :D

[jimbo@stn24]

The sad fact is that anyone with an ability to observe life and it's goings on, can see that cell phone use is rarely required, or beneficial in day to day living. Hands free is not the answer as most motor vehicles today can be adequately controlled with one hand, not the perfect operating environment, but then again the handicap is not one hand is at your ear.

I cannot think of one instance where I have observed my sisters, my wife, or myself, having a cell phone conversation that could have waited, pare out the crap and get on with what needs to be discussed, or get together for a pint or a coffee when you want to visit. It is simple, get in the vehicle, turn off the phone. It is the convenience that you can talk to someone almost anywhere, at any time, with this little marvel of technology that permits this.

I used to have a cell phone when I drove truck more often as I tended to frequent rarely travelled (what a treat!) roadways at the hour I drove, and as a benefit to those who may need help when I came accross the need. That is one of their benefits.

[rastus]

I don't believe in landlines anymore. I'm looking at Vonage (sp?) for a replacement. I am in the sprinkler service biz, and I have to be able to respond to emergency calls (water running, no water, etc.). I do not turn off my cellphone when I'm driving, but, I do turn the ringer off. I check my messages when I can, and either call back then, or call when I'm done for the day.
My reasoning is this: if I see an accident, terrorist strike, drunk about to kill someone whith thier car, etc., I want to be able to call right then. If my phone is off, I have to focus a lot of attention on it to turn it on. I do use a hands free headset to talk to customers about being late, rescheduling, or whatever. I dial at a stoplight, and the conversation is secondary to my driving
(people can tell that I'm not focused compleatly on them and sometimes get upset-but as has already been said: I'm not going to risk my life and the lives of others to have a conversation).
It used to be worse, I worked for a company (several, actually) that used two-way radios. One guy smashed into a little car with a two ton truck while arguing with the boss--everyone heard that over the radio " blah blah, blah, oh s*%t! bangscrunckelch.....". City workers, and lots of others (including LEO's) use two way radios. I guess they are not as bad as cellphones for one reason, you don't have to dial. But still....
---Tom

[JD Spydo]

Now Rastus phone users such as yourself are not the reason I started this thread. Obviously by the very intelligent way you constructed your letter you have conveyed to me that you are very cognizant of what's going on around you and safety conscious as well. The "Cell Phone Suzie" type that I am going after could care less about someone being involved in an accident, someone needing medical help or someone in a desparate situation needing law enforcement or other professional assistance. If most people were as conscientious as you have indicated that you are then this thread would not have ever been written. I am not talking about legimate "life or death" use of a phone to help others. And I am not talking about the responsible use of any piece of high tech equipment. I am mainly displaying the insanity that I see on an "everyday" basis and it is getting precipitously worse. You Sir are not the problem and if others took the responsibility you take then this would not be any noteworthy issue at all. You have seen the single digit I.Q. morons that I am talking about. You can't help but see them if cell phone use in a car is legal in your state.

[rastus]

JD Spydo, I was trying to show that there is a right way (or at least a less dangerous way) to use a cellphone and drive. I'm not immune to the effects of the "Cell Phone Suzie", or a new one, "jabbering Jim, Jesse, Jerome". I see these people every day and try to add them to my "road awareness"; I treat them like they are drunk drivers, except that I don't call them in- it's not a crime here.
OK, now for the corelation: what if there were a "cellphone shool"? As it is right now in NM., if you get a 1st DWI you have to go to DWI school, among other things. I'd like to see something similar happen to those who
1- cause an accident (already a crime- reckless endangerment to involentary manslaughter)
2- do something stupid enough to almost cause an accident (in front of a cop is the only way that would ever happen) :confused:
3- Get reported more than X # of times to the police (plate #, relates to 2) :D .
What do you think? I like the idea of the last one the best, except that it would probably just tie up the courts with people trying to prove innocence.
Help me out here. What would be likely to work, in a city that doesn't already outlaw non-hands-free cellphone usage?
---Tom

[JD Spydo]

Rastus I think for the most part we are definitely on the same page as far as being aware of the inherent dangers of being diverted or impaired and then trying to drive. The bottom line is impairment. IF you are diverted you are then in a sense "impaired". What totally gripes me most of all is the fact that most of these bozos don't have any regard for other motorists or for the people riding in the vehicle they are driving. Like I eluded to on a post in this thread yesterday about a lot of ladies even having kids in the car and not even caring whether or not they put their kids in grave danger. Also just being totally inconsiderate, rude, dangerous, wreckless and just having total disregard for the safety and well being of other people. It is usually other people that end up paying for what these "JERKS" do. As is in the case of a lot of drunken driving accidents. :mad:

In all fairness there is a percentage of people like yourself that needs to use a cell phone for business or other legimate needs. Also in that percentage of people there are those also like yourself who are very conscious about safety. In a way it is not fair to implement laws to impede on good people's rights. But this problem is getting borderline insane here locally and something drastically has to be done about it or we are going to have deaths, people by the scores ending up paralyzed, mamed, disfigured and so on. Again Sir it is not the people like you I am after it is the Cell Phone Suzies, Jabbering Jeromes, Fossilized elders and various other varieties of folks who have no more business driving than I do flying the space shuttle. Against them I will be constantly vigilant until something is finally done.

[JD Spydo]

Hey folks!!! Just wait because you are about to see it first hand!! Coming to an intersection near you. Oh YES!!! you know, you see: It's "Cell Phone Suzie" coming to an intersection near you in all of her bucket mouth splendor. Forget the light that has been blatantly RED for over 8 seconds or so; forget the fact that there is already a car in that intersection because Suzie's conversation is much more important than life, limb and property. Why after all She has a right to create all of the mayhem on the road that can possibly be manifested. Hey hold on a minute!!! Now I know what you all are thinking!! But you all quit being so narrow minded and intolerant. Because at this point the most important thing here is Suzie's conversation with her Astrologer and after that the Gal that does her fingernails. Why after all she has her priorities and we other motorists just need to be sensative to Suzie's needs. We have to understand that the entire road belongs to Suzie and that we are privaledged to even be allowed to be on that road in spite of the fact that it is OUR TAXES that put that road there to begin with. How dare you all think that someone ought to play by the rules!!! How dare ME to call Suzie's insanity to your attention. Just remember: She is coming to an intersection near you!!! :mad: