Why does Verizon
Wireless Supports Phone Use & Driving Restrictions?
An Interview with Jeff Neilson, Executive
Director of Verizon Communications
Mr. Neilson, exactly what is your company's position
on that issue?
On september 25, our area president for the Great Lakes, Annette
Jacobs, testified before a commitee of the Chicago City Council.
They were considering a proposal that would require drivers to
use hands free devices when using their mobile phones. In
Illinois, it is now illegal to use a headset so the effect of
that bill would be that nobody could use a mobile phone at all.
At that point, Miss Jacobs said that Verizon Wireless would
oppose any local laws adressing that issue but she offered to
support state-wide legislation in illinois at these two
conditions: 1- Illinois should repeal the ban on headsets 2-
Require people who are using their wireless phones to use
handsfree devices 3- there would be a 3 years delay for
manufacturers and providers to offer handsfree services to the
people 4- the penalty for breaking this law could not be more
severe than other penalties against driving while distracted.
It's rather strange to see a cell phone company
support cell phone restrictions...
We're interested in supporting laws that are good public policy
and not just penalize our customers. We do believe that driving
with handsfree devices is more responsible than not using one.
But some say that the safest approach would a total
ban on cellular phones in cars, aren't they right?
We believe that our customers can make the best decisions for
themselves about how to be most responsible. We don't see laws
that specificly ban people from eating a Big Mac while driving so
we would not support a total ban.
But, still, some studies suggest that the simple fact
of having a conversation is dangerous...
The only study I'm familiar with is the University of Toronto
study. It's certainly informational but it's not enough, in our
opinion, to form a body of scientific knowledge. The authors of
the study themselves said that the study shouldn't be used to ban
cell phone use. With the lack of information, our position is an
incremental change. And common sense tells us that having both
hands on the wheel is better than one.
Studies on cell phone use while driving have been
around for a while. Why are we seeing that debate emerge now
rather than 5 years ago?
Only since July 2000 have we hit, in the United States, one
hundred million subscribers to wireless services. That is more
than one third of US citizens who have wireless phone service.
So, as that number has increased, the opportunity to see other
people using their phones on the road or on sidewalks has
increased accordingly. And the amount of time people spend
talking has also increased, which makes phone use while driving
more visible.
- 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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