Comments on: DC Bans Cell Phones . . . and Other Stuff

By: Thomas

Thomas — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

Only in D.C.? We've had that law in the entire NYState for 3 years now.

And here in NYC, they saw fit last year to ban cell phones in movie theaters, concert halls and on Broadway.

Sheesh.

By: James Joyner

James Joyner — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

Lots of states have laws banning driving with cell phones. They're silly--because no evidence shows that cell phones actually contribute to more accidents--but getting commonplace. Bans on interacting with one's pet are more unusual.

By: jen

jen — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

Tourists will love that.

By: Richie

Richie — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

Actually, I saw a study some years ago that indicated some loss of periperal vision occurred while talking on the phone. Wish I could remember where I read that.

By: delta dave

delta dave — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

Acutally all the commenter have miss the point... if it were just cell phones... then your guess is as good as mine if its a good law... but they ban "DISTRACTING BEHAVIOR" ... such as grooming (picking your nose while driving) and much much more.. read the article... any law enforcement offical who arbitarily decides you are Driving While Distract (DWD) for whatever the reason can pull you for for a $100 fine.

I think a nationwide alert needs to go out to warn tourist and prospective employers that driving in the District is at their own risk.

By: keith taylor

keith taylor — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

An old school friend of mine was killed a few years ago when a car pulled out at a junction, forcing him to swerve into a bridge support. The driver of the car was busy talking on a cellphone and neglected to check before pulling out. Laws like this may be annoying, but when I'm driving a couple tons of steel the road has my full attention, and I expect nothing less from my fellow road users. If you don't like it, take the bus and chat away.

By: James Joyner

James Joyner — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

Keith,

I hear ya. People yapping on their cells are annoying and have to be more dangerous than people paying attention. Studies have failed to show any difference between those using hand-held versus hands-free phones or between cell talkers and other distracted drivers. I'm just not sure how one legislates paying attention.

By: Darren

Darren — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

This is just another mayor Anthony Williams's law to get more money out of everyone. He even admits that traffic camera are for generating revenue for the city.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

I walk to work from Dupont Circle to Foggy Bottom and back every day - and every single day I see at least one driver coming around a corner or down the street who does not know what's going on around them because their attention is on their cell phone converstation, not the road, not the cars around them, and certainly not the pedestrians jumping out of their way to avoid getting creamed while crossing the street. I'm all for this law.

By: Debbie

Debbie — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

I doubt the new law will help much. People that are so easily distracted by a simple cell phone coversation will also be just as distracted by a conversation within the vehicle or changing the dial on the radio. Common sense is needed and it just isn't found very often when some people are driving.

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