Strange but true

Just heard of yet another study on the danger of cell phone usage. Earlier I noted how researchers have come to the stunning conclusion that texting while driving your car can increase the chances for an accident.

This time the folks with the letters behind their names are discovering that pedestrians can become so engrossed in their mobile conversations they may step into the path of a bus - or a commuter rail car.

But I think the behaviorologists should look into a less obvious outcome of cell phones: how a user who pays too much attention to traffic can screw up the call.

For example, a car turns into your path. You stop in time, yelling "You ---- idiot!" but remember -- too late -- that you're talking to your boss.

Or, after blurting out "Yes!" to the street vendor you find out you not only ordered mustard on your hot dog -- you accepted a proposal for marriage.

Or, after bragging about the sweepstakes you just cashed in, you turn the corner to discover someone who overheard you is now holding a gun.

In the end, you may wish you'd gotten run over after all.