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Congratulations to last week's winners: Ron Bedford, Jill Esteras, Ann Lauten, Kara Maguire, and Sarah Moore.
Responses to last week's question: Currents readers were divided
on the question of whether it should it be illegal to use a cell phone while driving.
The votes were 28 yes, 19 no, and 4 unsure. A sampling of readers' views follows.
On the yes side:
"The scariest drivers I know today are cell phone users."
"The dangers posed by driving while talking on a cell phone far outweigh
the advantages. If a call urgently needs to be made, then the person should pull
over and make it."
"Studies show the use of cell phones increases the risk of accidents."
On the no side:
"It's not just cell phone usage that poses problems on the roadways . . .
safety is also reduced by . . . drivers who are reading, writing, lighting cigarettes,
eating, shaving, applying makeup, reaching for objects . . ."
"To make a law of it would be ludicrous. Can you imagine being a criminal
for such a reason! It's just common courtesy, sensibility, and . . . safety."
"Many cell phones designed for cars have speakers . . . that allow the driver to talk with both hands on the wheel. Perhaps these should be the only kind allowed."
Tell us what you think: Each week, we post a question about a topic that's
been in the news, is of general interest, or has been suggested by our readers. You
have a chance to "weigh in" with a simple "yes," "no,"
or "unsure," or you may elaborate if you like. Responses are due by Friday at 8 a.m.
Win a nifty Currents Online coffee mug: Each week, the names of five respondents
are drawn at random to win a mug. Participants must be UCSC staff, faculty, or students.
Please submit your name and campus e-mail address on the response form. Only one
mug per person.
This week's question: Should the State of California own and operate its own power plants, as has been proposed in recent weeks?
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