Driven to Cell-Phone Frustration

Kudos to James Ricci for his article on the hazards of cell-phone use while driving and to Assemblyman Joe Simitian for his much-needed legislation (“A Call for Hands-Free Cell-Phone Use,� Metropolis, Feb. 17). Study after study proves that drivers cannot be trusted to drive and use cell phones at the same time. It never fails that when someone is weaving in traffic, does not respond when a signal changes or, worst of all, screams through a red light, the culprit is almost always chatting away, unaware of what they’ve done. How important are these conversations that they can’t wait until the drivers get off the road?

Ron Sloan

Costa Mesa

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Surely others have noticed the flaw in the arguments to enact a law banning cell-phone use while driving. Ricci begins his column with the argument that not having both hands on the wheel is the problem, but he ends with the conclusion (based on a University of Utah study) that it isn’t holding the cell phone but the engrossing conversations that are the most dangerous distractions.

If we take his argument to its logical conclusion, we also will have to legislate new laws to ban the following: eating or drinking beverages while driving; pushing buttons while driving, including radios and CD players; having conversations with passengers while driving. Oh, yes, don’t forget driving with children. They are the ultimate distraction. I have learned that the best way to be safe is to drive defensively and use common sense. I don’t pick up my coffee cup or cell phone until conditions permit. We don’t need to waste time and money enacting more driving laws.

Lori Dupuis

Calabasas