Posted on: Tuesday, March 11, 2003

EDITORIAL
All cellular phones can distract drivers

Of course multi-tasking behind the wheel can break a motorist's concentration. And so it's no surprise that Hawai'i lawmakers are advancing a bill to ban the use of hand-held cellular phones while driving. A violation would carry a maximum fine of $100.

But why stop at hand-held cellular phones? All sorts of activities contribute to driver distraction, including eating and fiddling with the radio and CD player.

Plus, a study by the National Safety Council shows that hands-free cellular phone conversations in vehicles produce about the same level of distraction to drivers as hand-held cell phones. A University of Utah study determined that it's not the handling of the cellular phone but the talking that's the problem. This kind of cognitive engagement while driving is more distracting than listening to the radio.

It only stands to reason that if you're busy dialing or talking on the phone, you're less focused on the road. In Philadelphia in 1999, a 2-year-old girl in a car seat was killed when a driver ran a stop sign while dialing his cell phone.

And in Hawai'i in 1996, a new Jersey visitor was struck by a car whose driver had been using her cell phone. The state agreed to pay $1.5 million to the man, who suffered permanent brain damage.

But let's not forget the safety aspects of cellular phones. They make it easier to call for help in an emergency, and it would be a shame if such critical calls were penalized.

Ultimately, though, if the Legislature is looking to prevent driver distractions, it might want to look at the plethora of studies on the impacts of cell phone use while driving and cast a wider net.

Common sense should prevail. If lawmakers can successfully define common sense, there will hardly be a need for another law.