I'm in "Hot Pursuit!"

Oregon lawmakers are apparently considering dueling bills to ban the use of cell phones while driving. Few of us haven't seen some bonehead driving poorly while putting on makeup, eating or talking on a cell and at first glance this would seem like a good idea. But here are a few points I think they need to keep in mind before they do this-

• One of the reasons cell phones have come to become so popular is in response to the realities of life in 21st century America. We simply don't have much free time anymore, spending the majority of our time at work. As a result we try and squeeze more into less. I would like to see lawmakers address the fact we're able to spend less and less time at home or at leisure before they take up the cell phone issue.


• We already have laws on the books covering speeding and reckless driving. Enforce 'em.


• To expand on the point above: as a commuter the biggest threat I face daily is from those who go too slow or too fast for traffic. I would like to see those people ticketed.


• Technology will soon make this issue moot. Bluetooth and voice recognition have advanced to the point where you won't have to use your hands at all to make a phone call in your car. Once this technology becomes widespread I don't see how the government can regulate it.