The hazards of texting and driving

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

08/26/2009 09:57:09 AM · #7

It p***es me off to no end when people are just talking on their cell phone while driving. People don't pay enough attention when they are just driving as it is without adding distractions. I have no idea why people think its possible to text and drive and I think its appalling. Why not just read a newspaper while you're driving? (Unfortunately, I've seen that too so bad analogy).

kandykarml

Nikon D80

08/26/2009 10:07:12 AM · #8

I would rather have someone talking with both hands on their phone then texting.. I just shared on facebook.. powerful video.. I hope someone gets something out of it.. I sure did.. thanks for sharing..

Simms

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

08/26/2009 10:17:18 AM · #9

I am reading this thread on my iPhone whilst driving down the motorway and I can't believe people still text and drive at the same time - I am having trouble just scrolling/reading this and keeping an eye on the truck in front - the damn kids are making a noise in the back as well - and people wonder why I drink!?

08/26/2009 10:18:58 AM · #10

Originally posted by Citadel:

I don't see the big deal about talking on the phone and driving.. I agree that texting is bad, I always stop my car if I have to email or text someone. But simply talking on the phone? if it was bad to only have one hand on the wheel.. then why do they make standard shift cars? I drive with 1 hand 90% of the time I'm in my car. Talking on the phone does not distract me from driving.. if this was the case.. then talking to your passenger while driving should be outlawed as well. It's possible that some people are completely distracted while talking on the phone.. if this is the case..those people shouldn't be driving in the first place.

Citadel

Nikon D7500

08/26/2009 10:25:25 AM · #11

Originally posted by Intelli:

Originally posted by Citadel:
It p***es me off to no end when people are just talking on their cell phone while driving. People don't pay enough attention when they are just driving as it is without adding distractions. I have no idea why people think its possible to text and drive and I think its appalling. Why not just read a newspaper while you're driving? (Unfortunately, I've seen that too so bad analogy).

I don't see the big deal about talking on the phone and driving.. I agree that texting is bad, I always stop my car if I have to email or text someone. But simply talking on the phone? if it was bad to only have one hand on the wheel.. then why do they make standard shift cars? I drive with 1 hand 90% of the time I'm in my car. Talking on the phone does not distract me from driving.. if this was the case.. then talking to your passenger while driving should be outlawed as well. It's possible that some people are completely distracted while talking on the phone.. if this is the case..those people shouldn't be driving in the first place.

That is a big can of worms there. When you are talking to someone in the vehicle they see what's going on and will stop talking if they think you need to give more attention to the situation. There's also been a number of studies that indicate that talking on your cell phone while driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. (e.g. //news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-6090342-7.html). This is why there are a few places where talking on your cell phone while driving is illegal. (I wish Alberta was this way). As to the one hand thing? "The AAA motor club, another group with influence, has a campaign of its own to educate drivers to the fact that using a hands-free phone isnâ��t safer than using a handheld." (from //webworkerdaily.com/2009/01/15/should-talking-on-cell-phones-while-driving-be-banned/)

Message edited by author 2009-08-26 10:28:30.

alfresco

Nikon D700

08/26/2009 10:30:39 AM · #12

After watching the video everyone should then try gauging their multitasking skills.

Originally posted by Intelli:

I don't see the big deal about talking on the phone and driving...

Drivers and Legislators Dismiss Cellphone Risks. The risk is real whether one realizes it or not.

Edit to add: The risk to the rest of us from those who don't realize is real.

Message edited by author 2009-08-26 10:32:35.

08/26/2009 10:30:51 AM · #13

I would also like to add that I hate riding with people who curse at every car that's driving slow, talking on phone, putting make up on, doesn't signal, etc.. My dad does this, and it's annoying to all end. People are who they are.. if they don't drive the way you want them to.. tough cookies.. deal with it. Cursing them and flipping them off isn't going to change the way they drive. If your driving alone... curse and bitch all you want.. but if I'm riding with you, take a chill pill and be patient! sry.. just had to throw my rant in here=) Texting = Bad

citymars

Nikon D700

08/26/2009 10:37:35 AM · #14

Originally posted by alfresco:

After watching the video everyone should then try gauging their multitasking skills.

Man, that was interesting. I failed miserably at multitasking.

08/26/2009 10:39:17 AM · #15

Originally posted by Citadel:

Originally posted by Intelli:

Originally posted by Citadel:
It p***es me off to no end when people are just talking on their cell phone while driving. People don't pay enough attention when they are just driving as it is without adding distractions. I have no idea why people think its possible to text and drive and I think its appalling. Why not just read a newspaper while you're driving? (Unfortunately, I've seen that too so bad analogy).

I don't see the big deal about talking on the phone and driving.. I agree that texting is bad, I always stop my car if I have to email or text someone. But simply talking on the phone? if it was bad to only have one hand on the wheel.. then why do they make standard shift cars? I drive with 1 hand 90% of the time I'm in my car. Talking on the phone does not distract me from driving.. if this was the case.. then talking to your passenger while driving should be outlawed as well. It's possible that some people are completely distracted while talking on the phone.. if this is the case..those people shouldn't be driving in the first place.

That is a big can of worms there. When you are talking to someone in the vehicle they see what's going on and will stop talking if they think you need to give more attention to the situation. There's also been a number of studies that indicate that talking on your cell phone while driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. (e.g. //news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-6090342-7.html). This is why there are a few places where talking on your cell phone while driving is illegal. (I wish Alberta was this way). As to the one hand thing? "The AAA motor club, another group with influence, has a campaign of its own to educate drivers to the fact that using a hands-free phone isnâ��t safer than using a handheld." (from //webworkerdaily.com/2009/01/15/should-talking-on-cell-phones-while-driving-be-banned/)

I suppose it could slow your reaction time in dangerous situations, a deer running out, a car pulling out in front of you, etc. In my case, if I am on the phone in busy traffic, and need to change lanes..or make a turn.. etc.. I will tell the person on the phone to hold untill I get clear of any situations that might occur.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

08/26/2009 10:43:18 AM · #16

Originally posted by citymars:

Originally posted by alfresco:
After watching the video everyone should then try gauging their multitasking skills.

Man, that was interesting. I failed miserably at multitasking.

lol.. I can barely change the lanes without texting.. this test is no comparison

Simms

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

08/26/2009 11:04:12 AM · #17

Originally posted by Intelli:

OK, so when the petrol tanker smashed into me last year catapulting me into the opposite lane directly into an oncoming Mercedes leaving me in a bit of a heap at the side of the road and the subsequent stay in hospital and the subsequent weeks off work as a result just because he was on the phone and wasn't paying attention (clear road conditions) I should just learn to deal with it eh? Even the Old Bill (the police) said I was incredibly lucky to actually get out of the crash alive - so my kids could of well been left without a Dad.

Thanks for the advice.

BTW, the tanker driver lost his job as a result, so some good came out of it I guess - I feel no pity - he may get his job back when he gets his license back - but who knows in these fiscally turbulent times. I really hope he didn't end up losing his house and my oh my - his insurance premiums will be through the roof when he gets back behind the wheel.

karmat

Apple iPhone 7

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

08/26/2009 11:12:25 AM · #18

Originally posted by citymars:

Originally posted by alfresco:
After watching the video everyone should then try gauging their multitasking skills.

Man, that was interesting. I failed miserably at multitasking.

my reaction times were very similar, and i missed the same number of gates (1) while texting and not. completely missed the woman though.

that said, texting while driving is stupid. dang, like someone else said, I can barely text while sitting still.

Strikeslip

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

08/26/2009 11:22:45 AM · #19

It's important to keep a hand free to swat the kids when they start fighting in the back seat, or to flip the bird. So, no texting for me.

Recently, I had a cup of coffee in my hand when someone ran a stop sign in front of me. Because of that I totally missed the chance to honk and flip the bird, which I found quite depressing. Luckily, I had full use of my right foot to put on the brakes.

Brakes are wonderful things, and seem to be a second choice to steering around stuff too often.

MistyMucky

Nikon D700

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

08/26/2009 11:33:16 AM · #20

Originally posted by Strikeslip:

It's important to keep a hand free to (...) flip the bird. So, no texting for me.

But you could do that via Bluetooth, if you're quick ;-)

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

08/26/2009 11:35:23 AM · #21

Originally posted by Simms:

Originally posted by Intelli:
I would also like to add that I hate riding with people who curse at every car that's driving slow, talking on phone, putting make up on, doesn't signal, etc.. My dad does this, and it's annoying to all end. People are who they are.. if they don't drive the way you want them to.. tough cookies.. deal with it.

OK, so when the petrol tanker smashed into me last year catapulting me into the opposite lane directly into an oncoming Mercedes leaving me in a bit of a heap at the side of the road and the subsequent stay in hospital and the subsequent weeks off work as a result just because he was on the phone and wasn't paying attention (clear road conditions) I should just learn to deal with it eh? Even the Old Bill (the police) said I was incredibly lucky to actually get out of the crash alive - so my kids could of well been left without a Dad.

Thanks for the advice.

BTW, the tanker driver lost his job as a result, so some good came out of it I guess - I feel no pity - he may get his job back when he gets his license back - but who knows in these fiscally turbulent times. I really hope he didn't end up losing his house and my oh my - his insurance premiums will be through the roof when he gets back behind the wheel.

My point was, yelling and cursing and riding their bumper with your oversized SUV does not solve the problem. If you want to get their liscense plate # and report them, or look em up and teach them how to drive, or maybe just send a hitman to their house.. that's different. Have you ever had someone ride your bumper for no apparent reason? or maybe you were just driving slow because there was a frog crossing the road.. and some guy flipped you off and cursed you out. It's just plain annoying when someone your riding with does these things.. if I person is driving slow, or fast, or whatever they are doing that you don't like.. just avoid the danger if possible and move on with your life.. no reason to start world war 3!

Photologist

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

08/26/2009 11:55:59 AM · #22

Originally posted by Intelli:

If you want to get their liscense plate # and report them, or look em up and teach them how to drive, or maybe just send a hitman to their house.. that's different.

I've always wondered about that--if you p!ss someone off and they ride your bumper and write down your license plate number, what can they do with that number? Unless they work for the DMV (or know someone who does), they can't trace it down to your home address, can they?

Simms

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

08/26/2009 11:59:28 AM · #23

Originally posted by Intelli:

Sorry I missed every single one of them points in your original post - maybe you should of actually made them.

Still, obviously you think its OK to phone & drive - so good luck to you.

Photologist

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

08/26/2009 12:15:49 PM · #24

Originally posted by Simms:

...its OK to phone & drive...

Although I'm not much of a conversationalist, I do talk on the phone while driving. Nevertheless, here in California (as in many states), you must be hands-free. My car has built-in bluetooth so this is not an issue with me. I don't have to fumble with an earpiece while driving.

Like

Intelli stated, I too, will tell the person on the other end of my conversation to "wait a second" while I switch lanes, pay the drive-through cashier, or whatever, just so I can divert my full attention to the maneuver/task at-hand.