Is it safe to use a cell phone while pumping gas? That is the question. Many people believe it is not safe to do so for a number of reasons. First, at most gas pumps is a sign that says, "No cell phones." There is one reason to believe it is not safe. The second reason is that there are cases of people using cell phones at the pump who have caught on fire. That's reason enough for me, yet many people will will argue that it is safe to use a phone at a gas pumps. Arguments can be simple as, "Well I've never seen anybody catch on fire at a gas station, and I see people using cell phones there all the time." This is certainly logical, and in all honesty, I can totally agree with that. However, this isn't to say it can't happen...
Now that we've answered the "why," let's answer the "how." How does a cell phone start a fire at a gas pump, IF it can start a fire? Some say it is the static charge that can ignite the gas fumes, and that before pumping gas, one must touch something metal to dispel the static charge before touching the gas nozzle. Others say that the radio waves can ignite, for one case shows a man's pants catching on fire as soon as his phone rang in his pocket. however, those who say it is still safe to use a phone at the pump might say, "Well, out of all the people that use phones at the pump, one person causing an accident could have been a fluke." Again, I can totally agree with this. However, for me, it's better safe than sorry
With the "why" and the "how" answered, there isn't much else needed other that perhaps the "where" and the "who." According to my research done on www.truthorfiction.com, a worker from a shell gas station gives a few cases of accidents occurring at the pump with cell phone use. In one, a man's phone rang and fumes from the tank simultaneously ignited. In another, a man's pants caught on fire as his phone rang in his pocket, and another man suffered facial burns while talking on his phone at the pump. My other source, Center4research.com, flat out is against any phones at the pump, and gives many precautions regarding cell phones before pumping gas. My side of the arguement, is clear, though I tried to stay unbiased. With all these reported accidents, you should ask yourself, "Is it worth possibly getting a serious burn? Or can the conversation wait?"
12 comments:
That's really interesting Harley. I think I'd rather be safe than sorry too.
Definitely safe over sorry. The people who say that is safe to talk on a cell phone while pumping gas are ignorant. As you said, they think it is safe because they have never seen it happen. Even if you have never seen a fire start at a gas station because of a cell phone it doesn't mean it can't happen, right? It just means that you are lucky. Good post Harley.
I completely agree with Megan that I would much rather be safe than sorry and that the phone can wait. The truth or fiction website might not be the most reliable website in that the man who says he works at a gas station could have easily made up the stories he shared. Also, as I learned from a comment on my blog, it might be nice to see another link for why it is safe to use cell phones at gas pumps, if you could find one which was my problem in that I could not find such a website or soure. I really enjoy your pictures and voice through the article and the title really hooked me to read this.
Harley, first I have to say, "Twin #1" is the coolest name ever. I thought the title of your article was really intersting. It made me question what I thought, which was that cell phones are safe to use. All the reasoning you wrote was correct, and I thought it was really good that you showed you could believe the myth was true or flase in the beginning. I agree that it's better to be safe than sorry.
Thankfully I have not made that mistake yet since I don't drive, but I think that it's really hard not knowing for sure wether a cell phone can light a fire. I'm now thinking that cellphones cause a lot more problems than they fix since I also had a myth or fact question about cell phones, that turn sout ot be true. I completly argee with you ...better safe than sorry.
I really liked this post, because it was something that we experience everyday. You did an amazing job telling the details of the myth in a simple language that everyone could understand. I think it would be a good idea for the gas stations to put something like your blog with the sign that says no cell phones. This kind of stuff can save innocent lives. I agree with many of my other classmates that the title of your blog was what hooked me in, so congratulations on that.
Not to be redundent, but I agree with the numerous comments above this one. Better "safe than sorry", but on top of that I have something else to add to the conversation. Awhile ago I watched a Mythbusters episode that addressed the myth in question. If memory serves, they determined that it was the static charge that set fire to the car. Furthermore, they were able to create this charge without a cell phone as often as with one. I don't know what this has to say about the myth but its something to think about. Well done.
I have also heard that simply entering and exiting the car while the gas is pumping can cause it to explode, and I think that is what they were talking about on Mythbusters too. I was taught to touch the car on the outside every time I get in and out in this situation so you get rid of the static charge. I think Mythbusters did not bust the myth, but I am not positive. I agree with you though, better safe than sorry.
I think that this myth stemmed from first generation cell phones that did regularly discharge electricity. I think that today's cell phones do not pose such a risk. However, I, too, would rather be safe and not take any risk around extremely explosive vapors!!
Even if this can be shown to pose a severe danger, while everyone will condemn it when asked, they will still do it, just as with texting while driving.
After I read this article, I went to the gas station to check out the "no cell phone" signs. To my suprise, there were no signs found any where near the pump. I did, however, find signs inside the gas station building countertop. I think there should be law making it a requirement to place signs on pumps because as others have said "better safe than sorry."
what sam said i'd rather be safe than sorry but i never would have thought this was true
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