[seannx]

The worst cell phone use by drivers I’ve ever seen is in Marin County, CA. For example, the Whole Foods on Miller is across from parking in the median, on the south side of the street. There is a well marked crosswalk, and drivers fly by every day talking on their cell phones, oblivious to anyone standing waiting to cross. Whole Foods put out flags for pedestrian customers to wave, and the same drivers, if they noticed at all, would look at you with an annoyed “how can you be interrupting my important day” expression. Next they put an employee, also with a flag, at the crosswalk to help customers, which was also a futile effort, and they finally gave up. I agree that stiffer fines and more rigorous enforcement could make a difference, but I can’t recall ever observing anyone being stopped.