Friday, March 9, 2007 9:35 PM CST
Our View: Yes, put down that cell phone, but not due to a law
By the JG/T-C Editorial Board
editorial@jg-tc.com
Most state residents are talking about Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s proposed budget this week, but another piece of legislation also piqued our interest this spring.
The effort is on in Illinois -- again -- to outlaw talking on cell phones while driving. State Rep. Jim Sacia says the existing law that bans drivers under age 18 from calling and driving isn’t enough. He recently resurrected a measure that would prohibit people from talking on their cell phones while driving unless they use a hands-free device.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has pointed out that studies show that a driver talking on a cell phone is more likely to crash. The NHTSA also says, however, that drivers are more likely to have an accident when anything from cell phones to loud children or changing radio stations distracts them.
The focus is on cell phones, though, probably because it’s so easy to spot drivers who hold that cell phone up to an ear and talk and drive their way down the road. Police in Chicago continue to ticket cell phone users if they are caught driving and talking. State police haven’t weighed in on that practice. But Illinois lawmakers will soon debate the proposed ban (House Bill 503).
We have no doubts that banning phone conversations for drivers would improve safety on the roads of this state. In fact, some other states already have such a ban in place.
Still, we have to ask -- can common sense be legislated? Most people also would agree that motorcycle riders are safer when they wear helmets, but this state’s helmet law is history.
Of course, motorcyclists who don’t wear helmets aren’t likely endangering anyone, but themselves. Drivers who concentrate more on talking via phone than rules of the road are an obvious danger to both themselves and others.
We admit that the idea of never again getting behind a cell-phone-yakking driver who speeds up, slows down, weaves left and right, etc., sounds like nirvana. It’s frustrating to see that, and what’s worse is that it’s dangerous and foolhardy.
We do not, however, support a law to specifically outlaw this practice. Police officers can ticket drivers for traffic violations that are the result of a distracted motorist, talking on a cell phone while driving -- and they should. But someone who gets distracted by eating while driving, changing music, smoking or other activities is no less guilty of carelessness if their actions lead to an accident.
We support strict enforcement of traffic laws particularly when a driver allows himself to be distracted by in-car activity and/or gadgets such as cell phones. But a law that would ban cell phone use in vehicles is too intrusive. Let the government step in after a traffic violation is made, not before.
-- JG/T-C Editorial Board
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