Maran Posek HaDor HaGaon HaRav Yosef Sholom Elyashiv Shlita was asked by rabbonim affiliated with the Chafetz Chaim road safety organization regarding a driver who speaks on a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle, Kikar Shabbat reports. The Rav was asked if such a person is classified as a ‘rodef’.
According to the report, the posek hador ruled that such a person “Is not exactly a rodef, but close to being one”.
The non-profit organization, which works to increase road safety awareness, is publicizing the rav’s words in the hope it will have an impact. The organization was launched last year following a number of tragic accidents that impacted the frum tzibur, and its personnel visit yeshivos and kollelim with their message of increased awareness and road safety for drivers and pedestrians alike.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Its sad that we live in a time that we need organizations to be formed to teach people common sense.
even if you use a kosher phone?
What about talking on a bluetooth? Do we go basar dina d’malchusa dina? If the law permits bluetooth, do we say then it doesn’t have a din sakana, or it has nothing to with the law?
“Close to being a rodef” is not an issur. Maran Shlita was careful in his choice of words.
#2- Your comment is not funny. This is a serious issue. many people have been killed or seriously injured while talking on cell phones and driving.
#3- Studies have shown that it is not holding the phone that causes the distraction, but simply talking on a phone is way more of a risk than talking to a passenger. This is because when you talk on a phone your brain tries to visualize the person you are talking to.
Kal Vachomer people should not be texting while driving!