Using a cell phone while driving

[flamesfever]

An article in the Herald this morning shows the dangers of using a cell phone while driving. The article reads: “A man killed in an early morning collision Friday was talking on his cell phone before he lost control of his car, according to a witness – reigniting the debate over whether the use of phones while driving should be banned.”

As for my experience, I was driving west on the Highway 1 a few weeks ago and in a short distance witnessed one driver using a cell phone, traveling 20 km under the speed limit in the fast lane, and refusing to move to the right. A short distance later I saw a person with a cell phone weaving back and forth across the shoulder line, as if he was inebriated.

I think the province should permanently ban the use of cell phones while driving, and start heavily fining drivers who continue putting themselves and others at risk while using them.

I was wondering what the present liability is should one get in an accident while using a cell phone.

[Claeren]

^ It ****es me off though that people who are (1) morons and (2) insist on having long conversations are ruining it for everyone.

I can receive a call, speak for a moment, and then finish the call and do so just as safely as changing the radio station or taking a sip of my water bottle. Are we to ban those actions as well?

Why do morons always have to ruin everything for the rest of us?!


Claeren.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Claeren

^ It ****es me off though that people who are (1) morons and (2) insist on having long conversations are ruining it for everyone.

Agreed. I never realized how bad it was until this week. This last week I've started walking from downtown to 39th ave to get some extra exercise. I see all kinds of people just having a regular conversation; not paying attention, etc.

Maybe they need to make the law something like no conversation longer than 30 seconds, and if it's longer you can get charged. Defense in court would be to bring in your detailed cell phone bill.

[Barnes]

Is it the fact that people have the phone to their ear or are dialing on such a small phone or it the fact they are having a conversation? Do headsets make a difference? Do Hands free setups make a difference? Does having a conversation to the person in the passanger seat make a difference? Does flipping songs on an iPod or changing a cd make a difference? I think they do. How far do we take this though. People get distracted while driving. Its up to people to not get distracted. If something does happen, fine them for dangerous driving. Im not sure a ban on cell phones would change anything.

[greerb]

^ YOu are entirly right. Was there not a study done on the use of hands free set ups in the US and they came to the conlusion that they are as dangerous as using a plain cel phone in the vehicle.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...606300453/1009

[RedMan12]

Man living in Vancouver you see these goofs everywhere. As soon as I see someone vering into another lane, not looking when ther turn, cutting you off or driving too slow 9 times out 10 they are on a cell phone.

I occasionally use my cellphone when I drive but the conversations are usually short. Just blabbing on the phone whoever in the car is dangerous. At least get a head set or something.

I want to make a bumbersticker thats says "put the fing cellphone down and drive."

[FireFly]

You'd be amazed at some of the things I hear from people who call me while on their cell... One guy actually said "Whoa, ****!" and when I asked what was wrong he told me he had hit a bird.

[JimmytheT]

A few months ago, I was driving down to Calgary, and just after I passed Red Deer there was this white car in front of me, swerving all over the road.

At first I thought a drunk driver; when I found it safer to pass, I looked and saw some stupid bitch who was text messaging and when I got in front of her, she started swerving again.

Dumb ****

[greerb]

Originally Posted by FireFly

You'd be amazed at some of the things I hear from people who call me while on their cell... One guy actually said "Whoa, ****!" and when I asked what was wrong he told me he had hit a bird.

If he rear ended another car then yea I would be concerned. But a bird? I have been working in the field surverying for the last 2 years and we have hit many birds just driving to and from the field.

[Coelah]

You see it all the time. Just yesterday some guy talking on his cell ran a red light on a turn and nearly hit the car next to me. He then proceeded to swerve through both lanes until I jammed my horn down behind him. I looked at the lady driving next to me and she was just shaking her head.

It's a simple solution, if you're going to talk on the phone..pullover. If you're driving while talking you should be fined.

I don't want to die because someone needs to know who their friend hooked up with last night.

[redforever]

Originally Posted by greerb

^ YOu are entirly right. Was there not a study done on the use of hands free set ups in the US and they came to the conlusion that they are as dangerous as using a plain cel phone in the vehicle.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...606300453/1009

Yes they are. The problem is, no matter what type of device the cell phone is, it detracts you from what you are doing, DRIVING!!!!! Your mind has to be on the road, not a conversation.

It is not only cell phones, although they are certainly in the largest numbers. We were driving once, on # 1 highway, close to the Cochrane exit to Bragg Creek. The person ahead of us was swerving all over the road too. When we got in the other lane and passed them, they had a book balanced on the steering wheel and were reading while driving!!!

[Fire]

Originally Posted by JimmytheT

A few months ago, I was driving down to Calgary, and just after I passed Red Deer there was this white car in front of me, swerving all over the road.

At first I thought a drunk driver; when I found it safer to pass, I looked and saw some stupid bitch who was text messaging and when I got in front of her, she started swerving again.

Dumb ****

I had a similar experience. In a lot of cases talking on a cell phone while driving is as bad as drinking and driving. Don't people have voice mail?

[Regorium]

I call bull**** if none of you have ever just answered your phone, spoke for 10 seconds or even a minute, then hung up.

Are you guys completely silent when driving with your friends? Cuz that's a conversation too.

It's unfortunate what happened here...but let's not get too drastic. Even without a cell phone, just plain human error can cause a person to clip the edge of the median and just lose control of their car.

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by Regorium

I call bull**** if none of you have ever just answered your phone, spoke for 10 seconds or even a minute, then hung up.

Are you guys completely silent when driving with your friends? Cuz that's a conversation too.

It's unfortunate what happened here...but let's not get too drastic. Even without a cell phone, just plain human error can cause a person to clip the edge of the median and just lose control of their car.

Now imagine that person using a cell phone. Half the people out there don't know the rules of the road or don't have the skill to use them, now give them a cell phone? Try riding a motorcycle or bicycle around such drivers and you won't be nearly as forgiving. Cell phones should be banned while driving.

[JimmytheT]

Originally Posted by Regorium

I call bull**** if none of you have ever just answered your phone, spoke for 10 seconds or even a minute, then hung up.

Are you guys completely silent when driving with your friends? Cuz that's a conversation too.

It's unfortunate what happened here...but let's not get too drastic. Even without a cell phone, just plain human error can cause a person to clip the edge of the median and just lose control of their car.

Text messaging while you are driving is stupid and indefensible.

[Winsor_Pilates]

I wouldn't mind if they banned it, but I don't see it as a really large problem.
I think people tend to give extra focus on bad drivers with cell phones and not notice the many people who talk on their phones while driving perfectly fine. Plus, there's a lot of people without phones who are terrible drivers too. It's just easier to identify the ones on phones.

[Regorium]

Originally Posted by JimmytheT

Text messaging while you are driving is stupid and indefensible.

Why did you quote me when you said this? I am defending the 10 second calls "I'm on my way now honey, see you soon! bye!" not text messaging.

[Regorium]

Originally Posted by Vulcan

Now imagine that person using a cell phone. Half the people out there don't know the rules of the road or don't have the skill to use them, now give them a cell phone? Try riding a motorcycle or bicycle around such drivers and you won't be nearly as forgiving. Cell phones should be banned while driving.

Are you telling me the terrible drivers out there won't be terrible without a cell phone? Are you telling me good drivers automatically become terrible drivers with a cell phone?

Geez...way to blame everything on one thing that may or may not cause car accidents.

Remember, video games breed killers.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Regorium

I call bull**** if none of you have ever just answered your phone, spoke for 10 seconds or even a minute, then hung up.

Are you guys completely silent when driving with your friends? Cuz that's a conversation too.

Did you even read the rest of the thread? Where things like this were said?

I can receive a call, speak for a moment, and then finish the call .....

or

Maybe they need to make the law something like no conversation longer than 30 seconds, and if it's longer you can get charged.

We aren't talking about the quick call; in fact that isn't really as bad. I'm talking about people having entire conversations. Rather that listen to the radio they use the time to catch up on gosip.

And there is huge difference between talking with people in the car with you, and on the phone. Take note the next time you are driving with friends. If something happens around you; the passengers will stop talking because they know you need your attention. Or they will sometimes point out something to you as you are talking.

Another good example of this is at work. Often when I'm on the phone I won't notice somebody come into my cubicle- many times I don't have enough time to minimize CP. But if I am sitting there talking to somebody in my office I can't recall the last time somebody was able to sneak up on both of us.

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by Regorium

Are you telling me the terrible drivers out there won't be terrible without a cell phone? Are you telling me good drivers automatically become terrible drivers with a cell phone?

Geez...way to blame everything on one thing that may or may not cause car accidents.

Remember, video games breed killers.

Terrible drivers are even worse when using a cell phone.

Yes, good drivers automatically become terrible drivers with a cell phone. I've seen it many times.

Since when did I blame everything on one thing. Maybe you should try reading in stead of jumping to conclusions but I think studies have found that they do cause accidents.

I don't have anything against a short call but if it takes longer pull over. My number one job is paying attention to the road and anything that takes me away from that should be stopped.