When Should It Be The Wrong Time To Be On Cell Phones?

[Scroll]

I heard that they are going to make it a law that you can't be on your cell phone or listening to your ipod while crossing the streets in New York City,USA.

So what do you think is the right and wrong time to be on your cell phone?

[Andúnië]

Do you mean when walking as a pedestrian, while operating a vehicle, or both?

There is usually nothing wrong with using a cell phone. It's for convenience. However, there are some situations where it would be absolutely rude to be using one- in a public theater, in a classroom, at a meeting, etc... but most of those places already have policies in place. Then there are those instances where using a cell phone would be downright dangerous- while driving, for instance. The operation of anything that requires concentration requires it, and trying to do something else simultaneously, like talking or typing, is not very sensible.

[Zaku]

Did you say while crossing the street?

No, no no. Very wrong. If this is so the pedestrians will pay attention and not get hit, it doesn't work. Pedestrians have right of way. If they get hit, it's the driver's fault, I think. Might be wrong. But yeah... that's a stupid law and I doubt it will get passed.

[Andúnië]

Oh, that means pedestrians? In that case, then, this is a very pointless law. It doesn't change anything and it restricts rights.

[Gliowien]

Did you say while crossing the street?

No, no no. Very wrong. If this is so the pedestrians will pay attention and not get hit, it doesn't work. Pedestrians have right of way. If they get hit, it's the driver's fault, I think. Might be wrong. But yeah... that's a stupid law and I doubt it will get passed.

If pedestrians are in a crosswalk, then they have the right of way. If not, it's their fault if they get hit.
But yeah, if someone is crossing the street in a crosswalk, talking on their phone or listening their iPOD does not take away their ability to see the cars coming. 

[Beren One-Hand]

Yeah a j-walking pedestrian deserves to get hit, because they are breaking the law.  [I lived dowtown for awhile and huge pet peeve of mine was j-walking]  I think when someone is in a meeting or at say church or something, and they blatently use their cell phone, they are being disrespectful and rude.  But in this day and age, people are so accustomed to always relying on their phones, that I think many people are not deliberatly trying to be rude, but are simply oblivious to the fact.  The law mentioned concerning New York might be ridiculous, but might actually help to move people out of their oblivion and into reality.   Using cell phones while driving is not a good idea either.

[Pulsifer]

Legislating politesse, morals or ethics never work.

[Bombadil_Ulmo]

Unless you are a firefighter, police officer (on duty), ER doctor, etc., then I recommend you turn your cell phone off when someone else should have your attention.  For example, a play, movie, ballet, concert, lecture, etc.
And also, it's quite frustrating when you're sitting or standing near someone who's jabbering on their phone.  When I have to make a call I try to find a somewhat secluded corner. 
Oh, and yes, the pedestrian law is stupid.

[fudgejungle]

Unless you are a firefighter, police officer (on duty), ER doctor, etc., then I recommend you turn your cell phone off when someone else should have your attention.  For example, a play, movie, ballet, concert, lecture, etc.
And also, it's quite frustrating when you're sitting or standing near someone who's jabbering on their phone.  When I have to make a call I try to find a somewhat secluded corner. 
Oh, and yes, the pedestrian law is stupid.

I agree that law is stupid.

[Wolfchild]

I have recently given my phone to my dad, because I am just tired of its pointlessness and the fact that in my possession I never use it. I didn't want the thing when it was given to me anyway, so good riddance. Though I can understand the practicality of mobile phones, I just don't think they are truly necessary things, and also, if I want to go and live in the Lakes when I'm older (an abbreviation of the Lake District) or Scotland, there is going to be little chance of getting a signal (that's mountains for you).

[Lairënuriel]

I have one in case my kids get hurt at school.
You can't stay home all the time when they are in school - so I have a phone that I only use for emergencies.  No one has the number except my husband and school.

Can you guess what my ringtone is?  May It Be by Enya!

[Melian]

I actually find it annoying to hear how people talk in their mobiles on the buss/train/sub about surprisingly personal matters. Not to speak of all annoying ring tones.. going to find myself a really soft mellow little thing, atm I only use the vibration to realise that it's calling. That works, most of the time.... :p

[Beren One-Hand]

I've been using the vibration option on my cell phone for years.  This makes your cell phone more like a pager.  It works well this way.

[Andúnië]

I can never hear my phone ring or feel it vibrate, so it doesn't work either way.
Cell phones are convenient and necessary for urgent/important communication, but most people overuse them for every single thing. There are situations in which texting or talking on a phone is rude or distracting. Some people are so obsessed it's not even funny. Does anyone ever talk to anyone else face-to-face anymore, or concentrate on what they're supposed to be doing?

[Beren One-Hand]

Andunie, I couldn't have said it better myself.  You're totally right.  Electronic gadgetry has been the downfall of inter-personal communication.  Look at Black Berries, for example.  People practically can't live without them because they do basically everything.