Car Tech Live Podcast 137: The end of driving while distracted
Everyone is saying ENOUGH to driving while distracted; Volvo announces a plug in hybrid, while Mini wonders how to charge them; Chrysler gets rid of the book we never read, but always wanted; and we go for a ride in a really affordable performance car you wouldn't have taken seriously a few years ago.
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EPISODE 137
SHOW NOTES• U.S. to hold a summit on driving while distracted--soon a stigma equal to drunk driving?
• Volvo promises its first plug-in hybrid, in showrooms by 2012
• CNET takes a drive in the new Nissan 370Z Roadster
• Mini finds out that charging an electric car isn't as easy as just plugging it in
• Hyundai Genesis Coupe on the road with the editors of CNET. Look out!
Brian Cooley is an editor at large who keeps his fingers on the pulse of consumers' attitudes toward tech. His specialty is CNET Car Tech videos, but, frankly, most people have seen him on the TVs at Costco (or in one of his '60s Fords or Fiats).

Brian Cooley has a fleet of late '60s cars so he's well aware that great motoring exists happily in the absence of silicon--car technology only impresses him when it's great.
Wayne Cunningham On the cutting edge of tech coverage, Wayne began his journalism career writing about the Web in 1995. Although he has covered many areas of technology, he considers the Car Tech beat the best yet.
Antuan Goodwin gained most of his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway. From drivetrain tech and performance to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.

uh, you mean lexus? [CNET editors' note: Personal attack deleted.]
and when he says "plethora of Lexora" he is simply adding two words together, Lexus and plethora, and assumes viewers and listeners will notice this. [CNET editors' note: Personal attack deleted.]
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by Andy S.
September 30, 2009 10:40 AM PDT
- I am elated and relieved that people are starting to get serious about banning texting and talking on a cell phone while driving. While the idea is great, there are a few things that I would like to hear about (maybe the Cnet guys can help me out):
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(4 Comments)1) How will the texting ban be enforced? For example, when I get a call while I am driving, I pick up my phone to see who it is, and then just put the phone back down. Will I get pulled over because someone saw me with my cell phone in my hand?
2) How about banning all "distractions" while driving, not just ones related to electronic devices? Specifically, I am talking about reading (a book, or a paper, not a map), and putting on makeup. I see these all the time and think they are just as bad as texting.