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Do You Support a Proposed Cell Phone Ban for Drivers in Georgia?

Legislation introduced this legislative session would ban the use of phones while driving unless the phones were hands-free devices.

There is another attempt in the Georgia legislature during the current session to get a law passed that would ban the use of cell phones while driving.

According to Biz Journal, Rep. Rahn Mayo (D-Decatur) is the chief sponsor of the legislation, which reportedly aims to prevent drivers from using hand-held phones while driving in Georgia. It does, however, allow for the use of hands-free devices. There are already laws against texting while driving.

It is not the first time Mayo has attempted to get cell phones banned, but he has been unsuccessful in the last two years to get enough votes in the House to move the bill over to the Senate. He's hoping the third time will be a charm. Mayo reportedly said passing the bill would save lives.

Do you support such a ban and do you believe the Geogia legislature will get it passed this year?

Nathan Horton February 6, 2013 at 02:28 pm
There is no way to prevent an individual from infringing on your rights and a cell phone ban will not do it either. We can however prevent the government from infringing on your rights.
We have laws to provide for reimbursement to you if your rights are violated in any way...But if you pass laws allowing for your rights to be violated one day you will not have any left.
Andrew February 6, 2013 at 02:47 pm
Maybe they should ban eating, drinking, smoking and everything else while driving
Karsten Torch February 6, 2013 at 02:56 pm
Oh no...2 of you...
<smh> :)
Karsten Torch February 6, 2013 at 02:57 pm
Actually, blue-tooth devices (in the ear ones) are already illegal. It's currently illegal to drive with something in your ear. Just thought I'd throw that out there....
Ned Lane February 6, 2013 at 02:57 pm
Hands free cell phone use isn't any safer than talking while holding a phone. Safe driving skills can't be legislated. I'd vote against the state rep who is sponsoring this silly legislation.
Karsten Torch February 6, 2013 at 03:01 pm
Ummm...no. First, falls into the category of forcing somebody to testify against themselves. Plus, you may be on a bluetooth device - I have one in my car that comes through my speakers. So does the wife.
And we're really going to hold the third party accountable? For somebody else's actions? I am hoping that was facetious. I'm pretty sure it was based on the last line....
John B February 6, 2013 at 03:02 pm
Everyone can kick and scream all they want....this idea was not pioneered in Georgia...currently there are a number of states that have banned cell phones while driving and even more that have banned texting and driving. Don't shoot the messenger...........
Karsten Torch February 6, 2013 at 03:04 pm
You're just lucky in the example above that you have finally finished your sandwich and that the incident didn't result in you spilling your beer.....
Karsten Torch February 6, 2013 at 03:08 pm
We really don't need more government intrusion, we already have enough. Plus, I'm inclined to think that government intrusion is the reason that people are already so brain dead and do stupid things all the time anyway, like talk on their phones when they realize they shouldn't. Maybe a law will make a difference, but I still see people texting all the time.
A 'distracted driver' law really kind of SHOULD take care of it, but it doesn't....
Edward February 6, 2013 at 03:18 pm
Is the notion here that holding your phone to your ear, on your laps via speaker etc is the problem...NOOO!! It's talking on a cell phone, shaving while driving, drinking canned drinks without a straw is distracting, managing your hungry crying baby in the back seat, applying make-up, don't forget eating....and the list goes on! Should we petition next that cops use voice activated communication devices too? I've almost been run off the road by a cop using one of the laptop looking contraptions in their vehicles, I honked my horn and he pulled me over to apologize and to make sure we were alright.
Robin Brown February 6, 2013 at 03:24 pm
To Thomas Moore and Nathan Horton, I tell you what.. You two take it upon yourselves to give a class or teach a seminar (preferably in your own home or garage) on "personal responsibility". While your at it, please tell them to "take it upon themselves" to be smarter, have higher morals, integrity , oh and for good measure... Not to try to multi task- cause some of "you" are just not that talented !! While you two, are doing that. I will be supporting a ban on hand held devises and perhaps chewing gum.
The fact of the matter, due to our population explosion there are more people on the roads. That means... more drunk drivers, more people under the influence (you pick the drug), more sleep deprived etc. I could go on, but you get the point. To drive it home (I'm coining a phrase here), I implore everyone reading this forum to go to Walton County Courthouse , just on a regular day. Sit in traffic court and wait through the DUI and marajuana charges. It may, give you some perspective as to how dangerous the roads are without adding phones and texting to the mix.
Nathan Horton February 6, 2013 at 03:27 pm
Maybe we should ban DUI's and marijuana too...Because these bans will solve all our problems. Just make it illegal it it will never happen again.
Karsten Torch February 6, 2013 at 03:59 pm
Dernit, Nathan....you beat me to it....
Amy February 6, 2013 at 05:09 pm
Is there a way to censor people on this site? I don't just don't care to see some people's comments, or their username for that matter.
Nathan Horton February 6, 2013 at 06:01 pm
We can always hope that the Jury Nullification Bill also passes... then we wont have to worry this law having any effect. Just ask for a jury trial.
r patton February 6, 2013 at 06:34 pm
Driving is a "Privledge" NOT a right. When you get your driver's license you, in effect, "sign a contract with the State" to follow any and all laws when it comes to the roadway. Think about it.
Stan February 6, 2013 at 06:41 pm
Absolutely they should be banned, it's an obvious safety issue. The arguments against remind me of when first seat belts and shoulder restraints became required, a lot of people were opposed at the time but now they are pretty much accepted and save thousands of lives every year. Driving is a privilege not a right. You don't have right to endanger others when you are using a cell phone. My right not to be endangered trumps irresponsible behavior like driving while drunk, texting, or distracted driving while using a cell phone.
Nathan Horton February 6, 2013 at 06:44 pm
You do not have a right not to be endangered, especially on the roads. You give up that right every time you drive. Driving is inherently dangerous...regardless of phones or food, or kids. Driving may be a privilege, but my car is an extension of my home as many laws have already upheld. You can no more stop me from talking on the phone in my car than you can in my home.
Karsten Torch February 6, 2013 at 07:02 pm
And seat belt laws are, to me, ignorant. The government has already said they have no responsibility to protect you, but I guess that changes when it looks like they may be able to generate some revenue from it. Requiring me to wear seat belts just kind of pisses me off....
That being said, I always do. It makes sense to do so, I just don't want to be told I HAVE to do it. Not the government's business, IMO....
Karsten Torch February 6, 2013 at 07:04 pm
Sorry, you're stuck with me....
:)
TOWG February 6, 2013 at 07:08 pm
I can't remember the last time I saw this many responses to a Patch article! Advertisers must be going woo-hoo! The staff deserves a bonus!!
thcooper69 February 7, 2013 at 12:35 pm
yes i totally support a total ban ! theres so many people around here who can even walk ,talk and chew bubble gum simultanously .
much less behind the wheel on a cell phone , one common denomenator ,the obama sticker on de back of de car !anything from driving 2o under the speed limit to jus slaming on THERE brakes cuz there lost and cant do three things at once . as time progresses everyone needs every least little thing SPELLED out for them .obama bot spelled out that is . because THAY cant figure it out for themselves and what ever THAY do has to include everyone else with them . common sence is a big word but at what level were thay taught ,this is why government has to take over and make all kinda rules up TO TEACH IT
Christopher Michael February 7, 2013 at 02:12 pm
Any class A CDL holders want to chime in on the fines we already face if caught in a commercial vehicle for talking on a phone while driving without a hands free device? $2500.00 Yes that's right $2500.00 for the first offense. Although I am not a regular driver a class A CDL is required by a large grocery corporation I work for to hold my job as a fleet technician. The penalties for CDL holders are MUCH stiffer even when in our personal vehicles for any moving violation. Non CDL holders should be held to the same standard. Banning anything never works,never has it just makes lawmakers and govt feel like they have accomplished something. Just because a car weighs much less than a semi doesn't make it less lethal as with our guns (another subject) its the people not using the brains God gave them when behind any machinery. When you factor in the human element with any machinery there is going to be accidents and tragedies. So why not extend this $2500 fine to regular drivers? Total bans never solve anything.
RayBob February 7, 2013 at 02:26 pm
Over the years, I would say I was opposed to the handheld ban, but I now see SO many people texting while driving, it might be the only solution to that problem. Enforcement of texting while driving appears to be nonexistent.
Good Grief Y'all February 7, 2013 at 03:54 pm
You don't have to be driving a motor vehicle to be endangered by a distracted driver.
Your house is stationary.
Nathan Horton February 7, 2013 at 04:02 pm
Hey, the old law isn't working, let pass a new law...that will work for sure. Brilliant. ...meet the new boss, same as the old boss...
Karsten Torch February 7, 2013 at 04:06 pm
I think the cell phone use is just a symptom, probably not the major problem. The major problem is people are, generally, stupid, and you can't legislate intelligence. People that stop in the left lane because they're about to pass their turn on the right, or people that apply makeup while driving, read the newspaper, text, swerve, change lanes without signaling, drive slow in the left lane, stop on entrance ramps, stop and back up because they've missed their exit ramp, come to a stop in order to make a right turn into a driveway, take your pick. It's far too easy to get a license, and we expect nobody in this society to be responsible drivers and pay attention. People still text while driving, no reason to think they'll stop using cell phones just because there's a law.
Just sayin....
fylicia February 8, 2013 at 03:02 pm
It's absolutely unfathomable that GA doesn't have a law already against using a handheld phone while driving. People are already reckless drivers, allowing them to use their hands on a phone while driving just adds fuel to the flame. Get with the times, GA!!
Eric T February 13, 2013 at 01:48 pm
Well said, Mike. I have to drop off work materials every workday and go up and down 400 around 10 or so in the morning. Each and every day I see droves of minivan moms that are talking on the phone, not paying attention to the lights, cutting people off, etc., etc. On the flip, I'll then end up behind someone crawling on 400 because they're on the phone and have totally checked out of their surroundings.
All the typical nanny state arguments here are the typical response in Georgia, eh? I have a right to do any and everything. I see a lot LESS people texting and driving than I used to since that law has come into effect. That's just me, so obviously if I've seen it, it's working to some extent. So, stop the bogus argument that laws come on-board and aren't followed and don't do anything. Yes, there are plenty of people that don't follow the law, but there are plenty that are including many that were guilty of being moronic texting drivers before the law that are following it. The evidence from the studies is so clear, crystal clear, talking while driving is more dangerous that being a bit over the legal limit in terms of alcohol. That's a big deal. Why does everyone have to be on the phone at all times? It used to be that we had to worry about just plain bad drivers. Now it's twenty other devices that they're using while driving making the situation worse. A car is a weapon, let us not forget that.
Eric T February 13, 2013 at 01:50 pm
Ever wait behind someone pulling out of a parking space with their head tilted to their shoulder because they're on the phone? I have, plenty of times. And I wait and wait and wait for them to get out of the spot because they can't seem to pull out of the spot correctly because they're so obsessed with balancing their phone. Not to mention a handful of times that I've seen someone either hit a bumper or another object doing it.

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Rabies tag on dog leads to a disconnected owners number
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TheSkalawag June 19, 2013 at 08:10 am
I wonder. Will Patch restore the reply button and add a responded to your comment notification?
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Scawwy stuff.
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Good news! Her name is Izzi and she has been reunited with her owners.
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Good Grief Y'all June 19, 2013 at 07:45 pm
All good points, Skalawag. I think bullying is a big problem with teens. When people are bulliedRead More they either become depressed and introverted or they become bullies themselves. We have examples all around us ;) " the government phobic response" . . . good one and a perfect description of so very many comments on Patch.
TheSkalawag June 19, 2013 at 07:50 pm
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There's one in particular GGY.
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Karsten Torch June 17, 2013 at 04:30 pm
Couple of thoughts - One, why hold it in a land where there is going to be this kind of protest?Read More Just move it and don't worry about it. Other, I find it interesting how the Muslims want us to be understanding and inclusive of their beliefs, but don't even think they'll allow anything they don't agree with. Just a tad bit hypocritical...
R June 14, 2013 at 02:06 am
You mean the FEES don't you? Cause they aint taxes don't you know...
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I call it a "rainbow!"
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Fees is when its lightning too .
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They're not Americans. They don't deserve to step foot on American soil.
Good Grief Y'all June 13, 2013 at 01:34 pm
Meh, a difference without distinction.
Good Grief Y'all June 13, 2013 at 01:37 pm
Huh, you learn something once in a while on Patch blog threads. I didn't know you must be anRead More American citizen to be tried and convicted of crimes against America . . . ;p I think John and Sarah could handle them . . . you betcha! They would probably beg to be sent back to Gitmo. LOL