Cell Phone Use

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   I'm not agreeing or disagreeing with any of your conclusions; I think the rule of thumb should be courtesy to everyone else in the car, and if the driver has the radio on, for example, it is rude of a slug to raise his voice to yell into the cell phone over the radio.  Setting that aside, however, your point about "freedom of speech" is completely incorrect because the First Amendment only applies to the government--i.e., private businesses and private citizens are not obligated to accord people this freedom.  Thus, your employer can prohibit you from using the F-word in the workplace or from wearing clothing that makes a political statement.  Or your neighbor can throw you off his property if you try to stand out front with a protest sign.  The same is true for someone driving slugs--it's a privately-owned vehicle and the driver can set whatever rules he wants, recognizing of course that if he makes them too draconian he won't get any riders.

	Again, don't get the wrong idea--I'm not saying that slugs should never be allowed to use cell phones, and I'm not saying that they are always entitled to use cell phones.  It's just that I always hear people use the term "freedom of speech" as though it's some absolute right and it's a pet peeve of mine how the First Amendment is misunderstood nowadays.  (Have you guessed my profession?)

	quote:

	I understand not wanting the driver to talk on the phone for safety reasons of course, but to not allow a rider to talk on the phone is ridiculous.  The last time I checked there was a thing called freedom of speech.  I think that would include talking on your cell phone if you wanted.  If you think talking on the phone in the back seat is rude, what do you call putting someone out in the middle of the highway?  When I drive, I could care less if the riders are asleep or on the phone as long as they get out at their destination.  The purpose of slugging is to get to work and back home safely without dealing with a lot of the 95 traffic, is it not?  I think some of you are taking this a little too seriously.

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USA Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 06 Jun 2002 Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote USA Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 26 Sep 2002 at 5:37pm
	I'm not agreeing or disagreeing with any of your conclusions; I think the rule of thumb should be courtesy to everyone else in the car, and if the driver has the radio on, for example, it is rude of a slug to raise his voice to yell into the cell phone over the radio. Setting that aside, however, your point about "freedom of speech" is completely incorrect because the First Amendment only applies to the government--i.e., private businesses and private citizens are not obligated to accord people this freedom. Thus, your employer can prohibit you from using the F-word in the workplace or from wearing clothing that makes a political statement. Or your neighbor can throw you off his property if you try to stand out front with a protest sign. The same is true for someone driving slugs--it's a privately-owned vehicle and the driver can set whatever rules he wants, recognizing of course that if he makes them too draconian he won't get any riders. Again, don't get the wrong idea--I'm not saying that slugs should never be allowed to use cell phones, and I'm not saying that they are always entitled to use cell phones. It's just that I always hear people use the term "freedom of speech" as though it's some absolute right and it's a pet peeve of mine how the First Amendment is misunderstood nowadays. (Have you guessed my profession?) quote: I understand not wanting the driver to talk on the phone for safety reasons of course, but to not allow a rider to talk on the phone is ridiculous. The last time I checked there was a thing called freedom of speech. I think that would include talking on your cell phone if you wanted. If you think talking on the phone in the back seat is rude, what do you call putting someone out in the middle of the highway? When I drive, I could care less if the riders are asleep or on the phone as long as they get out at their destination. The purpose of slugging is to get to work and back home safely without dealing with a lot of the 95 traffic, is it not? I think some of you are taking this a little too seriously.

dkerley Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 20 Sep 2002 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote dkerley Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 01 Oct 2002 at 10:30am
	I am against cell phone usage by the driver because of the safety issue, but if the driver has some sort of ear piece or hands-free device and speaks on the phone incessantly -- I can't say anything as it is a FREE ride. There was one incident whereas a driver was dialing his cell phone in the pouring rain driving in excess of 70 mph, and as he is dialing the number his Volvo was drifting off the road and toward one of those Jersey walls in the Springfield construction area. My heart stopped! I told him that he was drifting without being too frantic, but let me tell you, if I had no opened my mouth, I would not be here typing this post! Another incident was where I was riding with a gentleman in a fuschia/red 94-95 Ford Escort and he was sending ping pong messages back and forth while driving! He drifted off the road several times, luckily catching himself from being in an accident. On top of that, he was driving a stick shift, so that meant less hands in which to control the vehicle! So my issue is SAFETY! Especially when I have nearly died on two occasions. Invest in one of those ear pieces -- they are very inexpensive. I could care less if you want to chit chat about whatever, just do it safely! And, beware, because some states are starting to pass laws on cell phone use while operating a vehicle. Dina

emmancilla Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 03 Sep 2002 Location: va Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote emmancilla Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 01 Oct 2002 at 11:42am
	It sounds funny but it is not. You put your life and everyone elses' in danger if you talk on the phone while driving. One time I was riding with this guy when suddenly he received a phone call. While he was using his right hand holding the cell phone,(take note that the car was a stick shift transmision), he was changing gears with his free hand. The steering wheel? Supporting with his lap between his knees and was driving using them as a replacements to his hands. Does it sound incredible? Not to me, and let me tell you I and the other guy in the back of the car, were praying to whoever is the Saint of the Miracles. At least I was.

ahtamat Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 27 Aug 2002 Location: va Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote ahtamat Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 Jan 2003 at 10:40am
	quote: Originally posted by mirangus [br]I've read all these posts and I guess I should consider myself lucky. I'm a driver that doesn't mind practical cell phone use in the car, or even cell phone use if you are talking softly. I really haven't had any trouble with anyone abusing their cell phones or my nerves. Nor have I had to tell anyone to quiet down or "please discuss that topic elsewhere" (animal husbandry!?!?!?! Holy Schmoly!!) I fully agree with the need to keep track of your kids and loved ones (especially lately), and am even guilty of a conversation or so during a drive (always followed by an apology and a thank you to my passengers). Are we being a bit sensative about cell phone usage? I know there are extreme cases, but are these cases frequent enough to spark this much debate? Does anyone else feel like that? it's me again

ahtamat Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 27 Aug 2002 Location: va Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote ahtamat Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 Jan 2003 at 10:43am
	quote: Originally posted by tlschau [br]I have a question to those to do not like cell phone conversations in their cars. But first let me say that this is an honest question and not meant to be sarcastic. Also, I don't even own a cell phone (and never will), so I have no personal interest in the answer. What about calls, making or receiving, that are of personal or professional importance? I know that "important" can have as many meanings as there are people, but like the ones on 9/11? I don't know about you all, but given what is happening around the country with kidnappings and such, I want to be sure that my son or daughter has a ride home from school if I'm late. Asking to make a call such as this is certainly a good idea, but you can't necessarily know when someone is calling. it's me again

ahtamat Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 27 Aug 2002 Location: va Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote ahtamat Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 Jan 2003 at 10:50am
	The question "What about calls, making or receiving, that are of personal or professional importance?" IF they were THAT important...they would have been made before getting into a vehicle. I am a mother, and probably the person that was discussing animal husbandry. If a person feels they need to call home to check on their concerns...why not discuss animal husbandry if it is a concern? But I also understand that there are some people that don't care for their animals. It is evident when I drive and see chains circling the neck of canines shiverin in front of a cubicle that they must sleep in. As you may read, I'm an animal advocate. it's me again

tdar20 Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 29 Jul 2002 Location: va Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote tdar20 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 Jan 2003 at 3:24pm
	You never know when an important call will come in so making it before getting in the car may not fit. Bottom line, free ride again. Cell phones are authorized in Va for now......until they are not just have to go with the flow.

MDC Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 04 Dec 2002 Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote MDC Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 25 Jan 2003 at 11:10pm
	I drive every day, and haven't had any problems with people on the phone. Most of the time people have short conversations, and it's frequently to arrange a ride home from the dropoff point. The "worst" time was a guy who's wife kept calling him on the way home in his not very functional phone. It would ring nice and loud, but she couldn't hear him talking and would call again..and again.. I let him know of my provider's(cingular) free upgrade policy, and he found that Sprint has the same policy. The next morning, he ended up in my car again with a new phone. Thinking back, I should have informed him of his phone's "silent" mode as he was programming the numbers. :) I'm not complaining, but if it were more frequent, I would.