Tuesday, June 24, 2008
UPDATED: Hurst to consider banning phones in school zones, banning them real good
Updated 09:58 a.m., June 25, 2008
OH MY GOD.
At its upcoming meeting at 6:30 p.m. on June 24, the Hurst City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the use of cell phones in high-traffic locations.
The council is considering approving an ordinance (No. 2060), that will ban the use of any and all "hand-hell communications devices" while driving in any place with a "concentration of pedestrians." School zones, obviously, but also city park roadways and city facilities.
The public's input on the issue is desired. But really, with the ordinance already drafted, and with the pro-ordinance people wielding the "save our children" card, this thing has pretty good odds.
If passed, Hurst will join Dallas, University Park, Flower Mound and others in banning cell phones in school zones. If the council just talks about it but can't decide what to do, they'll join Garland.
UPDATE: Aaaand, banned. $200 fine, and like the other city's ordinances, hands-free devices will be allowed. More info.
Click here for the full council agenda.
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The bluetooth headset manufacturers are loving this. And they're about the only ones who will benefit.
chretienne Anonymous
1 year, 5 months ago
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Yay! One more for my team! Come on suckas...bring it!
jtmbls Anonymous
1 year, 5 months ago
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well chretienne, we just had this argument the other day...
http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2008/...
so I guess those with the opposing viewpoint are still licking their wounds from the last beat down.
jtmbls Anonymous
1 year, 5 months ago
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Eh, just agreed to disagree on finer points. I do agree that more hot air spouted by congressional-type critters resulting in yet another completely new law is pretty much feel-good governmental time wasting.
That said, driving is not a right, it is a privilege. I believe the research that shows that, when driving, talking on the phone is as impairing to our ability to focus as being intoxicated. Mainly, though, I believe firmly in Hang Up and DRIVE.
Hey, if cellular yakkers only affected themselves, let Darwinism handle them. But they don't. They create numerous hazardous situations for everyone else on the road, and most times are completely oblivious to the danger their actions cause.
When did we become so omphaloskeptical that we simply HAVE to be on the phone while weaving a ton+ of steel among a whole herd of moving metal beasts? How ever did we manage to survive before we could have a phone plastered to our ear 24/7?
So, don't create yet another new law, just increase the 'Influence' part of Driving Under the Influence to include cellular yapping behind the wheel. Shoot, if you want you can throw in laptop use, applying makeup, and eating behind the wheel as well. Call it, lessee, driving under the influence of self-importance and poor time management? <g> Oooohh, and that may even make public transit more appealing.....</g>
rhia Anonymous
1 year, 5 months ago
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I rarely talk on the phone when driving on local roads-- but personally I fail to see how it is any different than any of the other activities people do while driving.
I have also never understand, why cell phones raise such ire, but conversing with someone else doesn't?
Is talking on a cell phone somehow more distracting than the screaming child in the back seat?
Clay213 Anonymous
1 year, 5 months ago
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According to quite a few studies, yes, it is. Well, unless somehow the argument is that driving while intoxicated is no more distracting than driving with a screaming baby in the back.
http://www.psych.utah.edu/AppliedCogn... Why do cell phone conversations interfere with driving?
http://www.ergoweb.com/news/detail.cf... New Research Shows Why Cell Phones and Driving a Dangerous Mix
Even the MythBuster's had a go at it in episode 33. Myth statement: "Driving while talking on a cell phone is just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated." Result: Confirmed. (Ok, they're not the epitome of rigorous scientific testing, but at least the hands-on was fun to watch.)
rhia Anonymous
1 year, 5 months ago
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Studies or not, I'd say real world evidence doesn't support the conclusion
Clay213 Anonymous
1 year, 5 months ago
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And a quick search turns up that 'driver distractions' are the top cause of accidents..
Clay213 Anonymous
1 year, 5 months ago
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omphaloskeptical - I'm going to have to look that one up. I love fancy new words! Let's break it down. Clearly, skeptical being the root word. Unless you were thrown off, like me for a moment, by the phalos portion (which should not be in any way confused with phallus - of course!) So, something about the navel of suspicion??
jtmbls Anonymous
1 year, 5 months ago
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Great, some town I'm going to have to use Mapquest to find passes some thing. Wave of indifference RISING.....
DC Anonymous
1 year, 5 months ago
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Did someone say phallus?
Scott Doyle Verified
1 year, 5 months ago
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"personally I fail to see how it is any different than any of the other activities people do while driving."
Ignorance does not negate SCIENCE.
Pavel Lishin Verified
1 year, 5 months ago
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Birds fly over roads, the wind blows things around, and ad agencies place billboards within viewing distance. Therefore, we shouldn't take measures to prevent self-induced distractions behind the wheel.
Makes terrific sense.
Scott Doyle Verified
1 year, 5 months ago
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Well, that was very nearly poetic.
Omphaloskepsis - The contemplation of one's navel as an aid to meditation. It is well known in the usually jocular phrase directed towards self-absorbed pursuits: "contemplating one's navel" or "navel-gazers".
Me likey!
jtmbls Anonymous
1 year, 5 months ago
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