Only five U.S. towns ticket drivers for talking on the phone. But even these ordinances are being challenged in state courts. L'Heureux said cellphone usage is already being noted on California police reports. Echoing members of the cellphone industry, he did not distinguish cellphone usage from other road distractions. Cherie Gary, a spokeswoman for competitor Nokia, agreed.
Common sense is the answer.
Industry nonchalance aside, many people are fuming over the issue. Plenty of anecdotal evidence and studies show that phone conversations can be a huge distraction from the road. When it happens to you then it becomes an issue. Under the ordinance, only drivers with hands-free operations can talk on the phone, unless they can prove they were dialing 911 in an emergency. Wired Digital Inc. All rights reserved.