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.

[shesmyjewel]

I had a Bluetooth once, too. It hurt like all hell, so I had it pulled  

[Papa Lazarou]

Whilst I utterly despise people who use mobile phones when they are driving, I am partial to a good book.

[Busy Little Whiner]

NEVER... and if you cell... I pass...

[vfrrider]

OK, as a Certified Safety Professional, I get safety studies all the time.

2 years ago, the National Safety Council published the results of a study that said, as of 2006, talking on cell phones reduced the average drivers concentration by 30%, and that the number of collisions than due to cell phone usage while driving was the No. 6 cause of ALL wrecks, equivalent to Drunk Driving, and DWI is illegal and the subject of numberous campaigns from MADD to Congress (both as bills and arrests).

So I told all my clients that DWI is not allowed while driving for company business, and neither should cell phones.

So, NO, I don't. And most people are such poor drivers that they cannot spare 30% of their attention, either.

So, to all the drivers that endanger ours and everyone's else's lives daily, stay home or hang up and drive.

Larry
VFRrider

Don't believe me, look it look. http://www.nsc.org/news/cellphone_ban.aspx

[falconati]

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.

[2RR2NV]

i VERY rarely answer the phone while driving. if i'm downtown, not only NO but HECK NO!!  i've got too many idgits around me not paying attention and i need to watch them incase they screw up. if i'm on the freeway, i wait til there is no one within 1/4 or so mile of me. i just would rather watch out for everyone else instead of being like all the other cagers. also, what the heck could be so dang important that it can't wait til i get home in 5 mins.
if i have a emergency phone call (waiting on possible baby), i'll pull over and answer if there is a place to do that.

Never on the bike since i don't have the capability...unless you count stops and checking the phone, and then making a call or text.  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

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

+1

And add to that that I'm rarely driving a car  

[chornbe]

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.

When I use my iPhone, I put the phone on speaker and just drop it in the pocket of my shirt. The mic and speaker are pretty awesome. That's hands-free enough. I can't bring myself to wear a douche clip. 

When I use the Blackberry for work, I have to hold it.  

[cam_1100]

For the record I never use a cell phone while driving.  As you can see by my post count, I don't participate a whole lot on this site - I'm usually just lurking in the Region 4 area - but this poll caught my attention because it's very similar to one I posted on another motorcycle site.  So in the interest of discussion I thought I chime in with my somewhat wordy thoughts on the subject.  If long posts bore you, you should stop reading now... and be glad I trimmed a bunch out
*********

As somewhat of an 'amateur' psychologist I have a few theories/beliefs on the behavioral and physiological aspects of using cell phones while driving and I'd like to see how they play out against perspectives other than my own.  But mostly I just find this kind of stuff interesting and like to talk about it.

My concern is that hands-free devices are being marketed as a "safe" alternative when it seems to me that the actual conversation is as distracting as dialing a phone (more so if you consider that the conversation usually lasts longer than dialing).  I've done a little research (trying to do more but related info is hard to find) and what I've found indicates that you use the same parts of your brain (frontal lobe) to have a conversation that you use for sensory processing, decision making, and motor function - ie. the parts of the brain you need for driving.  

Incidentally, you also use the same brain functions for reading and interpreting data that you do for holding a conversation.  Even though you are using different sensory inputs, they need the same parts of the brain for processing the information.  Can you read and comprehend a book while having a phone conversation and do both (or either) very well...even marginally?  If you can you are in a VERY exclusive group.

There are a host of other activities that enter the discussion (eating, adjusting the radio, painting your nails).  While I am sure they are distracting, what I haven't been able to find is how those activities relate to brain function.  One interesting note is that listening to music (even singing along) is relegated to the temporal lobe and apart from auditory reception does not use the same parts of the brain used for interpreting information.  So it would seem there are some things you could do that do not present a distraction, at least not to the same degree as a phone conversation.  It also indicates that there needs to be some measure to determine the level of distraction caused by various activities, adding a completely new dimension to the entire topic.  

I don't mean to present any of this as absolute fact, it's just the opinion I have formed based on a minor in psychology and by finding snippets of information on the Internet (so validity is always a concern).  I have links to the few articles I have found and a few diagrams I found helpful if anyone is interested.  But I would really welcome other viewpoints - especially any with references to scientific studies or reports - via thread or PM.  Please keep in mind that I am trying to learn, not argue.  

Or you can just tell me I'm a dork and should keep my thoughts to myself.  That information would be useful as well.  

As a side point, it seems odd to me that with this being such a hot topic that there hasn't been more research directed towards this area.  I would think that both sides of the argument would be clamoring to get scientific evidence to prove their points.

[nnjhawk02]

I can walk & chew gum...I'm so damn good, that

I can sip a brew, take a shot of JD, talk on personal celly, email w/ work blackberry - all while driving w/ my knee @ 70 mph - while listening to Wu Tang Clan, since like them - I'm nothing to FCUK With!

[mugwump58]

In the car I have a hands free. If, if I have it on I will acknowledge the call and call back later. Even though it's against the law here I continue to see more and more people with phone to ear. Even the leo's I recognize the body position of a talker if not their driving and take appropriate action. I've learned to stop showing the phone sign and wagging my finger as I go by. Some people don't take that well.

I pratice weak hand to make myself happy but then never carry. Nothing wrong with fantasies, just have to be smart enough not put them into pratice. Well not until after the post nuclear holocaust.

[madmike2]

In the car I have a hands free. If, if I have it on I will acknowledge the call and call back later. Even though it's against the law here I continue to see more and more people with phone to ear.

Yep.  At work we have a "No Cell Phone Policy" but they call us on the company phone!?!?!?!?  I will answer and tell them I'll call them back as soon as I can safely pull off the road.

In my car, maybe 2 or 3 times a year with the same scenario.

On the bikes?  I don't know how some people can talk on their bluetooth and ride.  To me, it's dangerous enough just to ride in traffic or commute.

[stbtbb]

i do it daily truck or bike bluetooth in both and i also ipod while i ride its a personal choice...maybe not a good one but mine to make

[DRam]

If mine rings while I'm driving it waits until I can pull over somewhere.  If I need to make a call, it waits until I can pull over.  If someone calls me and I find out they are driving while calling, I politely tell them that they are endangering themselves, their passengers and others, tell them to call back when they are parked, and hang up.  My daughter lets me know she thinks I'm being silly, but the last thing I want to hear is her and my grandkids screaming as she has an accident while talking on the phone.

[Andrew]

I use the cell less than 4 times a month while driving, but use it all the time while riding. I find the cell a terrible distraction while driving but no distraction while riding. THis may be contrary to most folks.
Side note that I do not enjoy talking on the phone in heavy traffic or navigating my way around somewhere I have never been. But while on the open highway no problem.

Note: the cell goes through the starcom with ER6is in my ears and a boom mic in the flip face helmet.

[Wide Track]

Actually the car and the phone should be interfaced, so when the car goes in gear the phone dies, nuf said.

[SilverHound]

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

Me too...but I take my helmet off when I'm in the car or people look at me funny.

[remal]

might have been said already but illegal to be on the mobile/cell while driving in the UK for about 2 years now

[Papa Lazarou]

Peeps using mobiles in cars should have their bits cut out. That's all.

[napper]

 As you can see by my post count, I don't participate a whole lot on this site -

But a damn impressive post:word ratio.

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

Seldom,

[sammyseaman]

I would talk on mine all day if I had friends to talk to. I pretend I'm talking all the time to impress the girls at traffic lights. I usually say in a loud voice "Sell. Buy. Sell. Sell." and sometimes I pretend I'm yelling at my secretary  . I'm sure the chicks dig it.

[rbwilliams2]

I never use my cell phone while driving.

Last summer I was on the Triumph, and was hit from behind by a woman on a phone. That emphasized the - no phone while driving !

[Papa Lazarou]

Today, such a typical encounter. Blonde woman on mobile, trying to drive a monstrous 4X4 and all over the place, passed her and then had to avoid her rear ending me.

[bluepoof]

Never.  I get on the distracted driving soapbox and I don't want to be hypocritical.  

Since I bought a car 2 months ago (my first car in years), I have had urges to pick up the phone and call my mom to chat on a particularly boring commute home from work.  

But I realize that they're just brain impulses to multitask -- like how I seem to need to be on the laptop while watching TV -- and a few deep breaths and some relaxation techniques I've picked up squishes the compulsions pretty quickly.

I'm amazingly capable of multitasking (I'm a project manager; it's in the job description) but I find that I'm happiest doing just one thing.  Just talking on the phone, or just driving.

[stealth1]

I rarely talk on the cell phone while driving.
It interferes with my naps.

[Papa Lazarou]

Using a cell phone whilst driving should be mandatory.

[chornbe]

I don't really know how often I do it so I'm not selecting one of the options.

I will say that I'm actively cutting way back and find myself pulling over more when I have to take/make a call.

It's a conscious decision and some times it takes work to remember that's what I should be/want to be doing.

The convenience of it is... tempting.

[hig4s]

I actually use the cell phone a higher percentage of the time on my motorcycle than in my Jeep, but then I find it safer on the bike because it is all bluetooth through my Zumo 550 and wired to my helmet speakers and mic. It doesn't require me to do anything other than touch the spot on the Zumo that says "answer call". I find it no different than talking to my wife through the intercom when riding.

[Bounce]

I have bluetooth in my car.

I have a bluetooth ear bud. If I'm going on a road trip, I juise it up and use it. If commuting in my car (work, short trups, etc.) I let the phone go to voice mail and worry about it when I get to my destination.

When not listening to sat radio, I pipe the phone's audio into the car audio and listen to podcasts. Having it mounted in the center of the dash makes the screen easy to see when a booth babe comes on.

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.

Clearly you're not driving fast enough!

[R.Markus]

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.

I agree with this statement. The people that can't drive while talking on the phone are the same people that can't drive while not talking on the phone.

[hig4s]

I agree with this statement. The people that can't drive while talking on the phone are the same people that can't drive while not talking on the phone.

And that is about 75% of the people driving  

[Pelagic]

Well, I am clearly in the minority here; I not only use car-time as a great opportunity to catch up on my call sheet but my phone also bluetooth's into my helmet and I take calls while riding! AGHAST!!!

It's not the phone that kills people, it's their lack of attention.    They need to be driving first and chatting second. Of course it helps if they have safe and sane driving habits in the first place and that's something that seems to be lacking more and more.

Did you know these same questions were asked and debated when Motorola first created a radio for automobiles???  What is the world coming to???

[ice-cycle]

I think cell phone users in cars should lose their license.  Simple.  Same as drunk driving.

Even hands free, the mind is engaged elsewhere than on the road.   If you want to talk on the cell phone, pull over.  

I think of this ever-day as I ride to work, past the memorial for a motorcyclist, who was stopped waiting in a line of traffic,  killed by a driver who run up on him, and threw him into the lane of opposing traffic.  

[R.Markus]

It's not the phone that kills people, it's their lack of attention.    They need to be driving first and chatting second. Of course it helps if they have safe and sane driving habits in the first place and that's something that seems to be lacking more and more.

Did you know these same questions were asked and debated when Motorola first created a radio for automobiles???  What is the world coming to???

The Nanny State...and it's not coming to it, it's already here. You can see it here in the posts of the lovers of the Nanny State. They are adamant about proposing more idiotic laws.


"Oh, I was hit by some girl on a cell phone!!!"  Actually, you were hit by another person that can't drive worth a shit. People seem unable to place the blame where blame is due.

Plus I love reading about the fucking assholes here who have gotten hit by a cage and post that the person was PROBABLY on a cell phone. That's a wonderful way to spread an unimportant agenda when it is not fact.  

[LoVel]

The Nanny State...and it's not coming to it, it's already here. You can see it here in the posts of the lovers of the Nanny State. They are adamant about proposing more idiotic laws.


"Oh, I was hit by some girl on a cell phone!!!"  Actually, you were hit by another person that can't drive worth a shit. People seem unable to place the blame where blame is due.

Plus I love reading about the fucking assholes here who have gotten hit by a cage and post that the person was PROBABLY on a cell phone. That's a wonderful way to spread an unimportant agenda when it is not fact.  

I'm sure you are also an excellent drunk driver and multitasker as well.

Multitasking is the art of doing several things to a low degree of proficiency at the same time.

[denydog]

We have a secondary offense law here, enacted over a year ago.  I see more people now talking on the cell phone while driving than ever.

I believe there are people that can drive well even while on the phone (especially me  , though I don't), but to me that's not the only the point.  The people who are doing it here now are also demonstrating irresponsibility, thus are more likely to be an elevated danger for that reason alone.  I see some common visible traits among many of the cell phone criminals as well.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

If nothing else, those on their cell phones are too "busy" to use their turn signals  

[ice-cycle]

If nothing else, those on their cell phones are too "busy" to use their turn signals  

Turn signals?  What are those?  

Most drivers I see like to play,  "Guess what I'll do next".  

[hig4s]

I think cell phone users in cars should lose their license.  Simple.  Same as drunk driving.

Even hands free, the mind is engaged elsewhere than on the road.   If you want to talk on the cell phone, pull over.  

By that logic anyone that has ever talked to a passenger while driving should lose their license. Car stereos should be banned, and no one should ever be allowed to drive if there is a child in the car distracting them.

Experienced drivers using hands free devices are much less likely to have an accident then when using a non-hands free device. The college studies do not show this because so far all the studies sited have used only college aged drivers, many with no more than a year or two driving experience. Any distraction for them drastically degrades their ability to drive.  

Just watch people driving while talking on the phone, if they hold it to their ear, they stop turning their heads and stop looking around. Those with hands free devices still look around, (if they looked around when not talking).

[R.Markus]

Just watch people driving while talking on the phone, if they hold it to their ear, they stop turning their heads and stop looking around. Those with hands free devices still look around, (if they looked around when not talking).

The people you mention that don't look around while driving with a phone up to their ear most likely don't look around when the phone is not up to their ear. Those that can actually drive mind their surroundings either way.

[Malks]

Illegal in Ontario Canada; hands-free only while driving in this nanny-state.  No texting allowed, oh and don't think about changing songs on your i-Pod or touching your GPS either because they are included in the law against hand-held electronic devices as well.

Even before the law came into effect, I would only receive a few calls a week and those were limited to a minute or so in duration.  When the law came in I bought a blue-tooth hands free device that sticks to the window and charges by solar power.  It works well enough for me.

[MDHCO]

Kind of reminds me of the fifty-five mile per hour speed limit.   Implemented to save fuel, safety studies predicted a blood letting of biblical proportions when it was repealled.   Didn't get a lot of press, but the death rate on rural interstates in the west dropped like a rock.  

I spend a great deal of time on the cell, for business reasons. There is a great deal of difference in being on a cell on a rural interstate in eastern Colorado and negotiating LA highways in heavy traffic.   Is it possible that cell phone use on those empty interstates could actually be a boon?

Cell phones can be responsibly used while driving.   Does everyone use them responsibly? Sadly no, they do not.   But one wonders if we're really going to make the highways safer, or simply provide another revenue stream for the boys in blue.  

[Shrike]

On the bike I will answer a call.. Blue tooth in helmet.. I don't tend to stop often so if it turns out to be important I will stop and talk. If not then I'll call ya back when I do stop.
In the car... I never hear the damn thing ring over the stereo!  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Yay! Washington State has just toughened up their cell phone laws. Of course reading the comments make me roll my eyes, but at least its a start  

[Skee]

I have seen a rider - fully geared up on a sportbike - texting on I-78 - or at least doing what appeared to be texting - at about 65 mph.  Darwin award for sure.

[Bearly Flying]

Actually the death rate dropped AFTER they repealed the 55 mph limit, too many people going to sleep at that speed.


I took "Cop" training. Now I can eat a doughnut, talk on the cell, lazer your ass, chat on the two way with my buddies, punch in your license plate on the dash mounted computer and fire off rounds at annoying Hiway signs with impunity.....

Some of you people should learn how to drive FIRST, then worry about the other guy. Don't know how many times I've seen someone making a pass and the oncoming vehicle stay's right in the center of their lane.... WTF... slow down , pull over, let the guy through........ But Oh No, He's in the wrong so I'm gonna drive right straight into him.......... That outta learn him...   OK your DEAD RIGHT..but hey, your a GOOD driver..

[bluepoof]

But Oh No, He's in the wrong so I'm gonna drive right straight into him.......... That outta learn him...   OK your DEAD RIGHT..but hey, your a GOOD driver..

Reminds me of something I read when I first started riding:  "But I had the right of way!" will look nice on your tombstone.  

[Dan K]

For the record I never use a cell phone while driving.  As you can see by my post count, I don't participate a whole lot on this site - I'm usually just lurking in the Region 4 area - but this poll caught my attention because it's very similar to one I posted on another motorcycle site.  So in the interest of discussion I thought I chime in with my somewhat wordy thoughts on the subject.  If long posts bore you, you should stop reading now... and be glad I trimmed a bunch out
*********

As somewhat of an 'amateur' psychologist I have a few theories/beliefs on the behavioral and physiological aspects of using cell phones while driving and I'd like to see how they play out against perspectives other than my own.  But mostly I just find this kind of stuff interesting and like to talk about it.

My concern is that hands-free devices are being marketed as a "safe" alternative when it seems to me that the actual conversation is as distracting as dialing a phone (more so if you consider that the conversation usually lasts longer than dialing).  I've done a little research (trying to do more but related info is hard to find) and what I've found indicates that you use the same parts of your brain (frontal lobe) to have a conversation that you use for sensory processing, decision making, and motor function - ie. the parts of the brain you need for driving.  

Incidentally, you also use the same brain functions for reading and interpreting data that you do for holding a conversation.  Even though you are using different sensory inputs, they need the same parts of the brain for processing the information.  Can you read and comprehend a book while having a phone conversation and do both (or either) very well...even marginally?  If you can you are in a VERY exclusive group.

There are a host of other activities that enter the discussion (eating, adjusting the radio, painting your nails).  While I am sure they are distracting, what I haven't been able to find is how those activities relate to brain function.  One interesting note is that listening to music (even singing along) is relegated to the temporal lobe and apart from auditory reception does not use the same parts of the brain used for interpreting information.  So it would seem there are some things you could do that do not present a distraction, at least not to the same degree as a phone conversation.  It also indicates that there needs to be some measure to determine the level of distraction caused by various activities, adding a completely new dimension to the entire topic.  

I don't mean to present any of this as absolute fact, it's just the opinion I have formed based on a minor in psychology and by finding snippets of information on the Internet (so validity is always a concern).  I have links to the few articles I have found and a few diagrams I found helpful if anyone is interested.  But I would really welcome other viewpoints - especially any with references to scientific studies or reports - via thread or PM.  Please keep in mind that I am trying to learn, not argue.  

Or you can just tell me I'm a dork and should keep my thoughts to myself.  That information would be useful as well.  

As a side point, it seems odd to me that with this being such a hot topic that there hasn't been more research directed towards this area.  I would think that both sides of the argument would be clamoring to get scientific evidence to prove their points.

You're a dork.  Just kidding.  Using headset frees my hands to be available to handle driving.  I'll talk handsfree with a plug in headset (can't do the bluetooth earpiece thing...it's just...well, ok for other people.  If in realy slow, almost stop and go traffic, I'll check email/respond to texts on the blackberry.  Never in moving, regular traffic or in blizzards at 65 on unplowed highways...

- Dan

[Mrs. DantesDame]

If in realy slow, almost stop and go traffic, I'll check email/respond to texts on the blackberry.  Never in moving, regular traffic or in blizzards at 65 on unplowed highways...

- Dan

I'm afraid that doesn't make me feel any better. I was rear-ended (in a car) by someone who, out of the corner of his eye, thought that the stopped traffic was moving. It wasn't, and he hit me. So paying attention is just as critical even in slow or stop 'n go traffic  

[Dan K]

I'm afraid that doesn't make me feel any better. I was rear-ended (in a car) by someone who, out of the corner of his eye, thought that the stopped traffic was moving. It wasn't, and he hit me. So paying attention is just as critical even in slow or stop 'n go traffic  

No offense, but I'm not trying to make you feel better - I'm responding to a poll on the topic explaining what I do.  Sorry you got rear ended by some asshat who started from a stop without paying attention.  Please don't compare me to him.  Oh, and make sure you don't change the radio station when you are driving - I was once rearended (in my car) by a guy scanning through his presets, also at low speed.   I guess that means no one should do that?  I'm not like him either - I like to be aware of my surroundings, thanks.  

I actually agree with you - you ALWAYS need to pay attention. But by your logic, I shouldn't turn to talk to my passengers, look down to pick up a fallen water bottle before it drains all over the floor, adjust the A/C or do anything else that may pull my eyes from the road because THAT means I wouldn't be paying attention, right?  Most of us can do these things without failing to pay attention to our surroundings and in fact only look away from the road when our surroundings allow it (i.e., no cars in our immediate vicinity, emepty open straight road ahead with visibility for miles, or speeds so slow that even if the guy ahead of you stops suddenly, you'll have no problem stopping).  Again, sorry you got rear ended, but I'm pretty adamant about not hitting other people with my car or my bike.  Really.

Oh, and I'm all for bluetoooth in my helmet - music and phone.  I don't use the phone in city traffic or technical twisties, but on my commute on the expressway, with no intersections, many lanes and shoulders on both sides for escape routes? And clear ciew of everyone around me?  Love it.  Long empty empty highway straights with no one but my fellow riders around me?  Perfectly safe.  Operate with care.

- Dan

[Skee]

I got rear-ended - also in a car - by a distracted driver.  She was having an asthma attack, and reaching into the glove box for her inhaler.  Or so she said.  Still doesn't explain to me why she was going 50 mph approaching a light in a residential neighborhood.

That's why we need laws - to protect us from asshats.  Unfortunately, it reduces the average for all down to the dumbest common denominator.

I have no problem with people eating, talking, setting their GPS, reading a map or a routesheet, etc. while they are driving.  Heck, I'm guilty myself.  I just hope they'd remember they are not the only people on the road and have some consideration for other drivers.

I still think the guy texting on the sportbike was nuts - I've seen him do it twice now.  And twice on that road while commuting to work, I've had a cager try to occupy the same lane I was riding in.  There's a time and place for everythig.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I actually agree with you - you ALWAYS need to pay attention. But by your logic, I shouldn't turn to talk to my passengers, look down to pick up a fallen water bottle before it drains all over the floor, adjust the A/C or do anything else that may pull my eyes from the road because THAT means I wouldn't be paying attention, right?  Most of us can do these things without failing to pay attention to our surroundings and in fact only look away from the road when our surroundings allow it (i.e., no cars in our immediate vicinity, emepty open straight road ahead with visibility for miles, or speeds so slow that even if the guy ahead of you stops suddenly, you'll have no problem stopping).  Again, sorry you got rear ended, but I'm pretty adamant about not hitting other people with my car or my bike.  Really.

I guess my thoughts ran to under what conditions you will check email/respond to a text on your blackberry. To me, this is vastly different than righting a water bottle or changing the radio station. Why do I feel this way? Because I can do either of the latter with only a single quick glance at the offending object and then return my eyes to the road, letting my fingers/hands complete the task. I seriously doubt that anyone can read an email with a comparable single quick glance. Replying to a text under the same conditions is, I dare say, impossible.

I'm not attacking you (conditions vary wildly and I don't know the ones you're driving under), but I *am* attacking the mindless douchebags that I see looking down at their laps or steering wheels instead of the road ahead of them.


Oh, and the guy that hit me was cool. He apologized profusely and told me that he owned his own insurance agency. He made sure that everything was taken care of right away  

[jay547]

daily, i admit it. looks like we're winning the poll too.

two days ago, i nearly had an accident because i was a distracted driver. we were in the cage and i was pointing out to my g/f what i thought would be a good motorcycle photo-tag site. i ran a stop sign and nearly hit another car. i had to leave the roadway to avoid it. damn motorcycles will be the death of me, one way or another.

[cam_1100]

Some interesting links on the topic.  Just posting for info/discussion, not as an endorsement of the content:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phones_and_driving_safety#As_compared_to_conversation_with_a_passenger  (Yeah, I know it's wiki...take it for what it is)

http://cartalk.com/ddc/?p=272

Video interview with David Strayer, Univ of Utah Dept of Psychology.  Lengthy, but covers most of the points in this thread:
http://www.gocognitive.net/video/david-strayer-driver-distraction-and-cell-phones

[UFO]

Non-hands free cellphone use while driving is about to become a primary offense (currently secondary) in WA state.  Takes one more signature.

 

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Non-hands free cellphone use while driving is about to become a primary offense (currently secondary) in WA state.  Takes one more signature.

 

I'll sign!!!!  

[LoVel]

Me too.  Going down the interstate backwards at 70 is not fun.  Stupid cell phone talking bitch in the jeep that ran me off the road didn't even slow down.  

I love how everyone can justify their cellphone use.  I bet the person that ran me off the road would say they are a great driver and very capable of talking on the cell and driving.

[bomber]

Me too.  Going down the interstate backwards at 70 is not fun.  Stupid cell phone talking bitch in the jeep that ran me off the road didn't even slow down.  

I love how everyone can justify their cellphone use.  I bet the person that ran me off the road would say they are a great driver and very capable of talking on the cell and driving.

Everyone is above average --

I am generally a small government kinda guy -- less laws are better -- but, given the way traffic has gotten, and most folks inability to determine what is safe and what isn't (and have you noticed how parking lots are so frightentin? is it because it's OK to do any damn thing as long as you don't do it for long?) . . .

Ban em now (by drivers in/on a moving vehicle)

[Papa Lazarou]

Non-hands free cellphone use while driving is about to become a primary offense (currently secondary) in WA state.  Takes one more signature.

 

If it were over here, I'd sign too. But quite willing to sign up wherever...

There is NOTHING, NO PHONE CALL that is so important that you have to take it on the move.

[R.Markus]

There is NOTHING, NO PHONE CALL that is so important that you have to take it on the move.

There's no reason not to.

[Roadhound]

The most shocking thing about this thread is just how many of you drive cars.

Hands free is a bunch of crap, it's the mind not the hands.

Those of you who use a cell phone while driving, you drive just like the other cellphone talkers you bitch about. You just can't see yourself.

It's an addiction, get help.

[et]

The most shocking thing about this thread is just how many of you drive cars.

Hands free is a bunch of crap, it's the mind not the hands.

Those of you who use a cell phone while driving, you drive just like the other cellphone talkers you bitch about. You just can't see yourself.

It's an addiction, get help.

  +1000  
The people who say they have no problems talking on the cell phone while driving; are the jerks who cut other drivers off, don't go when the light turns green, drive in the left lane doing 15mph BELOW the flow of traffic, change lanes without signaling or looking, etc ....
They're just too damn busy with their phone conversation to realize what trouble they are actually causing !

--ET

[chornbe]

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.

There was a study done suggesting that the disconnected nature of the conversation (the person not being there with you) actually increases the distraction more than any hands on / hands-free argument would seem to suggest. No, I can not cite the source just now - I remember reading it.

[R.Markus]

The most shocking thing about this thread is just how many of you drive cars.

Hands free is a bunch of crap, it's the mind not the hands.

Those of you who use a cell phone while driving, you drive just like the other cellphone talkers you bitch about. You just can't see yourself.

It's an addiction, get help.

 

[bluepoof]

Those of you who use a cell phone while driving, you drive just like the other cellphone talkers you bitch about. You just can't see yourself.

It's an addiction

This was certainly true for me.  I made the conscious decision to stop using the phone while driving (for talking, texting, whatever) and I was honestly surprised how hard it was for me.  It took a couple of weeks before I stopped reaching for the phone at red lights, or just glancing at it if it made a "you've got mail" beepboop, or thinking, "oh, I could just call my mom."  It was honestly creepy for me to realize how distracted I had been without realizing it at all.

[kevin_stevens]

Just came back from lunch, where the *second* driver in less than a week backed into my bike.

This one looked up, phone tightly clamped to ear, and said brightly "Oh, did I bump into your bike?"

"Yes, but thank God, it didn't interrupt your phone conversation."  Turned and walked off...  

KeS

[kevin_stevens]

http://www.abc15.com/content/news/northeastvalley/fountainhills/story/Valley-man-bitten-by-rattlesnake-while-hiking-and/CzWrMtf11EiZLxwEisoIdQ.cspx

[LoVel]

TEXTING causes snake bites.  

[hig4s]

There was a study done suggesting that the disconnected nature of the conversation (the person not being there with you) actually increases the distraction more than any hands on / hands-free argument would seem to suggest. No, I can not cite the source just now - I remember reading it.

There are a lot of studies out there that have no scientific basis, where a bunch of people throw out info and come to a conclusion with out actual proof or data.. The Meese report comes to mind.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

There are a lot of studies out there that have no scientific basis, where a bunch of people throw out info and come to a conclusion with out actual proof or data.. The Meese report comes to mind.

You mean like my study of people I see on the way to/from work, yammering on their phone and not even cognoscente that they're on a public road?    I don't think it takes anything "official" to suggest that driving while talking on the phone is a bad idea.

[hig4s]

You mean like my study of people I see on the way to/from work, yammering on their phone and not even cognoscente that they're on a public road?    I don't think it takes anything "official" to suggest that driving while talking on the phone is a bad idea.

And if we allow it to take nothing "official", to convince politicians to make laws outlawing some or all cell phones without proof one way or the other as to whether there is a difference between hands free and non hands free risks, then what other laws might we have thrown at us with no "official" data once it becomes the accepted way of doing things.

Right now there is a push in several state to once again to limit HP on motorcycles, with no "official" data what's to stop them from taking it to the same view and just ban all sport bikes, because it is obvious from just driving around almost any place that has a sport bike night you will see enough wheelies and stunters to suggest that letting people ride sport bikes is a bad idea.

[LoVel]

And if we allow it to take nothing "official", to convince politicians to make laws outlawing some or all cell phones without proof one way or the other as to whether there is a difference between hands free and non hands free risks, then what other laws might we have thrown at us with no "official" data once it becomes the accepted way of doing things.

Right now there is a push in several state to once again to limit HP on motorcycles, with no "official" data what's to stop them from taking it to the same view and just ban all sport bikes, because it is obvious from just driving around almost any place that has a sport bike night you will see enough wheelies and stunters to suggest that letting people ride sport bikes is a bad idea.

I bet you think you drive very well when your drunk also.