USVI-On-Line

Not allowed in NJ, but it doesn't matter. I see people doing it all the time. Also, not allowed in Philadelphia, but the state in general, you can.

In Florida there is no law against using a handheld cell or even texting while driving. It is really a pet peeve of mine! It is not teen-agers that I see with a cellphone in their ear while making a turn at the traffic light, but people over 30.
Would a law help? Probably not! We have a recent law mandating the use of signal lights and I can't see that it has increased awareness.

I've seen studies that have found that using a Bluetooth or hands-free device doesn't help much with the distraction. It's something about having the conversation itself that seriously affects concentration. Talking to a passenger in the car with you does diminish concentration, but not nearly as much, and you have the added benefit of their eyes on the road in front of you as well.

It's tempting. Driving can be really boring. I'm not perfect, and I definitely give in to temptation...I make calls while driving occasionally. But in the past year, I've made a real effort not to, and now it feels unsafe when I use my phone in the car (kind of like the feeling I get when I'm not buckled in).

Don't get me started on texting while driving....

Have you seen this game that tests your distraction levels?
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009 ... -game.html

Here in BC our law went into effect on Jan 1. Only handsfree options are allowed. Otherwise, no talking, no texting, no devices where you would need you to use your fingers to operate them (ie: Ipods, GPS, video players etc) allowed. The ONLY time GPS is allowed is if your job relies on it (ie: Taxi drivers - that does not include salesman who drive all day). The fine is $167 (I believe) plus 3 points on your DL. I believe if you get 6 points your insurance rates go through the roof more than what they already are (ie: I pay $1500/year with my 45% safe driver's discount).

IMO, a fantastic law that should have been put in place a decade ago. Now let's see if it actually gets enforced.

GPS...there is another one. As a passenger, I watch folks drive and hit their in dash GPS screen and type on it while driving. As a passenger, it makes me nervous as heck. I feel like I have to watch the road so they can concentrate on their GPS screen. That's nuts!

This is truely another accident waiting to happen.

Technology, sometimes good...sometimes bad.

Terry, I don't know about GPS. At least you have a speaker to explain the way. If the alternative is looking on a card it's better with GPS. But of course the best is, if you have found out which way you are going to drive, before you drive. I have a big problem about finding the way, so I normally look at a card before and also use my GPS . The problem can be that it's not always the same way which is recommended

Linne

Linne,
You are correct with the fact that a GPS talking to you with directions is great. However, our American cars, such as a Honda Accord has a dash board that allows you to type in your destination and change it, etc. Most folks type in the info before they start driving...but not my girlfriend. She thinks she can type it in and drive at the same time! OMG! She scares the crap out of me.

I now offer to drive whenever we go somewhere.