Cell phones and driving

What are your views on talking on your cell phone while driving?

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I think it should be illegal in all 50 states.

I disagree with that, though people shouldn't do it. At least not as much as we do. I do use my phone while i drive, and even once tried texting while driving (not a recommended thing to do). I think that it's really not a problem as long as hands free devices are used.

I just found out that the phone I've been using in my car is not meant to be used with the car. Let me explain.

I drive a BMW that is designed to work automatically with your cell phone so that you can drive and talk hands-free. Voices from the phone come through the car's speakers.

However, I only found out last week that this technology is only designed to work with certain cell phones. It seems to have been working fine with the cell phone I have, even though it's not on the "approved" list, but I guess that's only temporary.

The technician informed me that if I continued using my current phone, I'd eventually mess up some of the car's software that manages this function.

Guess I gotta get a new phone!

I think that you can get just as distracted by talking even with a hands off phone as one you have to hold. Texting is a definite no no, but even talking is a problem.

Originally Posted by Professor

I just found out that the phone I've been using in my car is not meant to be used with the car. Let me explain.

I drive a BMW that is designed to work automatically with your cell phone so that you can drive and talk hands-free. Voices from the phone come through the car's speakers.

However, I only found out last week that this technology is only designed to work with certain cell phones. It seems to have been working fine with the cell phone I have, even though it's not on the "approved" list, but I guess that's only temporary.

The technician informed me that if I continued using my current phone, I'd eventually mess up some of the car's software that manages this function.

Guess I gotta get a new phone!

Do you know if this is Bluetooth you're speaking of ?

I think that law should state that you must be using a hands free device while driving.

I don't agree with it. I know I lose total attention when talking on the phone.

Theoritically it can causes accident but I really dont think so.
I always do use phone while I am driving(its not illegal in my country) and I've never felt any difficulties on doing that.

I think it depends on how good the driver is. And how much attention they pay while talking.

PA is going to be the newest state to have a cell phone ban. More info here: http://cellphoneforums.net/general-c...st-2007-a.html

Abom,

Yes, I was referring to Bluetooth! I changed the cell phone and all is well, but the guy who sold me the car lead me to believe that the type of cell phone didn't matter.

Long story short, the old phone did create some damage to the computer system, but BMW's a great company to work with . . . they changed the computer for no charge. Yes, it's on a lease, but still they ensured that the car I drive will remain relatively new...

About driving and talking on cell phones at the same time: I'm with the rest of you guys... I think the handheld phones should be outlawed. I have had no problem whatsoever manuevering with the hands-off version I'm using, and would like to continue seeing them in use.