1) Do you consider the time saved by multitasking behind the wheel vital to your carrer or livelihood?
No.
2) In your opinion, is your ability to drive safely hampered by talking on the phone? Explain.
Somewhat. Usually when I'm talking on my cell phone and driving, I use a ear piece. However, whether I'm using the ear piece or not, I pay less attention to driver's around me. I've never had a problem of swerving off the road or going into other lanes. But I have noticed I am a lot less cautious towards other drivers while talking on my cell phone.
3) Have you ever had a "near-miss" (or an accident) while driving and using your cellphone? If so, did you consider the cell-phone to be a contributory factor?
No.
4) What is your impression of the media's response to the issue of distracted driving?
Is the risk blown out of proportion?
All I see on the news is updates on the subject. With that, the media tends to take a side. They always report accidents where cell phones were involved to make it look like cell phone usage in cars is a major cause to accidents. The major cause to accidents is people who don't know their limits when it comes to multi-tasking.
5) Are the current laws regulating the use of cell phones behind the wheel too strict, or is further legal action needed?
I haven't researched the current laws. I think it may be a good idea to atleast impose a law that states you must use a handsfree device to talk on cell phones while driving.
SPECIAL NOTE: >>> If you wish to be identified as a source, please include your full name, age and city of residence. <<<
Josh Jett, 18, Hilliard, OH.