Ban on Cell Phone Usage

First Highland Park, now Wylie, and as far as Austin…..all either considering, or already banned the use of handheld cell phone usage during school zone times. The Highland Park town council passed a ban in November 2007 for drivers using cell phones in certain areas during school zone times. The fine for those who are caught, $75-$100. Now, just published yesterday, the city of Wylie has now passed a ban for the use of handheld cell phones during school zone times starting August 25, 2008. There will be a one week warning period and signs will be posted regarding the new rules. The fine for those caught in Wylie, guilty of a misdemeanor and may be fined up to $500! The use of hands-free cellular devices are exempt from the new ordinance.

Now here’ s the question. Does it really matter whether you’re holding the phone or not when it comes to your concentration on the road? Some studies have shown that it doesn’t. While you’re having a conversation it seems that part of you attention is not on your driving, whether you be holding a phone, or using a hands free method. Understandably, the purpose of these bans is to make it safer for children walking to and from school, but what about the other times of the day? Should the ban be active at all times to make the roads safer for all? What about other things that drivers do while driving…..putting on make up, eating, drinking, etc. All of these seem to take your hands off the wheel as well. Should all of these activities be banned, or is that going too far?