Roads would be safer if cellphones were banned from cars

It's dangerous to use a cellphone while driving. That's why Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has voiced support for Senate Bill 1613, a California bill that would outlaw the use of handheld mobile phones while driving.

We completely agree: Cellphone use is incompatible with safe driving.

SB-1613, sponsored by state Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), might not go far enough because it only outlaws handheld devices, but it's a step in the right direction. At least it would reduce one-handed driving.

The only exception to the law would be a police-related emergency, such as reporting an accident. The bill wouldn't take effect until July 1, 2008 and the fine wouldn't be much ($20 for a first offense, $50 for others).

Make no mistake about it: Motorists who conduct cellphone conversations are distracted. Studies by the insurance industry have shown that cellphone users are as impaired as someone who's gone over the legal blood-alcohol limit for alcohol.

Nobody can concentrate 100 percent on driving when they're talking on the phone; multitasking might work in certain situations but not while operating a motor vehicle.

Everyone has seen motorists who were fumbling with a mobile phone or even trying to dial a number while driving. It's impossible to keep eyes on the road, and it's an accident waiting to happen. The noise notwithstanding, would you operate a power tool and talk on the cellphone at the same time?

There's something about the dynamics of talking to someone who isn't there that makes telephone conversations when driving a safety hazard. Drivers can talk to passengers without being distracted, but if the conversation involves somebody who isn't in the car, it's dangerous.

With the speeders, freeway congestion and road rage, driving in California is challenging enough.

The Legislature should pass SB-1613.