Talking on Cell phones while driving is todays biggest problem on the Highways..

[My Dream]

I've now use approximatly 10 % of my package every month, so I think I'm going to cancel my subscription this month. I won't have to worry about that problem.

[Goonie]

Chicago banned the use of cellphones while driving.....wish the whole dang state would!!! It would give all of our wonderful driver's more time to read the newspaper and put on make-up!

[Danny]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goonie Chicago banned the use of cellphones while driving.....wish the whole dang state would!!! It would give all of our wonderful driver's more time to read the newspaper and put on make-up!

If they expect the Chicagah PD to enforce it....well.... they do have other things to do when not at Dunkin' Donuts

[img width=477 height=750]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a351/DanTien/donut-large.jpg[/img]

[REWahoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanTien If they expect the Chicagah PD to enforce it....well.... they do have other things to do when not at Dunkin' Donuts

Dan, my BIL loves to tell about the contest the morning drive-time radio DJ's played in Cleveland for years. They called it "Cop or Not" and it went like this: The Xth caller would play by guessing "yes' or "no". The radio station then called a Dunkin' Donuts at random and asked if there was a cop in the shop.

[Danny]

hard to find a more sure bet...hope I haven't offended any non-doughnut eating cops out there...

[Leonidas]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanTien hard to find a more sure bet...hope I haven't offended any non-doughnut eating cops out there...

I can't stand the nasty, greasy things. But I have spent a few hours in donut shops - before Starbucks it was the only reliable place to get a decent cup of coffee between the hours of 10 a.m. - 5 a.m. No offense taken though. 8)

[Danny]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leonidas I can't stand the nasty, greasy things. But I have spent a few hours in donut shops - before Starbucks it was the only reliable place to get a decent cup of coffee between the hours of 10 a.m. - 5 a.m. No offense taken though. 8)

good..sorry to lay that old joke on you..my point though is that the police probably feel "don't I have enough to do already?"

[d]

not to get off the topic of cops 'n donuts, but several months ago i was following a "driver" (aimer) who was simultaneousy 1) on the cell, 2)putting on makeup and 3) reading.

[savedapile]

NY has a no talking on handset law, you must use a headset.

That being said, it is not unusual to see people driving around yacking away with juggling cigarettes, coffee and hand held phones.
It truly is hazardous to everyone's health.

[Alex]

As long as the person is using a headset or a speakerphone. I don't see what the problem is. Human beings are capable of talking and driving, just ask any woman.

[Payin-the-Toll]

Maybe the biggest problem on the highways is all us old retirees who won't stay home instead of clogging up the highways when working people are trying to get back-and-forth to their jobs!

[Danny]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Payin-the-Toll Maybe the biggest problem on the highways is all us old retirees who won't stay home instead of clogging up the highways when working people are trying to get back-and-forth to their jobs!

Around my neighborhood the retired venture out after nine and try to be home by 4

[ERD50]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex As long as the person is using a headset or a speakerphone. I don't see what the problem is. Human beings are capable of talking and driving, just ask any woman.

Actually, there are some studies that say it is very dangerous, even with a headset or speakerphone. It has something to do with how a phone converstaion mentally takes you out of your current 'space' and you tend to envision yourself standing and talking with the other person.

Just watch someone in your house talking on the phone as they walk around, or someone on the steet. They sometimes seem like they are in another world, oblivious to their surroundings. I can sense it myself.

When you talk to someone in the car - it is supposedly not as distracting, as they are there with you, in that 'space'.

-ERD50

[Caroline]

What ERD50 said. Tests suggest that those who talk and drive have the same reaction times as those who are legally over the limit. Scary.

Quote:

not to get off the topic of cops 'n donuts, but several months ago i was following a "driver" (aimer) who was simultaneousy 1) on the cell, 2)putting on makeup and 3) reading.

My brother's a cop. I rode with him once -- he stopped at four fast-food places in a matter of a few hours (one meal, three drinks), and every one of the drive-through window staff knew him BY NAME.

I also read an article a while back about a young salesman in Florida who hit a tree by the side of the freeway at about 80 mph. Dead, of course. They were pulling his body out and found an open sales manual between his chest and the steering wheel.

Best I ever saw, though, was the biker freak doing about 65 down I80, leaning back on his sissy bar and steering... with his feet.

[bosco]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERD50 Actually, there are some studies that say it is very dangerous, even with a headset or speakerphone. It has something to do with how a phone converstaion mentally takes you out of your current 'space' and you tend to envision yourself standing and talking with the other person. Just watch someone in your house talking on the phone as they walk around, or someone on the steet. They sometimes seem like they are in another world, oblivious to their surroundings. I can sense it myself. When you talk to someone in the car - it is supposedly not as distracting, as they are there with you, in that 'space'. -ERD50

There is definitely research that bears this out. People on cellphones often are not engaged in light conversation. They are conducting business, or planning events etc. Some research shows you might as well be drunk.

As a motorcycle rider, I have noticed what I call the "cellphone weave." At 1 in the afternoon, a car that wanders from the centerline to the fog line and back a couple of times--is nearly always driven by someone on a cellphone. There are cases where soccer moms on cellphones have rear-ended people at full speed, being so busy talking they didn't notice the red light and stopped cars. I was rear-ended by such a person myself at 50 mph while cued up for a light. Of course, they claimed brake failure, but there was no evidence of it.

I feel we are in the dark ages about this problem. In 20 or 30 years, we will marvel at the days when people weren't cited for talking on cellphones--like it is about drinking and driving now.

[bosco]

to clarify my last post, I was NOT on a motorcycle when rearended at 50mph. I was in a pickup, thank goodness. Did $8500 damage.

When on a motorcycle, I always keep my eyes peeled in the rear view mirror when stopped and have an escape route planned in case one of these yahoos comes at me....

[TromboneAl]

It will be illegal to talk on the phone in California starting in July.

While I agree with this law, I have to admit that there are many activities in the car that are just as distracting. I've had to make rules for myself such as no changing a CD while driving, no reaching for stuff in the back seat, etc.

Also, I am convinced that talking on cell phone is very distracting, even with a hands free set, but I wonder why that is any more distracting that talking with the person in the passenger seat?

[Danny]

I notice a lot of SUVs and vans with DVD players hung from the ceiling - is the driver able to watch also if he leans back enough ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by TromboneAl Also, I am convinced that talking on cell phone is very distracting, even with a hands free set, but I wonder why that is any more distracting that talking with the person in the passenger seat?

They have done studies on this very topic. When Someone is riding with you and something happens on the road that needs your full attention (accident, near miss etc) , the passenger will also notice and stop talking/distracting you!

The person on the cell phone will continue to talk/distract you - maybe even demand your attention, if you stop talking to react to the situation. Hello! Hello! Are you still there?

I had a hands free phone about 12 years ago - I got rid of it! - It was the most distracting thing I've ever had in a car!