Driver wants his cell phone back, erects billboard in protest

Thu Feb 19, 2009 11:40AM EST

See Comments (41)

Most Californians appreciate the recently-enacted cell phone law that prohibits drivers from using a handset while they're behind the wheel (headsets and speakerphones are OK, however), but a vocal minority have a decidedly opposite opinion on the matter.

One Californian, Grant Paulson of Pleasanton, has taken his displeasure with the law to an unlikely venue: A billboard (costing $10,000) on Highway 101, the San Francisco Bay Area's main traffic corridor to Silicon Valley.

Paulson's anger takes the form of a 75-word message to the Senator who authored the law, reading: "Senator Joe Simitian: Your cell phone law sucks. Amazing how 1 man's bad idea can screw over & inconvenience millions of people in CA. Let's overturn this law in the next election & protect what rights we still have left."

In an interview, Paulson's major complaint seemed to be that the quality of connection over Bluetooth headsets or speakerphones is "comical," and he says he wants a ballot measure to repeal the law.

For his part, Senator Simitian said he loved the billboard, calling it a "hoot."

The billboard has divided drivers who frequently use 101, with some rallying behind Paulson's cry for drivers' personal liberties to be restored, but many others calling the billboard distracting (that's a lot of reading at 65 miles an hour) and its language offensive. The California Highway Patrol and Caltrans transportation agency have obviously fielded complaints, but both seem unable to legally do anything to remove the billboard, which is currently paid up through the end of the month.

Freedom of expression or dangerous distraction? You make the call... as long as it's hands-free, at least.

Comments on Driver wants his cell phone back, erects billboard in protest

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  • 26 Posted by kneelingforcuriosity on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:52PM EDT Report Abuse

    It has been proven that driving while talking on a phone is just as dangerous as drunk driving... The tests showed people who used cell phones in a car actually hit more traffic cones than those who were at .5 B.A.L And remember, the legal limit is .08 B.A.L. So, do you get rights for talking on your phone while I'm in the hospital after you accidently ran your car into me???

  • 27 Posted by bruhwilerm on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:14PM EDT Report Abuse

    It's too bad that he lost his phone. And there are cheaper ways to get the attention of Law Makers and all it takes is making a phone call. This guy is obviously living in a mansion, if he has disposable income for a billboard. I use a speakerphone on my wireless or I pull over, if I really need to make a call. In Buddhism, all events in our life have a positive and negative aspect, so he simply needs to learn that it is better to talk on the phone after he gets out of his car, since he certainly doesn't want to go to jail for killing another person while driving "intoxicated", if you know what I mean.

  • 28 Posted by kneelingforcuriosity on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:52PM EDT Report Abuse

    And JOSHM2K5... if you are crossing the street Not talking on your phone, and I while talking on my phone run into you... did you deserve to get hit??? NO!!! so the moron is actually the person who thinks innocent people won't get hurt

  • 29 Posted by white.gold95959 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:44PM EDT Report Abuse

    Personal rights versus responsibilities. Maybe another way to go would be to allow anyone to talk or text at any time. If a collision or other vehicle mishap occurs while the driver is using the phone (easily checkable thru the carrier's records,) the driver is charged with assault with a deadly weapon, vehicular manslaughter, or some such. Implied consent laws would be in effect. If you THINK you absolutely must talk or text, pull over. It really ISN'T all about you, Mr/Ms Power User...

  • 30 Posted by naebaboard on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:32PM EDT Report Abuse

    The only thing I don't understand is how talking via bluetooth or speakerphone is any more dangerous than talking to a passenger while driving...

  • 31 Posted by alexsanchez21 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:50PM EDT Report Abuse

    I was thankful when the law passed, having the experience of almost getting into accidents when driving along cell phone users. Let's face it people, not everyone can multi-task. It is just dumb to get into a deep conversation when driving, if it's that important of a call you can always pull over and give someone the real attention that they deserve. I'll tell you this though, Iove the fact that we have freedom of speech and I think the billboard was a great idea. Ha, this guy should work in Marketing...

  • 32 Posted by smhodge42 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:28PM EDT Report Abuse

    That guy is awesome. That law does suck. Its not the handset that is distracting, it the act of carry of a conversation while driving the car. It is the same thing as having a conversation with a person sitting in the passenger seat. It would be really stupid for the government to make it illegal to talk at all while driving. The author of this law is probably just taking advantage of all of the stupid people who don't realize this concept, hoping to get reelected.

  • 33 Posted by shining_jasminum on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:20PM EDT Report Abuse

    Wow, people are losing their jobs and homes and this moron wastes 10,000 on a billboard because he's not feeling privileged enough. People like him make me sick.

  • 34 Posted by alan_r_cam on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:49PM EDT Report Abuse

    If you are talking to a passenger, there's a CHANCE they are looking at the road, and can suddenly say "Look Out!". That won't happen in a phone conversation. So you shouldn't use the phone. But losing the phone isn't the answer- as pointed out above, harsher penalties for accidents involving phone useage get my approval.

  • 35 Posted by madridbart on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:03PM EDT Report Abuse

    This law was created to generate income for these spendthrifts. Convert a right to a privilege and walla you've got a fine, aka money. Sure we've got kids not as responsible. Mommy, Daddy, teach. All punishment today is regarded in dollars and cents. (income) People are stupid that create these laws, amen. Fortunately I don't have a need to use my cell that often. Use them, well. I'll vote for repeal.

  • 36 Posted by riverwest2 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:42PM EDT Report Abuse

    So, how are dispatchers supposed to get in touch with their people out in the field - when the people out in the field are sometimes driving somewhere and sometimes out on a road or construction site?

  • 37 Posted by monko12105 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:25PM EDT Report Abuse

    you should be able to take a multitasking exam so you can use your cell phone normally while in the car if you pass

  • 38 Posted by mkane3 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:23PM EDT Report Abuse

    Shut up and drive - worse is texting while driving, it is more dangerous than driving while drunk. At least drunk drivers try to watch the road. Europeans (remember them - BMW, Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Saab, plus Lambo, Ferrari and Maserati) don't eat, drink or talk while driving. My cab driver in Munich was driving 160 clicks (about 100 mph) to the airport, and was focused on driving... No cell phones on the Autobahn. As an interesting sidenote, if you buy a $200k Benz (S65 or SL65) in Germany the cigarette lighter, ashtray, cup holder and bluetooth cell adapter are extras, but included in the US version, but almost no one orders them...

  • 39 Posted by kevin_rides_again on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:50PM EDT Report Abuse

    Dude didn't need to use 75 words when 4 words would have been more concise...Hang Up And Drive.

  • 40 Posted by fge00 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:59PM EDT Report Abuse

    Ask yourself this. When did California start running the nation. Every stupid law that comes up with a way to suck more money out of tax payers pockets. The fact the their state is broke (great job legislature) does not stop them from inventing new ways to intrude upon your personal liberties and fine you for each and every one in the name of the (and watch out for these words people) your safety, the children and the one I truly hate the most, The planet. Actually listen to the laws these idiots propose and eventually it will begin to sink in. It may sound stupid to you now but at least this one man is fighting back. It may not be much, but its something.

  • 41 Posted by slinger569 on Thu Nov 26, 2009 12:39PM EST Report Abuse

    Sorry.. I can't hear all you guys over this guys crying... WAAH! WAAH! WAAH!... what are we 6 years old??

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