fandomsecrets | [ SECRET POST #2783 ]

[ SECRET POST #2783 ]

⌈ Secret Post #2783 ⌋

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I ended up reporting the driver, and got a reply saying they would be looking into it immediately. I hope I didn't cost anyone their job, but thinking about it, they'll probably just be warned about it anyway, and hopefully the person will learn a lesson, though I know it's quite possible the driver'll just walk away moaning about how unfair their life is. I really am sick of people not seeing how dangerous it is. And in this particular instance, it was in a parking lot, which kind of makes it worse. Is it that hard to just not drive until you're done texting? Or acquire a bluetooth headset?

Bluetooth headset, while better than texting, isn't any more safe than regular cellphone use in the car. IMO they shouldn't use the phone in any way while driving.

But good for you for reporting the driver.

I'm not sure, I think if both your hands are free for the wheel, it's hard to police past that. I mean, what's the difference between using a headset and talking to another passenger in your car? Unless the headset covers your ears and blocks out traffic sounds, I guess.

what's the difference between using a headset and talking to another passenger in your car?

It's been said your mind is still taken away just as much on a hands-free device, resulting in a delay in reaction time. As far as the passenger in your car goes, they are physically there and can function as an extra set of eyes for the road.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/Driving+Safety/Distracted+Driving+at+Distraction.gov/Policy+Statement+and+Compiled+FAQs+on+Distracted+Driving

Unless you're a bunch of teens, supposedly.

they are physically there and can function as an extra set of eyes for the road.

...what? Is this protocol, or something? Since when have passengers been expected to be co-drivers?

I didn't think that was all that unusual. I often keep an eye on the road when my boyfriend is driving. (This is often because we're going somewhere new and I'm navigating.) Sometimes when he's on the highway, he'll even ask me to look behind us to see if he has room to change lanes, rather than taking his eyes off the road ahead himself.

If you're navigating, that's its own category to me, of course you need to pay attention.

I'm confused about the other part. How is someone supposed to be able to drive on their own safely if they rely on a passenger to check their blind spot or otherwise function as a visual aid in driving?

I'm really confused about this mindset. It's not considered dangerous to have a conversation with someone in the passenger seat (is it)? If your hands are free and you're not fiddling with your phone or looking at any extra things how is it more dangerous? You're doing the same thing: using your ears, voice, and brain to process a conversation while driving. Do most people process it in a very different way, or something? I don't think I do.

Driving distractions break down into three categories: visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. Texting while driving is incredibly dangerous, because it hits all three types of distraction, but even activities that only involve one or two of the types can still increase your risk of an accident. Talking on the phone while using a hands-free device still involves cognitive distraction, which can cause you to miss details and impair your reaction time. Point #6 of this NHTSA FAQ discusses hands-free cell phone use while driving.

/PSA

none of that explains how talking on a phone with a hands-free device is different than talking to a passenger.

I think part of it is that a person who is in the car with you can react based on the current situation (e.g., pausing the conversation for a moment when you're trying to merge on a busy highway) as opposed to a person who doesn't have that added knowledge about your surroundings.

This is true. There have been plenty of times when I've said something like, "Okay, let's pause this conversation for a bit, because that tricky left-hand exit ramp is coming up."

I say this to people on the phone too though. "just a minute, need to concentrate" or whatever

Actually, according to the public health literature I search for students with questions in this area (I'm an academic medical librarian) , having a conversation with a passenger can also serve as a distraction to the driver. Obviously, nobody is going to recommend that people travel alone or in total silence, but you should plan to have serious heart-to-hearts when you're not in the car.

but you should plan to have serious heart-to-hearts when you're not in the car.

This is true. I once had a conversation like that with someone while on the freeway, complete with crying, and it was the most dangerous way I've ever driven and I won't do so again.

But for ordinary conversations it raises a double standard. Why do people want to make it illegal to talk on the phone with a hands-free device but not to talk to passengers? Similarly, what about listening to music?

You did the right thing. When you're in control of a hurdling metal box filled with flammable gas, you really need to have your attention on the damn road. I hate people who text and drive.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ SECRET POST #2783 ]

Update re: texting & driving post yesterday

Re: Update re: texting & driving post yesterday

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Re: Update re: texting & driving post yesterday

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Re: Update re: texting & driving post yesterday

Re: Update re: texting & driving post yesterday

Re: Update re: texting & driving post yesterday

Re: Update re: texting & driving post yesterday

Re: Update re: texting & driving post yesterday

Re: Update re: texting & driving post yesterday

Re: Update re: texting & driving post yesterday

Re: Update re: texting & driving post yesterday

Re: Update re: texting & driving post yesterday