It’s no longer legal to talk on your hand-held cellphone while driving on Navy bases, including Whidbey Island Naval Air Station.

This will take some getting used to for the many Navy retirees who frequently drive to the base for commissary, exchange and health care reasons, but it’s an interesting experiment. If the ban proves successful on base, state lawmakers might use that experience to help justify a statewide ban.

Some legislators have been inching toward a ban for years, but have failed to achieve the votes to pass a bill. They made some headway this year, however. The State Patrol was ordered to record when troopers cite cell phones as the probable cause of an accident. In the past, these wrecks were ascribed to driver distraction, which covers any number of dubious actions while driving. By the end if the year, those who support a cell phone ban will have some solid numbers to back up their call for legislation.

We’ve all seen drivers with cell phones chatting away, barely realizing they’re on the road let alone cognizant of the traffic situation around them. Some studies have shown they’re just as dangerous as drunk drivers.

It’s likely only a matter of time before DWT (Driving While Talking) joins DUI (Driving Under the Influence) as a traffic offense.

This may not be fair to people who are adept at multi-tasking and can easily talk on a cell phone while keeping an eye on the road, but in this country the majority rules. Too bad the majority can’t talk and drive at the same time.

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