Texting and driving don’t mix
Local police, some residents support bans in place elsewhereBy Brad Bauer, bbauer@mariettatimes.com
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Cell phones and driving
Drivers using cellular phones are four times more likely to get into accidents serious enough to cause injuries, according to an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study that examined drivers treated in emergency rooms for injuries suffered in crashes from April 2002 to July 2004.
Male and female drivers experienced about the same increase in risk from using a phone.
The risk was also similar for drivers older and younger than 30.
Although some states that prohibit the use of cell phones while driving allow motorists to talk on hands-free devices, that did not show a decrease in risk, according to the study.
Source: http://www.iihs.org/
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Should Ohio pass a ban on use of cell phones while driving?Local police say they support laws that would prevent driving with one hand on the wheel and the other on a cell phone.
California and Washington are just the latest states to enact laws that prohibit the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. Those restrictions went into effect today. Both states allow devices that permit "hands-free" use of cell phones.
"I think we're getting to a point where cities are going to have to go back to entertaining the thought of going hands-free with cell phones or making people pull off to the side of the road," said Belpre police Chief Ira Walker.
There is no state ban in Ohio, but communities can establish their own restrictions on cell phone use in motor vehicles. Belpre attempted to restrict cell phone use several years ago but the measure didn't pass. Currently, no local communities have restrictions on cell phone use.
Marietta resident Jackie Mayle, 37, said she would support restricting cell phone use by teen drivers, but not adults.
"I think less experienced drivers need to have more of their focus on the road," Mayle said. "Otherwise, I think most people don't have a problem driving and talking."
This past year, 22 state legislatures considered similar laws, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Ohio's Legislature considered banning cell phone use by motorists in 2006. That proposed bill never made it out of committee. A House bill was recently introduced that would make it illegal for motorists to send text messages while driving. The proposal has been referred to the House infrastructure committee, but has not been set for hearing.
Ohio Sen. Joy Padgett, R-Coshocton, said governments are assuming too much control when it comes to cell phone use.
"I might support something along the lines of adding penalties if someone was using a cell phone and they caused a crash," she said. "But I do not believe we should have legislation for cell phone use."
Padgett said sending text messages while driving might be another issue.
"That's just totally insane," she said. "I would feel differently about texting while a car is moving. You cannot text without looking at your phone."
A handful of states - like New York and New Jersey - already have laws in place. Lawmakers in Louisiana recently sent a bill to the governor's desk.
A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that drivers using cell phones are four times more likely to be in an accident. That study suggested that limiting cell phone usage to hands-free devices doesn't have much of an effect.
"I think cell phones play a part in a lot of our accidents," said Marietta police Capt. Jeff Waite. "I like the guy who thinks he can eat with one hand, talk with the other and still drive."
Oak Grove resident Gary Marks, 36, said he would support banning the use of cell phones in cars.
"I've seen a few folks around town with bumper stickers that say 'Shut up and drive,'" Marks said. "That's pretty much how I feel about it."
The Associated Press contributed.
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NasCarNut
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07-04-08 10:53 AM
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Same here Finallap!, when I leave the house to run errands or whatever the last thing I want to do is answer the phone!!
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THETRUTH
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07-02-08 8:49 AM
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WILDCAT; Try Prozac it works!
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Wildcat
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07-01-08 11:05 PM
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On a lighter note, I can't tell you how many pigs I have seen on cell phones while on duty in Washington County in the last year. I wonder how long it takes to text OINK OINK OINK!!
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Wildcat
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07-01-08 11:03 PM
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Something has to be done because there are too many cellular idiots out there. Just today I was in Athens (another dump town) and this idiot chic walked right in front of me at Kroger (prices way too high) on State Street. She was totally oblivious to anything. Thankfully, I was going slow. My window was rolled down, so I said "hang the f'in thing up and watch where the he** you're going!" You would have thought I just killed Jesus by the look I got. What an idiot. Whatever happened to watching out for yourself? I suppose if I had hit her, she'd pop out ten kids and claim I hurt her, then go on welfare for the rest of her life. America has gone to hell.
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LilJinx
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07-01-08 10:14 PM
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Haha...talk about a Freudian slip...LOL.
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Darby1952
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07-01-08 9:51 PM
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oops,, meant heads LOLLLLLLLLLL
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Darby1952
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07-01-08 9:49 PM
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Well now,, seems to me they should ban women putting on make up while driving, someone reading the paper or looking at a map while driving,, eating while driving, turning around and swatting at a misbehaving kid while driving, tuning a radio or putting in a cd while driving, looking in the read view mirror while driving (isn't taking your eyes off the road ahead?),,, I think the people that drive badly while on a cell phone are the same people that drive badly anytime. oh yeah,, outlaw good looking women from walking down the street, they can cause an accident with guys turning their hards to look........... LOL
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ladynoogs
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07-01-08 9:24 PM
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finallap thats fine for you. but please don't judge others b/c they do use cell phones away from home. I would much rather perfer that i can be available for my kids when i'm away, pick things up at a moments notice for my elderly parents and aunt (usually at walmart) and if the school or if someone needs me or something while i'm out (to save gas especially)i'm only a ring away from being able to help in any way I can. I can't imagine NOT having my phone with me. my teen has a phone, my parents both have cell phones and my husband does and we pay the bill just for the peice of mind. My mom can call her sister long distance for free with hers at any time she wants to. Cell phones are by far a life enhancer if not a life saver. A person has to be responsible using it at all times especially when driving. And i'm all for responsibility and respect. Its a part of life in 2008 and it will be for the rest of enternity. Get use to it.
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washcoresident
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07-01-08 7:58 PM
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Parents should be responsible for their kids actions too, if they pay the phone bill. My kids have cell phones but I took off all the extras, no texting,no internet and no games. No extras simply for emergency use only.
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Mikey7363
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07-01-08 5:41 PM
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I work road construction and I could type here all day talking about incidences of people on phones who drove right through flaggers stop signs, hit barrels or cones and do countless other stupid things while in a construction zone because they were on their phone and not paying attention to the road. So I'm all for a ban on using them while driving... or at least not using it hand held... everyone should have both hands free at all times while driving period... so the law should be not having lipstick or dogs or CDs or anything in your hands while driving. It's only been 10 or so years since cell phones have become common, so people can easily go back to those days. You can't just say you'll add extra fines to accidents while on a phone because people think they can talk on it without a problem, but as mentioned in this article studies have proved otherwise.
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Finallap
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07-01-08 4:53 PM
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I cant understand why people cant leave a dang phone alone when they leave home..A cell phone is good to have in an emergency,but thats about it.. If someone wants me bad enough they can call me when I get back home..I cant believe all the people walking around wal mart talking on a phone. People in restaurants talking so loud you can hear them all over the place. I like to eat in peace without someone in the next booth screaming in your ear..I like when I get away from home so I dont have to worry about the dang phone ringing
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lynn45750
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07-01-08 3:35 PM
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Joy Padgett is correct. The government does not need the control. Fine them heavily if they are involved in or cause an accident while using the cell.
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Parent
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07-01-08 12:24 PM
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Yesterday, while driving down Rosemar Rd. I saw a woman not even stop at the stop sign coming out of College Parkway. When she drove past me.....she was on a cell phone. The two vehicles coming up Rosemar swerved to keep from hitting her. I have also witnessed Policeman talking on their's while driving also. Practice what you preach...
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ladynoogs
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07-01-08 9:33 AM
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i thought it was banned in ohio? guess i was wrong. I think texting while driving is totally stupid. Not so sure about talking and driving. I do it but i never dial and drive, i have everything on speed dial.. and if i'm having a conversation that is going to be somewhat emotional or a "buisness" type call that needs my full attention i'll pull over. If its just to chit chat or call my kid to say i'm on my way home i make sure the road has my attention. And i NEVER talk when there is heavy traffic.
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MrWilson
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07-01-08 9:32 AM
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I think if you are going to use your cell phones in your cars it should be mandatory to use the 'hands-free' devices. California has already done this.
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RiverQueen
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07-01-08 9:13 AM
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I see a lot of law enforcement using cell phones while driving. I see that as not being a good role model. A few weeks ago, on Gilman, I had a sherriff car swerve into my lane because he was trying to make a cell call. They scare me as much as inexperinced drivers because they sometime have inmates in their vehicles or their adreniline is up responding to a 911 situation. I think if it needs to start somewhere, here's a great place.
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