Cell phones and driving are a dangerous and potentially lethal combination!

As both a driver and pedestrian, I have avoided numerous accidents because I allowed drivers to run red lights, make hasty right hand turns, and improper left hand turns. By making these decisions, I have avoided numerous collisions. Without being distracted by a cell phone conversation. I was able to focus on being a safe driver and pedestrian. Of course, I am not without fault. As a pedestrian, I have sometimes been distracted -- by thoughts of things I need to get accomplished -- while walking across the street. I am grateful to the alert drivers who have looked out for my safety -- as well as their own.     

Learning how to drive defensively was the most important thing I learned in my driver's training course. And, because I have learned to anticipate missteps by other drivers -- especially those who drive while talking on their cell phones -- I have not been involved in an accident in many years. 

To make the roads safer for everyone, I would like to see some legislation banning the use of cell phones while a vehicle is in motion. Many of the cell phone calls I overhear are pretty dull conversations, anyway. "Okay, I'll get milk and bread at the grocery store" or "Not much. What are you doing?" Clearly, these kinds of conversations can wait until the driver is actually inside the grocery store or back home.

I don't have a problem with drivers pulling safely to the side of the road -- with their emergency flashers on -- in order to make a call. 

While perhaps not as problematic as drinking and driving, cell phones and driving still cause accidents and fatalities. You currently have a choice to use your cell phone while driving or not. Please consider making the roads safer for everyone by focusing on driving while you're driving.