Capitol Updates

By kf

January 26, 2007 01:22 PM | Link to this

isn’t it kind of hypocritical for her to keep anyone from using a cell phone while driving if she enjoys doing it herself?

By me

January 26, 2007 01:24 PM | Link to this

This is stupid, the kids can’t talk on the cell phone when driving but the adults can?!! Adopt the New York law, no one can talk on a cell phone while driving, unless they have a headset of a speaker phone.

By me

January 26, 2007 01:26 PM | Link to this

unless they have a headset or a speaker phone.

By rid0617

January 26, 2007 01:26 PM | Link to this

If they had the courage to upset cell phone lobby dollars they should pass this law for everyone. I am so fed up with dodging cars with cell phones glued to their ears. I have 2 bumper stickers on my car. One says do you think you could drive any better with that phone shoved up your azz and the other says that’s funny, I thought you were driving a car not a phone booth

By Mark

January 26, 2007 01:27 PM | Link to this

Drivers licenses should not be issued to anyone under the age of 18. The brain of a 16 yr old is not fully developed enough to operate a motor vehicle. Esp. in GA, where teens are as dumb as rocks. This would save more lives than the law re: cellphones and driving.

By soimportant

January 26, 2007 01:30 PM | Link to this

Everyone uses cell phones now. I have been cut off and almost run over by adults either in my car or on my motorcycle while someone was on there cell or using there blackberry. I noticed today well eating lunch that 4 out of 5 cars were on the phone while just sitting and burning up gas in the drive thru. Who are all these people talking too all the time? I have a cell phone and never use it, besides I make my calls on my home phone while at home.

By Cherish

January 26, 2007 01:49 PM | Link to this

I agree with Mark.

By Rod

January 26, 2007 02:00 PM | Link to this

State Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver is a hypocrite! She doesn’t want to ban cell phones in cars for adults because she uses them?!?! Kick her out of office - she’s just looking out for herself!

By KAYE

January 26, 2007 02:01 PM | Link to this

Driving. Well if you ask me they should outlaw cell phones for all, tv’s in cars, loud music that can be heard half a mile away.

Many people dont stop to think that these are distractions not only for the driver but sometimes for other drivers as well. When we get in a car, no one should be talking on the phone, watching tv, reading a magazine, doing your make up, shaving, doing paperwork. I have seen it all. Driving takes concentration and you have to be alert. Wake up, practice what you preach, everyone. Its not just a law for teens but for every driver who has control of a automobile.

Oh and I do agree, 18 should be the age for a true unrestricted license.

By John

January 26, 2007 02:02 PM | Link to this

I almost ran over some guy at Kroger the other day that just walked right out in front of me yapping away. He didnt even look where he was going.

By why cell phones

January 26, 2007 02:04 PM | Link to this

Why are cell phones any worse than messing with the car stereo or talking to other passengers?? Why stop at cell phones? Having a hand’s free set for the cell phone should be a requirement … not stopping the use completely!

By Marty

January 26, 2007 02:05 PM | Link to this

This should definitely include adults. Haven’t they found that driving while talking on the phone impairs your ability to drive as much as if you were drunk?

By south will rise

January 26, 2007 02:05 PM | Link to this

it is all the brothers and sisters who think they have a lot of dough by being on the phone!!!!

By Rip

January 26, 2007 02:07 PM | Link to this

Laws are only as good as the amount of officers around to enforce them. Pass your laws but with only 100 officers on duty at any given time in metro area dedicated to traffic violations - how can they chase down teens (or adults for that matter) on this law? Think of other laws which are on the books but we do not have the manpower to enforce (license plate violation, seatbelts, speeding). Want a no brainer regarding Teens Mary Margaret from Decatur?? Read this

By Paul

January 26, 2007 02:09 PM | Link to this

To bottom line is to make the legal driving age at least 17. GA teens are smart enough, nor skilled enough, at 15 or 16 to drive on ATL highways. Until you move the age up you’ll keep killing your kids. Don’t cry when your son or daughter dies in a car wreck because they can’t handle the Atlanta traffic. It’s the parents fault!

By MANNY

January 26, 2007 02:15 PM | Link to this

A 16-17 year old is still learning how to drive, yet it appears that some of those commenting here don’t have the mental capacity to understand that. Sure adults do the same thing, but then again, they have been driving longer.

By Dorothy

January 26, 2007 02:16 PM | Link to this

No civilian should be allowed to operate a vehicle and a mobile communication device simultaneously.

By budman

January 26, 2007 02:20 PM | Link to this

Yea right! the government can’t enforce the teen driving laws that exist. Like multiple teens in the vehicle with under age drivers…what a joke..typical Georgia driving laws

By TheOne

January 26, 2007 02:20 PM | Link to this

I agree with Mark….BUT think about it, most people living in GA are not FROM GA…so basically they brought they’re dumb as rocks kids from whatever state they moved from and that states school system. Don’t blame it on all GA!!!!!

By RCS

January 26, 2007 02:30 PM | Link to this

Ban teens from driving SUV or high power vehicles first. Then look at other reasons for all the accidents. I got my driving permit when I was 15 and so did most of my friends. We did not have a lot of accidents. Teach kids to respect others and thier property.

By Chris

January 26, 2007 02:31 PM | Link to this

I think all cell phones should be banned while driving !!

By Jason

January 26, 2007 02:37 PM | Link to this

Nice idea, but reality is that this law should include not only teens but EVERYBODY. No one should ever drive and talk for any reason whatsoever. If it’s an emergency, pull the ** over and take the call. It’s ignorant, stupid, and selfish to talk on your cell phone while driving, ESPECIALLY in Atlanta. I’ve been rear-ended TWICE because people would rather have conversations while driving. I appreciate the effort of this law, but it needs and must extended to EVERYBODY.

They also need to make a law that for anyone who is caught driving in an HOV lane by themselves have their licenses TAKEN for at least one month. I don’t care if you are late to work, how much money you have or what kind of car you drive or who you think you are, if there isn’t another passenger in your car, you are NOT better than everybody else and you are ruining the entire point of the HOV lane!

By Stacy

January 26, 2007 02:45 PM | Link to this

If you are going to ban talking on cell phones (unless done on wireless handsets) while driving then it needs to be for all drivers, not just teens. I pass (or get passed) by many dumb a** drivers on their cell phone every day going to and coming home from work. I will be the first to admit I drive and talk on the phone, but unless I have my bluetooth with me in the car I do not get on the phone. Wireless headsets are not expensive, if you can afford the phone/bill then you can afford an extra accessory that might save yours (or others) life.

By lovelyliz

January 26, 2007 02:47 PM | Link to this

Why teens and not adults?

By Smiley

January 26, 2007 02:52 PM | Link to this

I think that cell phone use should be ban for anyone driving a vehicle. When you come up behind a vehicle you know almost immediately whether the person is on a cell phone. For some reason they can not operate the vehicle at a normal speed while driving. This applies to stereos, reading a book or the paper and applying makeup as well.

Mrs. Oliver should be willing to lead by example since she represents the State Of Georgia.

I, too, agree that young people under 18 years of age should not be allowed to drive by themselves. They are too easily distracted. They are not mature enough to know what to do in an emergency situation. Young drivers should have to have more than 40 hours driving experience before being issue a permanent license.

By D

January 26, 2007 02:52 PM | Link to this

I drive 52 miles r/t every day. The biggest hazzard on the road for me are adults on cell phones swerving in/out of traffic, going slow in the fast lane and straying outside their lane on the interstate. I pray every time I stop at a light or sign that the person with the cellphone coming up behind me will stop too. Ban cellphones for everyone. If it’s that important, pull over and take or make that call. Lives are more important.

By RWH

January 26, 2007 02:53 PM | Link to this

While I agree, but not just only cite the teens. It dangerous for anyone to use cellphone while driving. This would be a grave move to put things into perspective. If an emergency arises, pull over and make the call, otherwise, stay off the cell phones becuase those who do this put many lives in their hands. You cannot prove other wise because cell phone is a distraction and it put your focus on dialing rather then the road.

By kew

January 26, 2007 02:58 PM | Link to this

I totally agree with Mark.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 26, 2007 03:04 PM | Link to this

Ban cellphone use while driving for everyone. A lot of local drivers have a hard enough time concentrating on the road to begin with, even when they are not on their cellphones.

By TGIF

January 26, 2007 03:07 PM | Link to this

I agree with Mark’s 1:27 post. I don’t think anyone should have a license until they are 18. AND put drivers ed back into schools. Require at least 50 hours behind the wheel of supervised driving. Show the horrible movies we had to endure back in the late 70, all the gory accidents. AND when there is a car crash with teens, whether any kids are killed or not, put the wrecked vehicle right in front of the school, so ALL The kids can see it. That’s what they did in my high school in Colorado in the late 70’s.

By TGIF

January 26, 2007 03:10 PM | Link to this

And, my daughter is 16 and has her learner’s license. She will NOT get her license until she is 17, has good grades, and shows me she is responsible enough to operate this two-ton weapon!!!! AND I WON’T buy her a car. She will have to EARN herself her own car. She will save for it, she will pay for it, she will maintain it.
She has been driving on her learner’s since last April and there is no way I would turn her loose on these Atlanta roads until she is at LEAST 17.

By pam

January 26, 2007 03:14 PM | Link to this

I feel that this law should not only be for teens but for all driver’s it should be a state law .I am from New Jersey and it is an law up there that if caught driving while using an cell phone you will be issued an citation.So just because she uses the phone it’s okay but for teens it’s not. Make it an state law.

By Me

January 26, 2007 03:18 PM | Link to this

And let’s define the “pull over” part too…the other day I saw an old woman who had “pulled over” to take her call…only her “pull over” was to stop against the curb while still blocking the lane! Several drivers almost ran her over!

I think everyone should be banned. I see people backing out of their driveways or from a parking spot and talking…why couldn’t they just sit still and make the call then hang up and drive!!!

By Kevin Herbert

January 26, 2007 03:18 PM | Link to this

The cell phone ban should apply to all drivers.

By Pam

January 26, 2007 03:20 PM | Link to this

Good idea. However, I saw make it a law for everyone not just teens! How many accidents have screwed up our commute b/c someone was talking on the phone and not paying attention to the road.

By Dnix

January 26, 2007 03:20 PM | Link to this

Why just teens? I lost coune tof how many times I have been almost hit, or cutoff in traffic or sit at a green light becuase people cannot put the phone down and drive. It is extremely dangerous and it appears a lot of people have lost all common sense, as well as any manners they of had at one time. Make it a law that no one can talk on a hand held phone while driving. It just may save a life!!

By Rebecca

January 26, 2007 03:22 PM | Link to this

We should ban talking to your passengers while driving as well. No distractions!

By Bill Lipson

January 26, 2007 03:25 PM | Link to this

phones are not the issue it is the age at which we let KIDS drive they are to immature to drive at 16 1/2 let alone at 16, CELL PHONES are not the problem, because adults are just as bad if not worse

By Lee Fleck

January 26, 2007 03:33 PM | Link to this

Based on 2006 statistics of 800 soldiers killed in Iraq,, we would have to remain in Iraq for the next 50 years to equal the number of deaths in the U.S. as the result of automobile accidents in just one year. In my home state of Georgia there are 1700 auto fatalities annually. Statistically one might make the misguided assumption that a young soldier in Iraq is 50 times safer by being in the war zone than driving the streets in America!!

By james

January 26, 2007 03:40 PM | Link to this

it should be everybody ups -dump truck driver - 18 wheeler’s everybody.

By Kathryn

January 26, 2007 03:46 PM | Link to this

I’ll admit I use my cell phone when I drive, but only if I have to. It does take a lot of concentration to drive a vehicle, especially around here. There are a ton of drivers on the road - good and bad. Do I think cell phone use makes all drivers bad? No. It depends on the person. Unfortunetly, laws cannot pertain just to those bad drivers. If they were to pass this law it should for be for everybody. I was a good teenage driver because I never had to show off, and because I was taught by MY PARENTS what dangers exist when driving a vehicle.

By kelly

January 26, 2007 03:48 PM | Link to this

I think it is a great idea. I have a sixteen year old and he does not use his phone while he is driving. His friend did and went into a ditch last week.

By mom of a student driver

January 26, 2007 03:50 PM | Link to this

I think cell phones that are not hands-free should be banned for all drivers. And, I think the driving age should be raised to 17 with an accredited driver education program, without driver’s education, 18.

By Analyze

January 26, 2007 04:08 PM | Link to this

Why just teens? Why not everyone? I have been cut off, run off the road and nearly hit, by ADULTS yakking away on cell phones. If you need to talk, pull over, or wait until you get home. Nothing is that important that you should endanger everyone else on the roads.

By Todd Green

January 26, 2007 04:11 PM | Link to this

Crack down on Law Enforcement Officers first; I see many talking on cellular devices while driving on duty. I guess the Police Radio system isn’t working properly.

By Dave

January 26, 2007 04:19 PM | Link to this

I’m sick of the GA Legislature taking away personal freedoms. It’s the only thing they know how to do.

And poor teenagers, because they get the brunt of it, especially when it comes to driving. Too bad they can’t vote, suckers. Look around on the road - teenagers aren’t the problem. But they’re an easy target for the lazy AJC and hypocritical lawmakers.

By Bob

January 26, 2007 04:19 PM | Link to this

Oh, goody.

Another traffic law that won’t be enforced.

By SW

January 26, 2007 04:24 PM | Link to this

If you want to drive and do stupid things such as talk on the phone, eat, read…whatever and you take yourself out of this world, well….so be it. Perhaps the world didn’t lose a very bright person in the first place. Its the innocent person with both hands on the wheel obeying the traffic laws that get injured and killed too,by these idiots, thats where the bad is.

By Rena

January 26, 2007 04:26 PM | Link to this

Everyone should be banned from using cell phones while driving.

By Dave

January 26, 2007 04:28 PM | Link to this

And everyone wonders why kids are less responsible today than they were in the past.

IT’S BECAUSE MORONS ARE POSTPONING THE RESPONSIBILITIES.

You’ll have this same arguement whether the driving age is 14, 16, 18 or 20.

It’s just like the drinking age - 21? We’re busing 20 year olds for having a beer. Get real!

By bboy

January 26, 2007 04:30 PM | Link to this

Why, just teens???

By EP

January 26, 2007 04:31 PM | Link to this

Operating a motor vehicle is a privelege not a right! With the priviledge goes responsibility regardless of age, gender, religous affiliation or otherwise. Using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle is similiar to driving under the influence and should be banned for all!

By john

January 26, 2007 04:46 PM | Link to this

PLease ,make it for anyone driving. It is not just teens who are the worst offenders. Adults concentration suffers as well .

By Concerned Citizen

January 26, 2007 05:00 PM | Link to this

I have an idea. If ANY person is the cause of an accident, while chatting on the phone, then they should get a steep fine and have their car insurance raised. We all have to use our cell phones, while driving, every once in a while. I’ve almost been hit, by adults, several times and when I blow the horn I get the finger from the other driver. There are bigger issues like ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION to nail down first.

By Clay

January 26, 2007 05:20 PM | Link to this

Let me preface my statement by saying I am sorry for those that have lost someone in an accident. However, why is our society so bent on regulating everything we do? This liberal concept of protecting ourselves from ourselves has gotten out of control. “Adopt the New York law”, spoken like a true Southerner. Make people have some personal responsibility and don’t regulate everything we do.

There was an article this week that had a graph showing deaths caused by teenage drivers in GA. The numbers are about 140 people per year. However, the numbers haven’t risen at all over the last 20 years even though the number of GA drivers has certainly risen due to the growth of Atlanta. The article of course didn’t point that fact out. I think with the sensationalistic nature of journalism today everyone fears everything. Sure, I might get run over by a teenage driver this weekend, or by someone talking on a cell phone but that’s a risk I’m willing to take. It’s education not regulation with which we should be concerned.

By zantac69

January 29, 2007 02:51 PM | Link to this

Talking on a cell phone or text messaging is not any worse than someone that is driving that is: Putting on make-up… Eating a sandwitch with both hands… Reading the paper or a book… Writing out bills… Turned all the way around attending to a baby in the back seat… Digging for CDs in the glove box… Spanking their children while in the back seat…

I have seen Atlanta drivers (and drivers in other places as well) doing all of these things.

You want the roads to be safer? Its easy to pick on cell phones because kids are doing more cell phone stuff than make-up and book reading…but those things are just as distracting as well. I would propose something along the lines of an IQ test for driving…the driving tests these days are a total joke.