Lawrence wants to ban phones completely from roads

We're not usually the crazy protester types, but we're all ready to get out tempera paint and signage for what seems like a pretty steep rights issue in Lawrence, Kansas. Seems they're trying to best all those current cellphone laws on the books -- most of which require a handsfree device to use your phone in the car -- and want to ban phones while driving altogether. "If you pass a ban that just prohibits the hand-held devices, you're sending a message that the hands-free devices are safe, and that is false," said Paul Atchley of Kansas University, an proponent of the bill. Seems a little bit of shaky reasoning to us, but we're no professor. T-Mobile has spoken out against the ban, stating: "We think there are distractions just as great. I suppose if you also want to ban McDonald's coffee and kids in the back seat, then we wouldn't oppose it." We say amen to that, and just dare the Mayor of Lawrence to take our phone away from our cold dead fingers -- after we roll our SUV during a particularly heated conversation, of course.

[Kim Burke @ Jul 23rd 2006 6:30PM]

Have you ever wanted to tell someone to get off the phone? Now you can. Phoney Magnets & D-Cals TM were created to help discourage motorists from phoning while driving.www.phoney magnetsdecals.com

[shadowhawk @ Nov 17th 2006 8:54PM]

Cell phone bans are the calling card of those who oppose technology. While I do think many kinds of technology are unnecessary, I think cell phones are great and banning them is draconian.

Too many politicians think they have the authority to restrict cell phones. Bans on cell phones when driving, in museums, theaters, restaurants, schools, hospitals and on air liners. The list just goes on and on. Is the idea of people being able to speak freely to anyone any time really so unpalatable to the powers that be?