Topic : 06/01 Killer Texting

I believe that texting should be banned in all cars and also use of the mobile phone.  In England there is an on the spot fine for using your mobile phone.  You cannot concentrate texting while you are driving, your eyes are not on the road and your mind is on texting.

I feel that texting while driving should be banned.  Two weeks ago a 17 year old young man was killed while texting.  It has stunned the entire community of Saratoga, Wyoming.  He lost control of his car, over corrected and rolled down the embankment.  His last message he sent was to his girl friend while he was on his way to the football game.  His jersey has been retired. 

I don't even like to see people on their cell phones while driving.  My husband refuses to talk while he's driving.  If our phone rings, I take care of the call.

Sherry

Saratoga, Wyoming

When I got my license many years ago there was a clause that stated to keep BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL when driving. The positioning of the hands at that time was 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock, since then I believe the positioning has changed.  If this was enforced to keep both hands on the wheel while operating a vehicle, with the exception of shifting gears, wouldn't we have helped solved a lot of arguments regarding the use of cell phones, texting, applying makeup, eating, etc. We always have the option to pull over and take care of business when necessary. Driving is a serious matter and one never knows what will be coming their way and when. One needs to be totally aware and COURTEOUS when driving, and if you are texting or chatting on the phone you are unable to do either effectively, it really doesn't take a genius to figure that one out.

Today I am almost in a wheelchair because I have had three drunk drivers slam into my rear end while waiting in traffic or being parked. Yes I am lucky to be alive, but I am in constant pain and have a lot of mobility issues, and uanble to work, and I am not even into my sixties yet.

God Bless the families that have lost a loved one to such a tragic accident, no one can even know  the pain they are suffering, unless it has touched their lives.

Melinda from Tacoma, Washington

Dear Phil,

I would like you to read my research article in regards to your show with the Senators ;about the use of text messaging, phones, radios and any electronic devices that are distractors on the road.  The article is on my Web Page www.geocities.com/farnsworth.deborah.WiredWord.html.  The article is about Protecting Children.  The incident in this study that is on my web page is only one of other(s) I believe.  My paper is dedicated to Mrs. Jean Denkins, who died crossing the street, while going home from doing her grocery shopping.  Her groceries where reported to be all across the road, when she was hit.  The police officer at the scene of the accident called the EMS and she was taken to the ER.   Jean Denkins died in the emergency room. 

Sincerely,

debfar

With the technology that is available today it should be/is possible to detect the motion of a vehicle and send a message and/or just shut down the cellphone , ipod or any other device.

This would work and prevent this unnecessary problem.

I think more laws would not be enforceable and a waste of time and taxpayers money.

LOL...I agree, that's just silly about not texting while riding a horse.  Maybe if  you're not riding in a playground and texting, most horse people tend to not ride in high traffic areas and if danger lurks you can simply say "whoooooaaa".  I'm not buying this one.

  But, for the love of mankind, if people don't believe all these testaments of cell phone tragidies on this board, even from the truck driver who quit driving because of cell phone accidents, we might as well give up our cars and get a horse.  Just don't text while riding.  I don't think they said we souldn't talk on the cell and ride a horse did they?