Why does Suffolk
County Restricts Cell Phone Use While Driving?
An Interview with Legislator Jon Cooper,
Suffolk County, NY
Legislator Cooper, what motivated you, in the first
place, to introduce that bill?
The primary reason for this was a tragedy that was suffered by a
family living in a nearby town. Both parents were killed and kids
were injured. The tragedy was caused by a driver talking on a
cell phone. That was the main reason.
Are there also personal reasons?
Yes, my children are partly responsible for that bill. Usually,
as I would drive down on the expressway, I'd be on my cell phone.
And sometimes even with no hands on the steering wheel. So my
kids pointed out that this was not the safest way to drive and
they were right.
When did you change your own cell phone habits?
About three months ago, and I must say that I am a heavy cell
phone user. Whether its politics or business [Mr. Cooper is also
president of a manufacturing company], I'm on my cell phone all
the time. I use between 2000 and 3000 minutes monthly.
And how is it like to use a handsfree device now?
I actually find it easier and it helps me spend more time
talking. On some occasions, like icy conditions, you wouldn't use
the phone but with a handsfree kit, I have my two hands on the
steering wheel so I can use my phone. I think that a legislation
like ours might in fact not reduce but rather increase the amount
of time where people can talk.
But... using a headset is annoying, and the sound
quality is poor, isn't it?
I wouldn't say so. I use a 25$ earpiece and microphone and people
say that they can hear me perfectly.
Some studies suggest that holding the phone in one's
hands is not the only dangerous thing to do, but also, the simple
fact of being involved in a conversation. Maybe your restrictions
are not enough?
Of course, the safest means of using a cell phone would be to
stop using it in cars, as they've done in Japan. That's the
safest way to go. But in the state of New-York, that's not
tenable, not practicable. Politically, that wouldn't pass so you
have to compromise and take the first steps... I believe the
greatest, the bigger hazards is when you're involved in a 20 min
conversation while holding the cell phone in your hand, having
only one hand, or occasionally having no hand on the steering
wheel. So our bill will at least address that issue.
What are the next steps.
With the passage of this bill in Suffolk, I think it will help
the adoption of a state-level legislation. I've been called by
state legislators who are interested in what is going on here. I
would say that certainly sometimes next year, the state of
New-York will pass a state-wide restriction bill on cell phone
use while driving.
Do you think that, one day, holding a phone while
driving will be banned nationwide in the United States?
There are many other states where similar bills are being
considered. I think it will spread very fast. Right now, it's
quite controversial but, in 4 or 6 years, we may look back at
this [the cell phone use while driving restrictions] and people
will think: "What was the big deal? I think it's just common
sense...."
- End of Interview -
What Do You Think?
Now... what is YOUR opinion? Are you a concerned mom or dad that
thinks drivers on cell phones are a plague? Are you a heavy cell
phone user who would not want to be forced to stop using a phone
while driving?
Join the forums, where a discussion on cell phone bans is going on. Give us your point of view or take these polls:
- How Often do you Use your Phone While Driving?
- Should we Ban Cell Phone Use While Driving?
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