Cell phones VS Driving (small rant & a plea)

[winger7mm]

Well once again for the 7th time in less then a month I witnessed a rear end. 6 of them were on 50km an hour roads, during busy traffic, light turns green and the traffic line takes a few seconds to get moving the guy/girl coming up sees the green but is to busy texting and slam in to the guy that is stopped or slow moving, usually only the two vehicles are involved. But today on the way home driving down university drive in lethbridge which is 60km same situation busy traffic green light blah blah blah, the kid is doing 60km im right beside him, he is texting we are coming up to the traffic line..... I slow down he is to busy looking at his phone "bam smash" now there are 5 vehicles piled into each other all because this kid was to busy sending a text to some friend. I have witnessed to many crashes, almost been side swiped while working more then 6 times and seen some real bad driving, going through yards blowing lights ect. Now im not saying I agree with texting but there is a place and time, such as driving down the highway. not during high city traffic. I have stopped using my phone while driving for more then a year it was hard at first but now i like that I dont use it haha. So as a fellow outdoorsman I would ask that you do not use your phone while driving and if you have kids that drive, stress to them the importance of it. Everyone wants to see others come home safe and not have there vehicle that they spent hard earned money on destroyed due to some thing as silly as a text message. I know its not a law yet, but come on guys its common sense to pay more attention while driving.... also I work as a lane line painter so Im in traffic for 8 hours a day during the busy and slow times so i get to see more then enough bad driving. So for myself and others we all wanna come home safe so please pay attention. If you are one of the few that is not addicted to your phone enough to where you dont use while driving, be proud and always watch your rear view!!

[Ken07AOVette]

Tough day Winger.

I agree completely!

[winger7mm]

Originally Posted by Ken07AOVette

Tough day Winger.

I agree completely!

The worst part about it all today was it was just people coming home from the daily grind at work, they want to go home to see there wives, husbands, and kids. four vehicles Im sure were write-offs which sucks because they were all nice new vehicles, except the guy that actually caused the wreck at 60km he was driving an early 90's 4 door rusty bucket, could not have been worth more then 1900 bucks. He is gonna hate how much insurance will go up till he gets to 25

[eastcoast]

well I don't use my phone that much while driving anyways, and when I do I have a bluetooth, and if anybody texts me I will usually read it and see if it's important and call the person on my bluetooth.

[hal53]

I tried replying to a text from one of my kids EXACTLY once. I was driving back to the rig, on a lease road with zero traffic, thank goodness!!!....don't even read them now until I'm pulled over and stopped....ridiculous!!!! You CANNOT be aware of the road while using them. I as well use Bluetooth (?) for my phone, wish I had it years ago....

[Almer Fudd]

Unfortunately people consider the travel/commute time as time to catch up on calls and conduct business, eat luch, drink whatever.

They should be driving...
Most of these folks couldn't drive any better than Mr. Magoo, the blind cartoon character...

[Sneeze]

It's funny that I was stuck in the traffic that created. The problem is not the phone, it's the stupidity. Car crashes existed before the cell phone.

[mulecrazy]

Originally Posted by eastcoast

well I don't use my phone that much while driving anyways, and when I do I have a bluetooth, and if anybody texts me I will usually read it and see if it's important and call the person on my bluetooth.

Bluetooth and other hands free devices give a false sense of security. It is not the hands being busy that causes these accidents. It is the way our brain functions. Brain studies have shown that a normal person to person conversation uses far less active brain then a phone conversation. Thus, hands free calling is just as dangerous as hands on calling. There is a reason they are banning all types of phone calls while driving.

I believe Chicago is checking out making texting and walking illegal as well. Apparently the number of pedestrians getting hit while texting is through the roof there.

[mulecrazy]

Originally Posted by Sneeze

It's funny that I was stuck in the traffic that created. The problem is not the phone, it's the stupidity. Car crashes existed before the cell phone.

So are you denying that a cell phone can cause an accident?


wowzers, what colour is the sky in your world.

[hal53]

Originally Posted by mulecrazy

Bluetooth and other hands free devices give a false sense of security. It is not the hands being busy that causes these accidents. It is the way our brain functions. Brain studies have shown that a normal person to person conversation uses far less active brain then a phone conversation. Thus, hands free calling is just as dangerous as hands on calling. There is a reason they are banning all types of phone calls while driving.

I believe Chicago is checking out making texting and walking illegal as well. Apparently the number of pedestrians getting hit while texting is through the roof there.

well I guess I better check with my MP about where I can order my protective bubble before I head out the door to go anywhere....SHEESH!!!!! Is anybody besides me thinking "helicopter" parents kids being thrown out to the world, without a clue????

[mulecrazy]

Here is an article that describes why hands free calling is very dangerous.

http://www.fnal.gov/pub/traffic_safe...ing%203-10.pdf

[Sneeze]

Originally Posted by mulecrazy

So are you denying that a cell phone can cause an accident?


wowzers, what colour is the sky in your world.

In my world cell phones do not drive cars.

So to answer your question the sky here is blue. What color is it there?

[mulecrazy]

Originally Posted by hal53

well I guess I better check with my MP about where I can order my protective bubble before I head out the door to go anywhere....SHEESH!!!!! Is anybody besides me thinking "helicopter" parents kids being thrown out to the world, without a clue????

Not sure I get the helicopter comment. please explain.


I do however understand where you are getting at with no one having a clue anymore. The constant stimulation of video games, cell phones, tv is creating a false reality IMO. Youth cannot function without these things it would seem. How many 17 year old girls walking in the mall do not have a cell phone in hand anymore? I have seen groups of girls over 4 in number walking shoulder to shoulder and all texting. WT? how poor is your communication skills when you cannot interact with the friend right beside you?????

[hal53]

Originally Posted by mulecrazy

Not sure I get the helicopter comment. please explain.


I do however understand where you are getting at with no one having a clue anymore. The constant stimulation of video games, cell phones, tv is creating a false reality IMO. Youth cannot function without these things it would seem. How many 17 year old girls walking in the mall do not have a cell phone in hand anymore? I have seen groups of girls over 4 in number walking shoulder to shoulder and all texting. WT? how poor is your communication skills when you cannot interact with the friend right beside you?????

so you don't get the helicopter comment about parents hovering over their children for everything???...then go on to say you do understand????...they are beyond clueless.....

[mulecrazy]

Originally Posted by Sneeze

In my world cell phones do not drive cars.

So to answer your question the sky here is blue. What color is it there?

ROFLMAO. head in the sand is a great place to be.

you fail to comprehend the issue at hand. If you take away the cell phone in the OP's original post then the driver is then paying attention and no accident occurs. Yes, stupidity is a factor, but so is cell phones. Unless something is deemed illegal, people will think it is just fine to do.

A beer has never caused a crash, but drunk drivers have.

[mulecrazy]

Originally Posted by hal53

so you don't get the helicopter comment about parents hovering over their children for everything???...then go on to say you do understand????...they are beyond clueless.....

holy hanna, I figured I understood what your entire post was leaning towards, but was not sure what exactly the helecopter was about. there, understand?

Have you never understood what a person was getting at without understanding every word?

[hal53]

Originally Posted by mulecrazy

holy hanna, I figured I understood what your entire post was leaning towards, but was not sure what exactly the helecopter was about. there, understand?

Have you never uderstood what a person was getting at without understanding every word?

I meant this generation coming up now will be known as "the generation of no consequences" no failing at school, no winners at sports, discipline not allowed, entitlement to everything,and when, not if, they screw up, it;s not their fault, don't quite know how this happened in 1 or2 generations....but our kids are raising some really useless Dorks......still applies at my house when we were looking after the Grand Kids for a weekend, their Mom came to pick them up and the oldest said "Grampa spanked me!"...she gave me a look and said " he's not used to that"....I said" I could tell....that's why he got it".....

[mulecrazy]

Originally Posted by hal53

I meant this generation coming up now will be known as "the generation of no consequences" no failing at school, no winners at sports, discipline not allowed, entitlement to everything,and when, not if, they screw up, it;s not their fault, don't quite know how this happened in 1 or2 generations....but our kids are raising some really useless Dorks......still applies at my house when we were looking after the Grand Kids for a weekend, their Mom came to pick them up and the oldest said "Grampa spanked me!"...she gave me a look and said " he's not used to that"....I said" I could tell....that's why he got it".....

LOL. thats awesome.

[parfleche]

Where I work , you text or even answer the phone while the vehicle is in motion YOU ARE FIRED! plain , simple, easy to understand ! No if,s and or buts. And yes they can tell where you are every inch of the way! Over the years I have seen enough poor joe,s gurgling thier last at 2;am leaking from a dozen different holes to give me nightmares. Stupid, dumb, retarded, anytime ALL the time! Cant wait to see some idiots get their driving certificates!
Texting , phoning while driving a 4000lbs plus vehicle at speed is NO DIFFERENT than pointing a gun at anyone! Don,t even get me going on computers while driving! Oilfield trash or otherwise! NOW I feel better, night night!

[Sneeze]

Originally Posted by mulecrazy

ROFLMAO. If you take away the cell phone in the OP's original post then the driver is then paying attention and no accident occurs.

have.

Replace cell phone with gun and crash with hunting.
Be careful choosing what freedoms you throw away.
It's a slippery slope.
I choose to blame the individual.

Atlas, I pity you.

[Big Bull]

Originally Posted by winger7mm

I know its not a law yet, but come on guys its common sense to pay more attention while driving....

As of Sept. 1 it will be.
http://www.transportation.alberta.ca...teddriving.htm

[Stonecutter]

Originally Posted by Big Bull

As of Sept. 1 it will be.

And I look forward to that day. I hope it's the day when people start looking to see if anyone's coming before turning out into traffic, and I hope it's the day that people start signalling their intent again.
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But I've been told I have high hopes...

[mulecrazy]

Originally Posted by Sneeze

Replace cell phone with gun and crash with hunting.
Be careful choosing what freedoms you throw away.
It's a slippery slope.
I choose to blame the individual.

Atlas, I pity you.

I pity your sense of reality. I have zero problems taking away an unnecessary risk to everyone. I bet some drunk drivers used your logic when they banned that as well. Same would go for hard drug users too, and chronic speeders. But we all know those things put yourself and the general public at risk and as such should be illegal. Is see cell phones in the same light. I refuse to be in denial on the issue.

[Peterupnorth]

I really doubt the law (Sept 1st) is going to make a hoot of difference!
Sort of like the "no call" list.

[HunterDave]

How in the hell can someone think that they are paying attention to what's happening in front of their vehicle when they are typing or reading text messages..............let alone beside or behind it???? IDIOTS!!!!

[nanuk-O-dah-Nort]

Originally Posted by mulecrazy

Bluetooth and other hands free devices give a false sense of security. It is not the hands being busy that causes these accidents. It is the way our brain functions. Brain studies have shown that a normal person to person conversation uses far less active brain then a phone conversation. Thus, hands free calling is just as dangerous as hands on calling. There is a reason they are banning all types of phone calls while driving.

I believe Chicago is checking out making texting and walking illegal as well. Apparently the number of pedestrians getting hit while texting is through the roof there.

Mulecrazy: +100

[nanuk-O-dah-Nort]

there are several issues at play:

1) texting takes your EYES off the road
2) texting takes your MIND off your driving, or anything else for that matter
3) talking on a telephone of any type demands a focus of concentration that narrows to the point of not noticing things happening around you
4) HANDS FREE phones do not make a difference (See #3 above)

I hate more laws! The problem here is (in SK, hand held devices of any kind are illegal while driving, that includes GPS unit/stereo unit remote controls) people think their actions do not affect others. THEY DO!

Seatbelt laws, helmet laws and such are for the persons own protection.

HandHeld device laws are for the protection of others

There are simple tests you can perform to prove it to people who think they can safely text/talk and drive.

it can be learned to do both, as I have a job where I need to be able to hold two conversations, or talk about one thing, and read about another. It took me a year to be competent at it. My boss was still amazed as he had 10 years more experience than me and still could not.
My skill level has declined a bit, so I try to not have to do that anymore.

If you don't believe how texting affects you, and you are simply adament that you are immune to its effects, do this..... Go to a mall and watch how people cannot walk as they are texting. I"ve seen folks trip over a baby stroller (How can you miss those HUGE things) in a mall cause they were looking down TOWARDS the stroller, but had their phone in the way, texting.


I would suggest that perhaps only about 5% of the population is safe to talk and drive at the same time.
that number could easily be raised to 33% or higher with training.

[Bound2Fish]

Originally Posted by parfleche

Where I work , you text or even answer the phone while the vehicle is in motion YOU ARE FIRED! plain , simple, easy to understand ! No if,s and or buts. And yes they can tell where you are every inch of the way! Over the years I have seen enough poor joe,s gurgling thier last at 2;am leaking from a dozen different holes to give me nightmares. Stupid, dumb, retarded, anytime ALL the time! Cant wait to see some idiots get their driving certificates!
Texting , phoning while driving a 4000lbs plus vehicle at speed is NO DIFFERENT than pointing a gun at anyone! Don,t even get me going on computers while driving! Oilfield trash or otherwise! NOW I feel better, night night!

So are you calling all oilfield people trash?

[Redfrog]

The only thing that has changed over the years is the technology. Back in the day we were concerned about people who couldn't walk and chew gum at the same time.

[Killerb]

I had a guy run a stop sign and cut me off. He flipped me the finger when I honked my horn. do some people really think they own the roads. I got his plate and reported him. I hope he goes to court so I can see this jerk.