Editor,
No one will be happier than me when the new cell phone ban takes effect on Saturday. There are indeed times when having a cell phone is essential, and they have even saved lives. However, during this same period, I have noticed a huge increase in people talking on their cell phones for no good reason while driving around town.
There are studies showing cell phone use to be as bad as drunken driving, but this seems obvious to me. In just the past couple of months, I witnessed two or three accidents on University Boulevard where people weren't paying attention and ran into the back of each other because they were too busy talking on the phone to put on the brakes. I can't tell you how many times I have been driving along, minding my own business, as the driver next to me swerves in and out of the lane, not using turn signals and putting everyone's life in danger just because of a phone call.
These people are so completely unaware of their surroundings that they are a serious danger to themselves and everyone else. They really don't seem to care.
This behavior is selfish, dangerous and hard to understand. People talking on phones while driving are putting my life in jeopardy - as well as their own - simply because those phone calls can't wait until they get home. People in this town can barely steer a vehicle when they're completely focused, let alone when they're arguing with their boyfriends or girlfriends.
I have seen many near accidents caused by this callous behavior, and it is completely unnecessary. I guarantee that the vast majority of people driving while on cell phones are not having an emergency. I applaud the mayor for signing this ban into law.
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Jason Darensburg
UNM student and staff
