Alberta passes distracted driving law

[Pinner]

Originally Posted by pylon

I can assure you that a very, very large portion of those reduced deaths are related to the 5 fold improved saftey and crash survivability of modern automobiles.

That and seatbelt usage...

I think some people would be absolutely shocked if they knew how common impaired driving was 30yr's ago.

[Mad Mel]

Originally Posted by pylon

Although I agree 100% with the proposed distraction law, and am 100% against impaired driving, I can assure you that a very, very large portion of those reduced deaths are related to the 5 fold improved saftey and crash survivability of modern automobiles.

True enough, that would definitely be a big factor.

Considering that, the more relevant numbers from the same report are that in 1982, 60% (2501/4169) of fatalities involved alcohol. In 2007 it was 38.1% (1054/2767).

[Crazy Bacon Legs]

Thanks a lot. I was trying to read this thread and I crashed my car.

[Pizza]

"Comprehensive" Distracted driving laws comes into effect Sept 1st

http://www.globallethbridge.com/worl...068/story.html

[3 Justin 3]

I saw a a guy eating soup yesterday when I was on my bike. I saw a lady eating a salad with both hands a couple weeks ago too.

What the hell people?!?

Like the article says, "If all of a sudden you open a chocolate bar and take a small bite of a chocolate bar, we don't want an officer giving you a ticket for that. But if you have a quarter pounder in front of your face and you're using both hands and driving with your knee, you deserve to get a ticket."

I have eating a taco before but I only use the one hand to do it. What the hell comes into someones mind to think it is OK to eat soup while driving? Morons.

[Shasta Beast]

"If all of a sudden you open a chocolate bar and take a small bite of a chocolate bar, we don't want an officer giving you a ticket for that. But if you have a quarter pounder in front of your face and you're using both hands and driving with your knee, you deserve to get a ticket."

What if I'm just using one hand to eat it? I don't like that example.

[Slava]

After I get my first ticket under this, I'll promise to post and let you know the circumstances

[4X4]

It ticks me off that there are no demerits that come with this ticket. And only $172? It should be more like the cigarette butt out the window fine. A grand.
Hopefully the cops at least use it to smack some bozos into shape. The epidemic of a-holes that think absolutely nothing of holding up traffic so that they can finish a text is mind blowing.

[Shazam]

Great, now how am I going to web surf while I drive?

[SeoulFire]

I am sure that enforcement on this will be somewhat random like every other traffic law and really won't reduce people from putting themselves and everybody around them in danger.

[GirlySports]

What if I see something and need to report it by calling the authorities?

Or what if I see a traffic jam and want to report it to the radio?

[Boblobla]

Originally Posted by Shazam

Great, now how am I going to web surf while I drive?

I guess I will have to limit my pr0n to traffic lights. I wonder if I will be able to fire on off in that limited time. That is a lot of pressure, I don't perform well under pressure.

[Boblobla]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

What if I see something and need to report it by calling the authorities?

Or what if I see a traffic jam and want to report it to the radio?

Smoke signals.

[Jimmy Stang]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

What if I see something and need to report it by calling the authorities?

Or what if I see a traffic jam and want to report it to the radio?

I would like to think that reporting a crime in progress would be given an exemption, although I'm not sure if it is specifically written into the law.

For anything else, a bluetooth headset really is handy. Just don't wear it anywhere except in your car because you'll look ridiculous.

[Burninator]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

What if I see something and need to report it by calling the authorities?

Or what if I see a traffic jam and want to report it to the radio?

Hands free devices or voice activated phones.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by 4X4

It ticks me off that there are no demerits that come with this ticket. And only $172? It should be more like the cigarette butt out the window fine. A grand.
Hopefully the cops at least use it to smack some bozos into shape. The epidemic of a-holes that think absolutely nothing of holding up traffic so that they can finish a text is mind blowing.

I should note that I'm not texting or surfing the net while I drive. Talking on the phone and eating though, that's another matter. I've tried hard to use the bluetooth....I know it's smarter and better for a few reasons, but I just haven't gone that way entirely yet. I suppose Sept 1 might force my hands though.

[4X4]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

What if I see something and need to report it by calling the authorities?

Or what if I see a traffic jam and want to report it to the radio?

I think that the competent cellphone drivers will still get away with making a quick call, because they'll continue looking arounde and driving like a normal person. The idiot strugglers that can't walk and chew gum are the ones that will get tickets.
Seriously, some people just should not do both things at the same time. My dad is one of those people. The second his phone rings, his car decelerates 20kph and he starts missing turns and knee jerk lane changing, etc.
This is where we all benefit. People like my dad don't notice a cop in the rearview when driving like that, and those people will get (hopefully) fined into oblivion, until they learn to pull over or just not answer the phone.

As for the rest of the competent people, well, this is your warning to stay extra sharp.

[Jimmy Stang]

Originally Posted by Slava

I should note that I'm not texting or surfing the net while I drive. Talking on the phone and eating though, that's another matter. I've tried hard to use the bluetooth....I know it's smarter and better for a few reasons, but I just haven't gone that way entirely yet. I suppose Sept 1 might force my hands though.

I actually have two little headsets. You can find them for under $50 now, and I keep one in each car. Previously I would try and remember to switch it over and inevitably would forget it in the other car, so I just bought another.

Although I know that this won't work for everyone, I'm also a big fan of voice mail. If I don't recognize the number, or simply can't be bothered to talk, I just let it ring through and then listen to the message on speakerphone. Most of the time it isn't urgent. This isn't so much a safety thing for me, but I enjoy driving and listening to my music, and simply don't like being on the phone a lot.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

What if I see something and need to report it by calling the authorities?

Or what if I see a traffic jam and want to report it to the radio?

Calling emergency services is specifically exempted.

[Boblobla]