drivers and cell phones
Thu Dec 18 16:55:58 EST 2014
Here's an idea: cell phones are equipped with GPS, and [the network operators] also do cell-tower triangulation. If the phone is in use and changing position at a rate that indicates use in a vehicle, the phone will ask the caller "Are you operating a vehicle?" If "yes", the call will be terminated; if "no" (or "emergency"; I'll allow for that), the call continues. But if the caller is subsequently involved in a serious traffic incident (loss-of-control, collision, injury, death, etc) during the call, and there is no one else in the vehicle who could have been using the phone (a) the driver's license is revoked (permanently?), and (b) the driver's insurance doesn't cover any damages until the driver's assets are depleted. This doesn't address the loss to the victim(s), but it may discourage others from being so willfully careless, inattentive, and selfish.
If you are driving, your attention should be on driving, nothing else.
Hands-free phones do not solve the problem. If you are talking to someone who is not there with you, your attention is not on your driving.
Lose your license; can't drive to work? Relocate, and get a job you can reach with public transportation. Or bike to work, and understand first hand why someone would suggest this policy. Or maybe elect some politicians who will advance better transportation and land-use policies.
Talking on a cell phone while bicycling is just as stupid. It's just less likely to kill someone else.
[This entry was originally posted as https://syntonic-comma.dreamwidth.org/714968.html on Dreamwidth (where there are
comments).]
Here's an idea: cell phones are equipped with GPS, and [the network operators] also do cell-tower triangulation. If the phone is in use and changing position at a rate that indicates use in a vehicle, the phone will ask the caller "Are you operating a vehicle?" If "yes", the call will be terminated; if "no" (or "emergency"; I'll allow for that), the call continues. But if the caller is subsequently involved in a serious traffic incident (loss-of-control, collision, injury, death, etc) during the call, and there is no one else in the vehicle who could have been using the phone (a) the driver's license is revoked (permanently?), and (b) the driver's insurance doesn't cover any damages until the driver's assets are depleted. This doesn't address the loss to the victim(s), but it may discourage others from being so willfully careless, inattentive, and selfish.
If you are driving, your attention should be on driving, nothing else.
Hands-free phones do not solve the problem. If you are talking to someone who is not there with you, your attention is not on your driving.
Lose your license; can't drive to work? Relocate, and get a job you can reach with public transportation. Or bike to work, and understand first hand why someone would suggest this policy. Or maybe elect some politicians who will advance better transportation and land-use policies.
Talking on a cell phone while bicycling is just as stupid. It's just less likely to kill someone else.
[This entry was originally posted as https://syntonic-comma.dreamwidth.org/714968.html on Dreamwidth (where there are
comments).]