Cell Phone Users
* Stephen Giegerich’s commentary, “Cell Phoners Are Driving Themselves to Distraction” (Oct. 31), was no Halloween joke. I agree 100% that a device is needed to interfere with or block rude and careless users. While such a device might be against FCC rules, publishing the means to make one is not. I would love such a device for theaters, dining out and careless drivers. The old adage, “There oughta be a law,” has never applied more so than in today’s world of rude, crude and dangerous people with cell phones. I do not feel we are being alarmists for standing up and saying enough is enough. How many people must die before a law is passed to stop cell phone use while driving?
While the writer beeps his horn, I carry a whistle for just such occasions in public. We who are battle-weary of those cell heads must organize and rise up against them.
ALLEN LOCKE
Saugus
*
I wish to add that despite our rage against the erratic, inconsiderate and dangerous driving of the cell phone users, we should have some compassion (if we can) for these poor souls.
There are two reasons: People using cell phones while driving on city streets and freeways must, contrary to their appearance, belong to the lowest echelon of the professional/economic hierarchy: maids, messengers, deliverers, office gofers, struggling actors, etc., who have no control over when and where they must make or receive calls; and by their behavior they may suffer some degree of brain damage due to the constant use of the cell phone (research results are still not 100% conclusive).
TED WU
Los Angeles
*
Here is yet another diatribe about how handheld cell phones are supposedly causing more and more accidents. I said “supposedly” because this diatribe, like all the others, never backs up its claims with data. Indeed, I have yet to see any statistics that show automobile accident rates are increasing. So please, until you have some solid evidence that we really do have a problem, please don’t force on us a remedy.
JOHN WILLIAMS
Hermosa Beach
