texting and driving - DPChallenge Forums

03/05/2013 09:22:46 AM · #1

I just a got a phone call that my neighbors sister was killed while jogging yesterday afternoon by a teenager who valued his texting conversation more than the safety of others.

this woman in hers 20s had two young kids. those poor children wont ever get to see their mother alive again.

this kid ought to be locked up for a long time. and we really need legislation that outright bans texting with stiff penalties, I'm talking license suspension and heavy fines, similar to drink driving.

its senseless that we don't do more to prevent immaturity and nonsense from ruining lives.

SaraR

Sony Alpha a7R III

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM

03/05/2013 09:25:52 AM · #2

I didn't realise it wasn't against the law in the States. Here texting and driving will at the least get you points on your licence and a fine, more likely you will lose your licence, and if you are in a crash that was caused by texting you will almost certainly get a custodial sentence.

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

03/05/2013 09:27:49 AM · #3

Originally posted by SaraR:

im not sure about every state, but many have laws, but those laws aren't nearly the deterrent that they need to be.

cowboy221977

Canon EOS-60D

03/05/2013 10:03:35 AM · #4

Mike...I couldn't agree more. I believe that texting while driving is as bad as driving under the influence. I am sorry for your neighbors sister.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35 f/4 ED VR

03/05/2013 10:15:36 AM · #5

i realize its an ignorance to how distracted it makes you. I feel for the kid, its always sad when someones ignorance not only ruins their life but the life of others. that said he needs to go to jail for a long time. lighter penalties don't help the situation.

i have for a month now set up my phone that if it rings or i get a text, it auto replies that i am driving and I will reply when i stop. i don't even know i got a call or text, i don't want to know, i have a enough trouble trouble dodging the nuts on the road without worrying about someone trying to get a hold of me.

i have a friend who feels that this is just fine, that texting and facebooking while driving is perfectly acceptable behavior, i and others berate him all the time. unfortunately, he wont ever learn until he is forced to face the consequences, i hope he never has to learn that lesson, but i fear he will.

mbrutus2009

Nikon D850

03/05/2013 01:26:36 PM · #6

I'm not sure if it is just not strict here or what but I've never seen or heard of anyone getting pulled over for texting. I agree that it should be banned with stiff penalties if done.

blindjustice

Canon EOS-60D

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

03/05/2013 01:38:17 PM · #7

Hands free technology needs to make a quantum leap and soIve this issue.

This upcoming generation of youths, raised on instant gratification and at your fingertips technology will require it. To think that they can control the issue themselves is madness.

What about a safe in the trunk area to place the device in while you are driving, could be like a mailbox- easy to slide in and tougher to remove. Blue tooth or mainline it into the car.

Message edited by author 2013-03-05 13:38:57.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

03/05/2013 02:42:51 PM · #8

the technology is there, smartphones do this, the phones will read you the text and you can reply without touching your phone, like said ear;ier my phone knows when i am driving and cuts off communication from me during that time.

the problem is the process is entirely user initiated. i think one of the easiest methods would be for car manufactures to employ Near Field Communications technology so that is a mobile device is within a certain zone or near NFC chip is shuts off, that way other users in the vehicle aren't affected.

in fact i plan to do this myself. currently phone needs to be connected to a power supply and headset (which it is when im in the car) to cut out communications, i have could set it based on GPS speed if i chose but then it would cut me off when i was a passenger as well.

using NFC chips i can place them in my car and when my phone is near one it activates. no initiation required.

Lydia

Canon EOS-6D

03/05/2013 03:55:53 PM · #9

There are programs out there now that turn off everything on a cellphone except 911 outgoing if the car is in motion.

Hubby and I looked into getting it, but ... of course... it doesn't work with our phones/carrier.

dponlyme

Fujifilm FinePix S3000

03/07/2013 01:44:18 AM · #10

This may not be popular but I don't think incarcerating this guy for a really long time is the answer. People can be literally put to death for premeditated murder and yet there are plenty of them still. I think a better way to deal with this is SOME incarceration.. and restitution to the children (He should literally have to pay for his actions for the rest of his and/or their lives)and then he should be forced to confront what he has done publicly for the rest of his life by being court ordered to give speeches to HS students about the dangers of using cellphones,texting etc. while driving.

The only good locking this guy up and throwing away the key will do is a misguided feeling that we are tough on people who do these things. Feels good but takes someone who would but for this one mistake (with horrific consequences albeit) may be a very productive member of society. It would be a drain on the taxpayers and would do nothing for the children of this woman or do a thing towards educating others.

Flash

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

03/07/2013 03:15:05 AM · #11

My only comments are that my teenage years up through my 20's were repleat with some very stupid actions in hindsight. Some that could have resulted in horrific outcomes. Why some actions of ignorance during the years of learning escape from doing great harm - I do not know. It certainly wasn't due to any special skill - perhaps just better luck. Should there be a consequence for killing others while texting and driving - yes. What consequences? Not sure - but if all of us paid an accurate price for our past stupidity and dumb ignorant actions - I suspect few of us would make it past 30.

Olyuzi

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH

03/07/2013 03:34:08 AM · #12

I'm for the harsher penalties, like impounding the vehicle, stiff fines, a 2-5 year license suspension, considerable jail time, etc. But I think the problem is it's difficult to prove that cell phone use while driving caused the accident in the first place and probably the more pragmatic approach would be one of the aforementioned technological solutions, if they could be implemented.

RayEthier