Studies: Talking on phone almost like driving blind

Q With everything I have been reading about people and their cellphone usage, I had to chip in. I think it is important to differentiate between a person talking, and what they are doing with their body other than their mouth while they are on their cellphone.

I wholeheartedly agree with not allowing drivers to hold their cellphone, or look at them while driving. However, if a driver is talking on their cellphone without looking at it or holding it, I don’t see a problem.

What is the difference between a driver talking to someone on their cellphone versus talking to someone inside the car? Talking to someone inside the car is likely more dangerous than talking to someone outside the car. The reason being is that a driver can get distracted by things they can see or hear inside the car.

So let’s stop talking about someone “using” their cellphone, and instead talk about whether or not the driver is holding their cellphone or looking at their cellphone. That’s the dangerous part, not talking on the phone.

— Stephen Reynolds, Santa Cruz

A You wrong. are Numerous studies have revealed that talking on a cellphone is almost like driving blind. Our brain takes us into a trance-like state while on a cellphone that can make us oblivious to traffic around us.

Q I peeve have (pun one “pet” intended). How in samhell is it safe for anyone to drive with a dog on one’s lap? In one week, I saw this three times! How is this NOT against the law?

— Tom Hart, San Ramon

A It is against the law. In addition, dog owners need to realize that even a fender bender can throw a dog around inside the car and hurt or kill it.

Q Gary, you have probably already heard about this, but in today’s online feed you wished the lady a happy silver anniversary for 50 years of marriage. Silver is 25; gold is 50. I am trying to figure out what 60 is so I don’t goof up next year!

— Dall Barley, San Ramon

A I stand corrected. A 60th wedding anniversary is known as the Diamond Anniversary.

Q Before there were cellphones and GPS, Google Maps and Waze, we relied on our eyes in the sky to inform us of traffic such as Hap Harper, Stan Burford, Mike Cleary, Frank Dill and Gene Nelson.

— Randy Cobb, Los Gatos

A My favorites were Frank and Mike on KNBR, especially their spoof on helicopter noises, which was very funny. Who were your favorites?