topic Re: Texting While Driving in Community Chat

Texting While Driving

chessylady — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 04:55:50 GMT

I just read that despite laws and fines, people are still driving while speaking on hand held phones and texting while driving. Do you think this is dangerous or not really a big deal. If you do it, why?

Re: Texting While Driving

151949 — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 05:02:23 GMT

Honestly, I don't see any difference between answering the phone and speaking to someone while your driving and having a conversation with the passengers who are in your car. However, texting is a whole different story altogether.

Re: Texting While Driving

pattypeep — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 05:03:29 GMT

No, I do not do it and, yes, I think it is very dangerous. In my area I see people talking and obviously texting all of the time while driving. What really unnerves me is when someone is pulling out into traffic talking on a hand held phone and only using one hand on the steering wheel. Absolutely ridiculous.

Re: Texting While Driving

september — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 05:04:32 GMT

I use hands free options for both phone calls and texting, when necessary. But even then...there might be only one time/week when I need to do this.

Re: Texting While Driving

WenGirl42 — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 05:12:46 GMT

There's no difference in the level of driver distraction between hand-held and hands-free. And it is different from having a conversation with a passenger, because the passenger is in and situationally aware of the same environment as the driver. That automatically modifies the conversation.

Re: Texting While Driving

Irshgrl31201 — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 05:17:38 GMT

Cars should start featuring a jamming capability that once the car is in drive, you cannot make or receive texts or calls. Many bars and restaurants in my area have this. They have something that jams calls and you cannot use your phone unless you walk outside.

I think this would be a great idea for car makers to do.

Re: Texting While Driving

sylviahomeatlast — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 05:18:36 GMT

It's illegal here

Re: Texting While Driving

Irshgrl31201 — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 05:18:37 GMT

On 11/6/2014 WenGirl42 said: There's no difference in the level of driver distraction between hand-held and hands-free. And it is different from having a conversation with a passenger, because the passenger is in and situationally aware of the same environment as the driver. That automatically modifies the conversation.

Yes, you are correct. I just read a big study they just completed that states the same exact thing.

Re: Texting While Driving

sylviahomeatlast — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 05:19:39 GMT

I have a bluetooth in my car, but it's still distracting to talk and drive

Re: Texting While Driving

Irshgrl31201 — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 05:22:31 GMT

On 11/6/2014 happy housewife said:
Honestly, I don't see any difference between answering the phone and speaking to someone while your driving and having a conversation with the passengers who are in your car. However, texting is a whole different story altogether.

THere is a difference according to several studies and this has led the NTSB to recommend all states ban ALL cell phone use, both hands free and hand held.

Re: Texting While Driving

chessylady — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 05:23:03 GMT

Irshgrl, Some newer cars are coming out with this. Only trouble is, it can be overridden by the owner. I'm not sure how people justify the fact that they are putting others in danger even if they don't care about themselves.

Re: Texting While Driving

Irshgrl31201 — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 05:36:54 GMT

On 11/6/2014 chessylady said: Irshgrl, Some newer cars are coming out with this. Only trouble is, it can be overridden by the owner. I'm not sure how people justify the fact that they are putting others in danger even if they don't care about themselves.

I really don't either. They should have a nice fine for any person or car mechanic (and place of business) that disables that.

Re: Texting While Driving

sidsmom — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 05:53:47 GMT

Playing upon another recent thread, apparently some posters think it's OK to run red lights & speed beyond the posted speed limit, so texting? Why not? That's Child's Play.

Re: Texting While Driving

raven-blackbird — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 05:56:33 GMT

On 11/6/2014 sylviahomeatlast said:
I have a bluetooth in my car, but it's still distracting to talk and drive

when someone is in the car with you........do you have a NO talking rule............................raven

Re: Texting While Driving

september — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 05:56:56 GMT

On 11/6/2014 WenGirl42 said: There's no difference in the level of driver distraction between hand-held and hands-free. And it is different from having a conversation with a passenger, because the passenger is in and situationally aware of the same environment as the driver. That automatically modifies the conversation.

I have to agree...that's why, when I use a hands free option to make a call or send a text, it's a rare occurrence, and I do it only when I'm not in heavy traffic.

Re: Texting While Driving

raven-blackbird — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 05:59:51 GMT

On 11/6/2014 september said:
On 11/6/2014 WenGirl42 said: There's no difference in the level of driver distraction between hand-held and hands-free. And it is different from having a conversation with a passenger, because the passenger is in and situationally aware of the same environment as the driver. That automatically modifies the conversation.

I have to agree...that's why, when I use a hands free option to make a call or send a text, it's a rare occurrence, and I do it only when I'm not in heavy traffic.

so not true.............I doubt kids are aware.........and also a lot of adults.........ever seen a car pool, they are doing work on lap tops, drinking their morning coffee........just because they are in the same car on the same road doesn't mean that's where a passengers attention is..........................................................raven

Re: Texting While Driving

Shorty2U — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 06:01:27 GMT

Yes its dangerous. At best they should be on a headset to talk or have it hooked through their radio (like in the newer cars). And no one should be texting while driving. That's even worse!

And no I don't do it and neither does my husband. I have a prepaid android in my purse (for emergencies only) I don't even use. lol. My husband doesn't even own a cell phone.

We don't ""get"" the appeal and never will. When we are out and about we don't need to talk on the phone or text. And I cant stand when people are on their phones everywhere blabbing. Its ridiculous IMO!

Lastly I prefer bigger. Those phones are too small to surf the net etc. I prefer my big laptop or my tablets!

End of rant! lol.

Re: Texting While Driving

september — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 06:07:52 GMT

I found that being a carpool driver was very distracting! I eavesdropped on all the kids' conversations. So yes, there are real life situations that are distracting, too. Maybe some of us handle it better than others? But for me, I like to have my full attention on the traffic conditions around me.

Re: Texting While Driving

Lynnj — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 06:27:01 GMT

I see people all of the time driving and talking on the phone, and I've seen texters too. We have laws and fines here for both, no one gets stopped for it...at least not what I've seen. Texters especially at stop lights and in heavy traffic where your practically just sitting there. Both dangerous. I would never ever text and drive. That's crazy. And....whenever it's someone up ahead not really going with the flow of traffic and causing problems EVERYTIME I get up there I see they are yapping on their phone. Same with people who don't go when the light turns green, they sitting there texting or reading on their phone. People need to put their phones down and pay the he// attention!! So irritating.

Re: Texting While Driving

Lucky Charm — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 06:33:52 GMT

People who text and drive are idiots. So if you text and drive, then I'm calling you an idiot.

I've called the texters worse to their face.

On a highway, you can tell who's texting behind the wheel, because they are going slower than the speed limit. When they're not texting their speeding. Idiots all of them.

I feel the same way about drunk drivers. Kill other drunk drivers, fine by me.