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TechnographUrbana's thumb on cell study
By The Daily Illini Editorial Board
Posted: 6/25/08 Section: Editorials
The Urbana City Council's recent move to institute a fine for cell phone use during a car accident was progress for improving driver and pedestrian safety, but one provision just muddies it and throws doubt on the entire ordinance.
Earlier this year, we favored an outright ban on cell phone use while driving. There's ample scientific evidence that says using a cell phone contributes to distracted driving and increases the likelihood of an accident.
A $750 fine is some discouragement. But in an accident that could result in thousands of dollars in damage, not to mention physical injuries or lives lost, it's a comparative drop in the bucket. The logic is that a ban would do more to discourage drivers than a fine after the fact.
But setting aside that argument for the moment - starting July 1, Urbana will start tracking the involvement of cell phones in accidents and the data will be presented to the Council next summer. Presumably, the proposal of modifying the fine or enacting an outright ban will be revisited.
But by putting the fine in place now and then doing a study, it's not possible to get an accurate picture of the problem. Undeniably, the results will be skewed. While the fine may discourage drivers from using their cell phones, it may impair the ability of city officials to responsibly assess whether a ban will be warranted next year.
In effect, it's putting a thumb on the scale before making a decision.
Moreover, it would be easier to deem the fine as "enough" and throw out the idea of a ban altogether, even though it may do more to address the problem of distracted driving as it exists, pre-fine. Never mind how the study or fine would impact cyclists or pedestrians who may be distracted.
If Urbana wants to do its own study, the least city officials should ensure is fairness and accuracy.
Earlier this year, we favored an outright ban on cell phone use while driving. There's ample scientific evidence that says using a cell phone contributes to distracted driving and increases the likelihood of an accident.
A $750 fine is some discouragement. But in an accident that could result in thousands of dollars in damage, not to mention physical injuries or lives lost, it's a comparative drop in the bucket. The logic is that a ban would do more to discourage drivers than a fine after the fact.
But setting aside that argument for the moment - starting July 1, Urbana will start tracking the involvement of cell phones in accidents and the data will be presented to the Council next summer. Presumably, the proposal of modifying the fine or enacting an outright ban will be revisited.
But by putting the fine in place now and then doing a study, it's not possible to get an accurate picture of the problem. Undeniably, the results will be skewed. While the fine may discourage drivers from using their cell phones, it may impair the ability of city officials to responsibly assess whether a ban will be warranted next year.
In effect, it's putting a thumb on the scale before making a decision.
Moreover, it would be easier to deem the fine as "enough" and throw out the idea of a ban altogether, even though it may do more to address the problem of distracted driving as it exists, pre-fine. Never mind how the study or fine would impact cyclists or pedestrians who may be distracted.
If Urbana wants to do its own study, the least city officials should ensure is fairness and accuracy.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
David Illinois
posted 6/25/08 @ 7:30 AM CST
The City of Urbana should not be in the same sentence as "fairness and accuracy".
On that note
posted 6/25/08 @ 11:16 AM CST
Let's just require the cell phone to be stored in the trunk with the battery removed. That'll stop people from talking.
There has to be a balance between safety and convenience. (Continued…)
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