MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.-In a recent survey by Cellmania.com, an online information resource for wireless products, 53.7 percent of respondents said any legislative prohibition of cell phone use while driving would be a violation of personal freedoms.
“More communities than ever before are considering legislation because cell phone usage has exploded,” said Neerav Berry, marketing director of Cellmania.com. “While many people feel that talking on the phone while driving promotes inattentiveness, many also want to have the freedom to use their phones whenever they like.”
Almost 40 percent of those surveyed felt that mixing cell phones and driving is dangerous and should be prohibited.
According to the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, in 1985 there were more than 340,000 subscribers to cellular phone service. In 1998, the number of subscribers had increased to 69 million.
