Cell Phone Courtesy

Cell phones are everywhere, they have become a necessary evil. Adults have them, teens have them, even children have them. However, there seems to be no clear rules about cell phone courtesy or safety.

My bank has signs that request that you do not use your cell phone while conducting bank business at the customer window. If you are talking while stepping up to the teller's window, he or she simply waits and looks at you until you end the conversation. Most likely this action is the result of one or more misunderstandings or miscalculations.

It seems that no place is sacred, nor are the conversations private. It does not matter where you are, a restaurant, concert hall, theaters or the movie theater. People share trivial and often personal tidbits that most certainly should be kept among friends. Many businesses have now posted signs requesting that cell phones be put on vibrate or turned off. And not a moment too soon.

Are you guilty of noise pollution by talking loudly on your cell phone? Of loudly sharing intimate secrets? If you have been part of the problem this may be a good time to rethink your cell phone use and practice certain courtesies.

Using Cell Phones in Public Places

If you are in a restaurant and you must make telephone call, excuse yourself and step outside or move a more private place to use your cell phone. You should do the same when answering your cell phone. If that is not possible, keep the call brief and speak quietly rather than full-voiced. Most people nearby are not interested in your life or what you have to say. Also, remember to turn your cell phone down or on vibrate. There is no need to let everyone know that you are receiving a telephone call; and less need to let folks know that you are making a telephone call.

Using Cell Phones While Driving

In some states it is against the law to drive on highways while talking on your cell phone. In addition to receiving a ticket, you may cause an accident. Even if you use a hands-off device you still cannot concentrate on driving and watch the road while talking on the phone. A cell phone conversation plus a sudden stop, a changing light or a jaywalker can be a deadly combination. Before you make another call while driving, ask yourself if it is really necessary. Be a responsible driver and don't talk on your cell phone while driving.