Cell phones while driving

[bogfro]

OK here's a new idea for a poll.  There's a lot of anti-cellphone-talking-soccer-mom posts on this site, usually because these types of distracted cell phone users are a danger to motorcyclists.  We all have stories about the time the driver on the cell phone almost killed us.

So let's fess up...... how often do WE talk on our cell phones when driving OUR cars?  Do we practice what we preach?

Personally, I only use my cell phone in the car if the conversation absolutely can't wait, for whatever reason.  That's usually only about twice a year for me, and I drive VERY conservatively for those few minutes while on the phone.

[R.Markus]

I talk on mine all the time while driving. I've started texting and reading the internet while driving also.

[Stray Cat]

I have bluetooth in my car. I press a button on the steering wheel and the phone either answers or I can voice dial somebody. My hands never leave the wheel and to me it's no different then talking to a passenger in the car.

[bogfro]

....it's no different then talking to a passenger in the car.

Not really.  A passenger has awareness of what kind of traffic situation you're in, and can even give you warnings of upcoming problems  (i.e. "Look out for that guy!!").  A person on the other end of the phone line will just keep on talking as if nothing's happening.

[et]

Yes I do practice what I preach; I've never used a cell phone while driving.
I've had too many close calls as the victim of cell phone talking drivers.
(While at a red light; I've been hit in the shoulder by the mirror of a van driven by a cell phone talking driver.)
I also hang up on people I'm calling if I find out they are driving.
I've also reported to the police a coworker who crashed while phoning into a conference call.

[R.Markus]

I'm driving right now.

[FJRski!]

Occasionally, I use mine while riding.  

[wbrisett]

I do use mine on rare occasions, but those are limited and never in traffic. Same with the bike (my phone is connected to my intercom via Bluetooth -- very handy on long solo trips).

Wayne

[maddjack]

While driving NEVER I get cut off by too many distracted,not in this world cell phoners to ever use it while moving,I pull over and call,I let the voice mail pick up if it rings while driving.I think the cell phoners are worse than drunks as far as putting people in danger.

[Bjorn Toulouse]

I have no time for cell phone use while driving.
I'm usually watching a DVD.


Rex

[denydog]

Visor mounted bluetooth speakerphone.    BlueAnt Supertooth Light, $60.

[Zerosum]

I usually don't MAKE calls while driving, but I will pick up a call and have a brief, to-the-point conversation.

[Westy]

If someone can't talk and drive at the same time they should stay home and walk everywhere and be denied the previlage of driving...takes a real dorfus to let a cell phone distract them so much that they can't drive safely.


Albeit, one law that makes sense to me is 'Females forbidden to operate Minivans while utilizing any method or manner of communication' gets my vote...eliminate 80% of the so called cell phone problem out there.

My cell phone 2 cents..lol..


Now about those 'Baby on Board' window signs....I just want to ram them vehicles these days for some reason....Lets see...by distracting other drivers behind you with a stupid sign is going to ensure the safety of your occupants?

[UFO]

I barely use my cellphone let alone use it while driving.

[Loki]

I use my cell alot, for work mostly. But, I have invested in a bluetooth headset with VOX dialing. I dont have to raise my hand at all, just say "make call to...".

And since I work for the gov't, I have to be extra careful about phone work. If I forget the headset, no phone calls while driving.

P;

[jt1403]

Hi guys. I'm a Police Officer in NY and I can't tell you how many times I have responded to motorcycle involved accidents where the cage driver was on a cell. One fatal. Cell phones are an issue and I have started to practice what I preach by using my speaker phone and getting a hands free. It is imperative that we as bikers also make it a practice by doing the same. How would I feel if I t-boned a fellow biker from being on a cell phone? Anyway, I hope that no one has to ever experience ever being involved in an accident or causes one for that matter. I write pleanty of cell phone tickets and I would like to think that I may have interveined in some type of way. Ride Safe! JT

[hig4s]

I have Bluetooth through my Zumo 550 so I can use it handsfree in the car and on the bike through the helmet speakers.

[boomerang]

Not really.  A passenger has awareness of what kind of traffic situation you're in, and can even give you warnings of upcoming problems  (i.e. "Look out for that guy!!").  A person on the other end of the phone line will just keep on talking as if nothing's happening.

+1

[OregonSV650Spilot]

I use bluetooth in my car and only that when I need to. I personally don't understand the people I see getting into the car and promptly cranking up the cell phone.  My next mission is to get my wife to hang up and drive.

[Paco23]

I only use it when I have to.  I can't talk and drive at the same time  

I wish people would SHUT UP AND DRIVE!  I almost got T-Boned by a soccer-talking mom last week.