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IslamOnline Visitors on Using Cell Phones While Driving
by Sahar Kassaimah
LOS ANGELES, Aug 14 (IslamOnline) - Because of free minutes and great deals people can get from cellular phone companies, it has become very familiar now to see most drivers using their phones while driving.
Moreover, cell phones have become technologically advanced in a way that allows people to conduct business while driving. Cell phones now have fax, Internet and e-mail capabilities, increasing cell phone usage.
Over the last six years, research studies have been released concerning the dangers of using hand held cellular phones while driving. Some research shows that car calls have caused many deadly car accidents. Therefore, to solve the problem, the use of hands-free cell phones for use in automobiles was recommended.
Although the media and citizens have been pushing for legislation and laws to control the use of cell phones while driving, it is still legal for people in most states to make car calls in motor vehicles. Moreover, legislation in all states continues to allow drivers to use non-hand held phones, believing it will not distract drivers.
Nevertheless, some studies show that whether using hand held or non-hand held phones, the problem will remain the same because using a cell phone while driving will require the driver to pick up his phone, to look at the number he wishes to call, and then to dial the number, which can lead to deadly accidents.
According to a new survey by Progressive Insurance, more than 90% of survey participants make calls while driving alone in their motor vehicles. Fifty percent of them are driving to and from work, and 78% are talking with their families or friends.
However, people's reactions to these studies vary, as some feel it time for legislators to do something about the problem in order to prevent drivers from hurting others, while some see automobile calls as a great way to benefit from wasted time while they are stuck in traffic.
Dina El-Zahed said that she believes using cell phones while driving is too dangerous and that legislators should prevent people from doing so.
"It takes one moment to make an accident. So how many moments will it take from you to look at the number and dial it?" said el-Zahed. "When you watch drivers, you will find that most of the ones who cross a red light or cross a stop sign, etc… are using their cell phones."
"In traffic school, I learned that driving is not fun, but is a responsibility, exactly like if you are holding a gun in your hand. Doesn't this require one to be careful, concentrated and awake?" added el-Zahed.
Another IslamOnline site visitor, Khaled Ali, agreed that car calls should be banned. "I really don't understand why car calls have not been banned till now, and after all these studies," said Ali. "Whether it causes five percent or 90% of car accidents, legislators should ban car calls even if it will save the life of just one person."
Jill Bindary also believes that using cell phones while driving is not acceptable. "It just takes a second to lose control and cause an accident. If you can save one life, it's worth the inconvenience of not having the cell phone."
"If it's really very important, you can stop anywhere and make your call. Cell phones should be banned while driving not just on the freeway, but also on the streets."
On the other hand, Abdallah Bakr believes there is no reason to ban non-hand held phones in motor vehicles. "I spend most of my time on the freeway, and I use the microphone when driving, so what's the problem here?"
"I think car calls should not banned," added Bakr. "It's exactly like when you talk to somebody with you in the car while you drive; can anyone prevent you from talking?"
Also, Fouad el-Hadi agrees that non-hand held phones would not distract drivers. He thinks it's a great chance to profit from the hours he spends on the freeway to fortify his social relations, as long as he keeps both hands on the steering, "Otherwise, we would not have any other chance to call our friends or relatives."
Salma Sanwari said, "I completely believe that cell phone usage on anything other than a hands-free unit should be banned. This is not only for the driver's own safety, but for the countless innocent drivers and pedestrians that happen to be in the distracted driver's path as he dials, gets involved in a heated discussion, or just reaches down to answer a call."
Sanwari's husband though, an avid non hands-free cell phone user, says, "I don't think that they should be banned. However, I do think that they are a distraction, but people should just be more cautious while using them. So, some restrictions could be put in place, like banning use on freeways, but a total ban on cell phone use in cars is not necessary."
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