Path: utzoo!attcan!lsuc!teecs!oneill
From: oneill@teecs.UUCP (Sean O'Neill)
Newsgroups: can.general
Subject: Re: solution to car phone problem (was Re: car fone)
Message-ID: <150006@teecs.UUCP>
Date: 6 Sep 89 20:43:08 GMT
References: <1989Aug30.104132.22252@jarvis.csri.toronto.edu>
Organization: Litton Systems, Toronto ONT
Lines: 61

In article <1989Sep5.203417.12095@jarvis.csri.toronto.edu>, Mike Godfrey,
writes:

>Fine, so we'll introduce legislation to make such diddling illegal.  


*WE* cannot create legislation, but the elected bozo's (MPP's, or MLA's)
*CAN*.  Thus, look at about 2 years of debates, public hearings, newspaper
ads, ...  before _any_ legislation is near completion.  By that time,
mobile phones will be standard equipment on everything from Jaguar Sovereigns
to Yugo Innocentis.  BTW, there is legislation making diddling with 
odometers illegal, however, the odds of getting caught and the penalty so
minute, that the risk is worth it!  Will the same law makers create this
phone tampering law?

Actually, I agree with your suggestion.  However an amendment if I may:
When the car is in motion, only "hands frees" operation may be used. (on
hook voice activated dialing, remote microphone on the visor or seat belt,
electronic volume control which adjusts itself with road noise changes...)
This way, both hands are on the wheel (except to terminate transmission),
and the mobile can be used for what it was designed for.


>And anyone caught talking on the phone while their car is moving is 
>subject to stiff fines .


Again, GET REAL!  Do you believe that there are laws stating that anyone
caught speeding is subject to stiff fines!!  But get on the 401 (a major
Toronto highway) any day and there are people driving 40 and 50 K's over
the limit.  Lets nab these drivers first. (phone or no phone)

What about drivers with hi-fi's in their auto's with more dials and switches
than the B*eing 747?  Or travellers with CB or HAM radios?  Will these people 
be subject to stiff fines if they change a disc or talk to a "good buddy" while
their car is in motion?  If phone owners will be fined, then we cannot
discriminate, and will have to fine anyone with any type of electronics in 
their car.

Getting off topic, I was witness to a serious car accident last year.  The
automobile we were following went from the middle lane to the shoulder, then 
back to the center lane.  Then trying to compensate, the driver swerved back
towards the shoulder at which time the truck tripped up and started rolling.
Obviously, the driver was distracted before initially going off the road.  
But it wasn't because she was on the phone, nor because she wanted to adjust
a radio station;  it was because she turned around in her seat to "smarten"
up the kids who were fighting in the back.  Does this mean kids, or drivers
with kids, are going to be fined if the kids talk while the car is in motion?
(probably not a bad idea afterall :-) )  Oh ya, the gentleman who was behind
us immediately called for help and probably saved the trapped man's life with
his promptness.

Did I mention he called for help from his car phone???!!!

-- 
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
| Sean O'Neill          ...lsuc!teecs!oneill  |   "I always wanted to be an   |
| Test Equipment Engineering                  |    Engineer.  Now I is one."  |
| Litton Systems Canada Limited    (Toronto)  |                               |
| Phone: (416) 249-1231  Fax: (416) 246-5233  |   Lakehead University Alumni  |
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=