Published: Wednesday, Jan. 06, 2010 / Updated: Wednesday, Jul. 21, 2010 10:21 AM
Fort Mill Times: Driving and cell phone don't mix
A bill that would prohibit those driving with a learners' permit or age-restricted license from talking or texting on a cell phone narrowly passed a S.C. House committee last week. It's an excellent idea, but one that needs to be expanded. Why restrict only permit holders?
Cell phones are a dangerous distraction for teens and adults alike. One mother at a recent Toyota free defensive driving course in Fort Mill admitted: "I can't multitask as well as I thought I could," she said, admitting she had difficulty negotiating traffic cones while working her phone.
Another mom, Sharyl Richardson, who who serves on the S.C. PTA State Board of Directors, said the safety issue outweighs her misgivings over heavy-handed government. Her son, Bryce, 16, holds a learners' permit and supports the bill, pointing out that inexperienced drivers have enough to worry about.
There are few specific studies to cite, but all that's needed here is common sense. We wonder how many readers have had wrecks or near-misses because of cell phone use -- either their own or other drivers.
Cell phones are wonderful technology, but like most conveniences, we tend to get carried away with a good thing.
With the exception of emergency situations, and those can be defined in a logical way to allow police officers discretion when they pull someone over -- a ban on cell phone use for all drivers no matter their age or status makes sense and will undoubtedly save lives and prevent injuries.
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