What Is It With Cell Phones?

Today I woke up to a radio news story about three college students who drove into a farm pond while possibly star watching.

A few weeks ago, the news reported four people who were killed in an automobile when the mat under the driver's feet jammed the gas pedal.

Interestingly, in both incidents persons involved made phone calls asking for assistance.

Soap Box Ravings can not understand the mentality of making cell phone calls in either one of these incidents.

In the latest incident Soap Box Ravings says if water is flooding into the vehicle you are in, you need to exit that vehicle. As I write this later in the day, the evening news reports their vehicle was found upright in 10 feet of water with the doors shut and the windows up.

In the floor mat incident, while talking for help, the driver entered an intersection against a red light and the accident that followed killed all four occupants. It seems to Soap Box Ravings that turning off the ignition and standing on the brake until the vehicle stops would have been more appropriate than making a cell phone call.

Years ago, Soap Box Ravings had a runaway Vanagon when the cruise control cable got hung up on the engine block. Standing on the brake with an engine at full throttle slowed me down to a crawl but I could not stop the vehicle. Luckily, I had the green when I entered the intersection (4 lanes with median) and I then pulled into a business to shut off the vehicle.

Taking the Vanagon out of gear was not an option to me because I knew the engine would self-destruct and I could not afford the repairs.

People should also remember, when the ignition is turned off most vehicles lock the steering but if stopping is important, it may need to be done that way.

Well trained police officers often ask themselves, "If this happens, what do I do"? Then they run through the scenario presented and work on some acceptable solutions.

Those who read or hear of these unfortunate souls should ask themselves "What should I do." IMHO, unless you are in a safe position, the cell phone is most likely a waste of your time. Particularly since the person who answers a 911 phone normally can not ascertain your location. You have to be able to tell 911 where you are located.