[Spridgets] OT cell phones, a little preachy

[Guy R Day]

We've already gone down the legislative route in the UK over driving and 
using mobiles (cell phones) and we can use earpiece Bluetooth or loudspeaker 
systems legally whilst driving.  Whilst this is better than using the phone 
itself, the fact is that driver concentration is taken away from the task in 
hand - driving - whilst using any such system.  UK driving is a tad more 
concentration centred than USA driving (we're squashed up more) and there is 
a definite problem.
However, having a law does not mean any-one obeys it !  The sight of drivers 
with their hand / phone to their ear is common and even drivers of the more 
expensive cars with built in Bluetooth abilities will not use it and can be 
seen with their phone held to their ear.
You then get the problem of two handed texting whilst driving and the driver 
looking at the phone held in the middle of the steering wheel instead of the 
road.  Over here, texting is either free or very cheap and young ladies 
utilise this facility ever second of the day.  It is lethal.
Cell phone providers can be asked or be given a Court Order to say if a 
phone was in use at any one time and are obliged to keep records of mobile 
use and there has been European legislation drafted (or perhaps now in 
force) for the cell phone providers to keep records of times, who a call is 
between and which 'phone masts were used  for a number of years.  They will 
charge anywhere from $50 to $120 for this information and it must be a nice 
little earner for them.

Guy R Day


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bill L" <pythias at pacifier.com>
To: "Spridgets" <spridgets at autox.team.net>
Sent: Sunday, January 13, 2008 6:35 AM
Subject: Re: [Spridgets] OT cell phones, a little preachy


> Hello,
>
>       In the GREAT State of Washington, it is now a crime for teens
>       to use hand held cell phones while driving.. starting July 1,
>       it will be a crime for ANYONE. While they won't be able to pull
>       you over JUST for that, if you're caught doing something else,
>       the FINE is a rather large addition. (That's the way unfastened
>       seat belts USED to be. Now they can pull you over if they see
>       you OR your passenger unbelted. [the passenger pays their own
>       fine, unless underage]. I don't forsee it being too long before
>       they can pull you over if they see ya.
>
>       Hands free sets are OK, BUT ... it is a crime to be driving
>       while wearing headphones. .. don't know if that covers
>       HEADSETS, ala bluetooth... ..
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -- 
> Best regards,
> Bill                            mailto:pythias at pacifier.com
>   "66 Sprite
>     If you're happy and you know it see a shrink.
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