Drivers in Philadelphia should feel more confident about recent reductions in the distractions of their fellow motorists. The new ‘no talk-no text’ while driving law is now in full effect. Anyone caught holding a cell phone to their ear while driving will be fined $75.
Now that we have a handle on talking-while-driving it’s time to examine another cell phone area of contention; talking-while-dating. In its most excessive form it is called date cell phone abuse and it’s easy to spot. Just peruse the couples strolling together down South Street while holding separate conversations on their phones. Or take a quick glance at the lovely couples at Ms.Tootsies Restaurant enjoying dinner in between a text or tweet.
There may not be a fine associated with date cell phone abuse but there is a way to rate your dates’ cell phone etiquette and it was created based on the leading security system in the US.
There are five terrorism levels of alerts outlined by the Dept of Homeland Security. These alerts can also be used to monitor how we manage cell phone usage during a date.
The general rule to keep in mind here is that everyone has their own style for handling the ringing, buzzing, and beeping of their phones while around others. There's really no use in trying to convert another person to your system nor should you be expected to adopt their style of cell phone usage.
There is, however, a way to rate your dates cell phone behavior by using just two words. So, gather your friends and share the following codes so the only thing you'll have to say after your next date is - code red, or blue, or yellow.
The 5 Levels:
Code Red- Severe date cell phone abuse. Your date was on the phone for practically the entire date.
Code Orange- High risk of date cell phone abuse. Your date plopped the phone right on the table and grabbed it every single time it buzzed (he/she at least had it on vibrate).
Code Yellow- Elevated condition-significant risk of date cell phone abuse. Your date answered the phone a few times but told the caller he/she was on a date and would call back later.
Code Blue- Guarded condition-general risk of date cell phone abuse. Your date put the phone out of sight but kept the bluetooth device in his/her ear. Doesn't anyone realize how annoyingly distractive this actually is?
Code Green- Low risk of date cell phone abuse. Your date turns off the phone in your presence and removes all electronic devices that may be a distraction during the date.
Hooray, we are safe from date cell phone abuse for one more date.
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