Outlawing All Cell Phone Use Not Practical
South Carolina took important steps in reducing cell phone use on their roads this week by banning cell phone use by the SC Department of Transportation and the Department of Safety employees while operating state motor vehicles. The state policy might become state law and legislatures consider banning texting for all drivers in the state.
According to national statistics, 6,000 deaths in 2008 resulted from inattentive drivers. With 500,000 injures resulting from drivers that were distracted for one reason or another. And a recent survey found that 40% of cell phone users did text while driving.
The legislature being considered would ban all mobile device use that requires direct interaction but hands-free devices would be allowed. Individuals that disagree with the law conclude that cell phones are distracting when they are also hands-free. And enforcing the rules will be next to impossible. Adding a violation when drivers are pulled over for other infractions is the most likely result.