Otoh, in the wide open spaces of the west, and in light to non-existent rural freeway traffic, it sure seems like overkill to think a normal person can’t hold an occasional conversation on a phone and still safely drive. I believe statisticly, we can. No matter what the ‘experts’ opine. But the ‘illusion’ of safety is oft times more important to legislators and voters than the actuality. So once again common sense takes a back seat to politics and perceived reality.

Cheers

Although a lot of people still flout it, it has made a difference. I see it like the seatbelt laws – there was uproar when they were first bought in, and everyone said they wouldn’t comply, but over time, it became common practise, and is now universally accepted.

BTW, there were a fair number of scientific studies done, many paid for by the mobile phone companies, which came back with pretty damning reports of how our brains can not hold a phone conversation (even hands free) and concentrate on the road at the same time. Something about which bits of the brain are firing for each activity, and that we visualise when talking on the phone.

As to whether it is the Gov’t responsibility to legislate: The gov’t is there to protect the people. If they are too damn stupid to stop doing something that is dangerous, then legislation is required. I’d prefer to see some education & sense from the people, but…..

The law doesn’t bother me – i can spare the 5mins to pull up and hold my conversation, or – shock, horror – not answer the phone for the duration of the journey!