The cell phone goes everywhere these days. Psychologists say a growing number of people have become addicted – they can’t turn the phone off, and they become jumpy if they leave their cell at home.

Studies have shown that a 20-year-old on a cell phone has the reaction time of a 70-year-old who is not on the phone. I suppose a 70-year-old talking on the phone would have the reaction time of a 120-year-old who is not so occupied.

We are finally getting the news that government agencies and others withheld information about the dangers of talking on the phone while driving. News stories report the National Highway Safety Administration held back research about the risks of distracted drivers talking on the phone.

I got a call from a fellow a couple of years ago, and while we were talking he said, “You’ll have to talk real loud. I’m driving through traffic, and it’s really hard to hear you.”

Driving through traffic? I thought. That’s crazy! Why not wait and call me from home?

Besides, why should I have to yell? I’m not on a cell phone.
Back in 2003, researchers found that 6 percent of drivers were on their cell. Now they believe that one out of eight vehicles is being driven by someone who is on the phone.

Several states have passed laws banning the use of handheld phones while driving. Research has shown that hands-free devices are just as dangerous as handheld, because of the distraction.
One has to wonder why folks can’t just stop and talk, rather than chatting away at 60 miles per hour. I know we have 5 million free anywhere minutes, but we don’t have to use them all.
Even worse than making phone calls is the practice of sending or receiving text messages. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that drivers who were sending or receiving text messages were 23 times more likely to be involved in a collision. A cell phone industry trade group found that texting has enjoyed a tenfold increase in the past three years.

The last time I was in an airport most of the passengers were talking on their phones. Some were reporting their location or the status of their flights: “Yes, I’m just outside the restroom and my flight is on time – so far. How is your dog doing? Did you remember to feed the chickens?”

Others had more important things to talk about, such as the weather or what they had for lunch. Quite a few called someone out of curiosity: “Hi, I’m just waiting for my plane with nothing to do. So I thought I’d call and see what you’re doing.”

Isn’t it funny that folks who aren’t doing anything assume everyone else is doing the same thing? I always want to tell them, “Well, maybe your mother should have sent some toys with you.”

Readers with questions or comments for Roger Pond may write to him in care of this publication.