Last night I heard an editorial
by Bob Sirott on NBC Chicago TV
channel 5
calling for a ban of all cell phones in cars.

At first I thought that was a little harsh.

Over the last few years, we convinced ourselves,
having a cell phone in ones vehicle is somehow a necessity.

We ask our friends and relatives to call us when they arrive at point A or point B
A phone is definitely needed when there is some sort of car emergency
or if one happens to be lost.

Have you ever seen anyone traveling with their spare tire in the front seat next to them?
why not keep our phones in the trunk
and use it only for emergencies?

well, it's just a thought?


According to Sirott,
a Harvard University study estimated
that six percent of vehicular crashes causing 2,600 deaths and 12,000 serious injuries
a year were attributable to cell phone use.
And hands-free phones turn out to be just as risky
because
it's about what you're doing with your head -- not just your hands
.
Quite a few people thought hands free phones were the answer,
but that does not solve the texting problems.

His report estimates that 80 percent of all crashes are caused
by driver inattention within three seconds of impact.

 we know most everyone does it.


9 times out of ten,
my phone is in the back seat or buried in a purse beyond my reach.
while Im driving
Ive actually observed drivers struggling to locate their phone while behind the wheel
without stopping their car
I know 2 good friends
who smashed into a mail box when their phone fell to the floor
minutes after pulling out of their garage
what if that mailbox was a child?


Whenever my phone rings while Im in route
Thinking, it could possibly be an emergency,
I have to find a place to pull over,
retrieve my phone
only to read,

“Mom, the game is about to start, when are you getting here?”
“I’m on my way and if you would stop texting me, I might be arrive before it’s over!”

My phone thinks it knows what I want to say and actually changes my words,
which adds so much extra time and exasperation!

just sending that short sentence is maddening
that’s another story!

My daughter actually laughed at me when she heard I pulled over each and every time.!

Occasionally, I admit, I will ask or answer a question at a red light
and I know if I do that,
what must our kids be doing?

How often do you find yourself giving the person in front of you a little harmless honk
to let them know the light turned green while they were chatting?

Texting is simply downright dangerous.

After giving this a lot of thought,
 I agree with Bob Sirott.

Drivers are looking at their calendars,
trying to find the nearest restaurant using their GPS System on their phone
checking their e mails,
and facebook accounts
and yes
twittering or tweeking…

this is just pure stupity !

The situation is
an accident waiting to happen.

What will it take to get people on board
and do something about this?

Must we have a loved one lose their life
as a result of this ridiculous habit...
Before we are willing to so something?


Believe me I know this declaration will not be popular.
Besides

How are we going to enforce this?
I'm not quite sure?

I havent really thought this through

and
I admit
the details are a bit sketchy


but I do know someone we might consult.
His name is Illinois State Senator
John Cullerton
http://www.senatorcullerton.com/Legislation.htm


he just happens to be my first cousins... cousin
who has dedicated himself to traffic safety.

During the 95th General Assembly, Senator Cullerton continues his efforts to protect the lives of Illinois children through his sponsorship of several traffic safety measures. He understands that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 4 and 14 and sponsors legislation that will help to solve this crisis. Building off of the success of Senator Cullerton's previous legislative efforts, he amended the Child Passenger Protection Act to ensure that trucks and truck tractors also provide appropriate child restraint systems
for children under the age of 8 years old. In addition,
he sponsored and passed the Graduated Driver's License bill
It ensures that drivers under 18 years old
cannot have more than one passenger in their vehicle
for the first six months they receive their license,
except for family members.
an inconvience where school car pools are concerned
yet
a necessary one to say the least!
These new laws will help save many more Illinoisans
  Senator Cullerton is proud to have played a large role in their passage
and they are just one of his many accomplishments

Because of his significant contribution to Illinois law,
Senator Cullerton was selected as the National Award Winner
in the State and Local Government category for the
"Buckle Up America Award"

He was also responsible for trippling
the length of time teen drivers
must spend with an adult supervisor,
toughening night driving and passenger restrictions,
and taking cell phones out of
the hands of the youngest drivers.

The new laws also strengthen parents' role,
allowing them to view their children's driving records online.
Public school driver-education programs sre
required to give students a full six hours of street driving,
a standard that some highschools skirt by using simulators and driving ranges.

but that’s another story!

Hey, I admit,
I have come to depend on my car time to return phone calls
 and I realize  this is not something that is going to be easy for any of us
we have grown accustomed to having a phone by our side 24 hours a day.
and yes
that too, is another story!