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 CELL PHONE SAFETY
"DIALING WHILE DRIVING" CONTINUES
TO SPARK DEBATE
AND LAND PEOPLE IN COURT
Most people believe that driving while talking on a cell phone is dangerous. Now, people who have their phone to their ear, instead of their eyes on the road, are starting to be held liable in court. This fact has come too close to home. Here in Bakersfield, there have been fatalities as a result of a cell phone user taking his or her eyes off the road.
What, exactly, is the future of cellular phone use in cars? No one knows exactly, but there are different points of view. On the one hand, safety advocates insist that cell phone use in cars should be banned completely. On the other hand, the cellular industry insists that the phones pose only a minor nuisance, easily corrected with education and training.
On the positive side, some benefits of cell phone use include:
- Economic: They allow us to conduct business.
- Personal Safety: They make it easier to call for help in an emergency or for roadside assistance.
- Access: We can stay in touch with loved ones.
- Money Savings: It is sometimes cheaper to call long-distance from our cars than from our home.
Nevertheless, cell phones do pose serious health risks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has determined that driver inattention is a primary or contributing factor in as many as 50 percent of all traffic accidents. While more research is needed to determine what role cellular phones play in this scenario, some states are not willing to wait until all facts are in. New York became the first state to ban hand-held cell phones while driving. The state of Pennsylvania is now pursuing legislation, and other states are close on their heels.
In the meantime, responsible use of the technology can limit accidents and protect your safety while talking and driving. If you must talk while on the road, safety advocates recommend that you:
- Get to know your phone and its features.
- When available, use a hands-free device.
- Position your phone within easy reach.
- Park or pull off the road to place calls, if possible.
- Suspend calls in heavy traffic or hazardous weather conditions.
- Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations that may divert your attention from the road.
Much of the legislative and regulatory activity will resolve itself over the coming years. But, there is no doubt about it - cellular phone use while driving can be hazardous to your health. As always, use caution and make conservative driving decisions. It could save your life, or the life of a loved one.
HOT TOPICS
Phony 'Chamber': If you receive a call from the "Regional Chamber of Commerce," hang up. This organization deceptively identifies itself as "your chamber," proceeds to verify business contact information, and then sends you a bill for $389, without prior knowledge or consent.
Nigerian Letters Keep Coming: One of the longest-running scams in memory, the "Nigerian letters," seems endless in its variations. The freshest take on this plea for your bank-account information comes from faxes by "Dr. Idris Boro" of Nigeria, proposing to deposit $26 million into your bank account if you will provide the information. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
For more information on Hot Topics from the Better Business Bureau, call (661) 322-2077.
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