Boils my blood.

Rosie - posted on 02/19/2011

i feel people need to pay attention while driving. i actually used to feel the way you did, until i did a little studying on this, and realized that there are the same amount of accidents now as there were before cellphones. it's not phones, it's people being unable to concentrate on driving for WHATEVER reason.

Nikki - posted on 02/19/2011

I agree Ashley, just because it's not illegal doesn't mean it is responsible.

Ashley=) - posted on 02/19/2011

I keep seeing post stating who cares if the smoke its none of my business.My father on numerous occasions when i was a child were there would be 3-4 children and our mother in the car.He lost control when reaching for his cigarettes and lighting one up in the car.He was able to quickly gain control back but there were times he was lucky to have not crashed.As a child it was very frighting.That's why i can't stand people doing anything other than driving and being in full control.You hear many people who do these and then meet the people whos lives have been ruined by drivers who knocked them down or even killed someone doing anything other then having full control whilst driving.It has changed the mind set of the drivers once meeting or hearing about people being killed by drivers doing what they do and think its okay.
There are no excuses people, you do not do anything other than when that car is moving you are in full control doing NOTHING but driving.Driving at the recommend speeds and following the rules of the road.While being in your right mind, no drugs or alcohol.You have to be responsible and you have to take in that research proves by doing these things like talking or texting , taking your attention off the road for anything even as simple as changing the radio or getting a cigarette can result and does result in accidents.We hear and see that everyday.Your being foolish and irresponsible if you think its okay to do these things whilst driving.Imho.

Teresa - posted on 02/18/2011

I don't have hands free, so can't comment on that. I do know that the couple of times I've talked on the phone while driving.... I've definitely been more distracted. I don't have a good excuse for why I've done it. I just have, but definitely NOT often. Same for texting (hey, I'll admit it's happened before... like texting my friend for prayers as I was driving my daughter to the hospital). I definitely do not get anywhere nearly as distracted when talking to someone who is IN the van... or by all the racket from the kids (unless I've got a headache). I don't know why that is.. it just is.

As far as having 2 hands on the steering wheel at all times.... Nope. Only when I need it. I actually find it annoying (thereby a distraction) for me to have both hands on the steering wheel unless I need it to turn or something.

Sherri - posted on 02/18/2011

So is hands free negligent driving too?? If not I am curious why? Is talking to other people in your car neglignet?? If not I am curious as to why?

Charlie - posted on 02/18/2011

she wasn't quoting anyone she is saying it is the same attitude or similar argument people use for other forms of negligent driving ,

( correct me if I am wrong Sara )

Sherri - posted on 02/18/2011

No one ever said they drive better on the phone Sara.

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 02/18/2011

It almost sounds like the same argument someone who drinks and drives would use,
"I drive better when I'm a little drunk!"

Charlie - posted on 02/18/2011

Actually it impairs all of those things :

"Researchers tested how driving impairment was affected when drivers were talking on a handheld mobile phone or a hands-free phone, and when drivers had consumed enough alcohol to register above the legal blood-alcohol limit. The UK legal alcohol limit is 80mg/100ml, or .80.

Direct Line reported that the results showed drivers' reaction times were, on average, 30 percent slower when talking on a handheld mobile phone than when legally drunk - and nearly 50 percent slower than under normal driving conditions.

Also, the tests showed, drivers talking on phones were less able than drunk drivers to maintain a constant speed, and they had greater difficulty keeping a safe distance from the car in front. "

studies actually show it is MORE dangerous than drink driving .

Sherri - posted on 02/18/2011

Drinking impairs your judgment and reflexes. Talking on the phone does not. I don't talk on the phone often while driving but I do talk on it on occasion and no I do not pull over to do so and honestly I don't feel I am paying any less attention then if I wasn't because I do have conversations in the car and it is no different if it is in person or on a phone.

Charlie - posted on 02/18/2011

Would you all be fine with people drink driving if they had an "excuse" ?

Because that is all I am hearing here about talking on phones in cars which is AS dangerous as drink driving and yet a lot of people think it is ok in certain situations .

Sherri - posted on 02/18/2011

It is not illegal here and honestly I see no difference in using hands free, holding the phone or talking to someone in the car. You are still talking and I see no problem with it.



Now texting while driving totally another issue!!



As for smoking in the car. Who cares it has nothing to do with you and once again not illegal here although in this state little is.



No seat belt law, No helmet law, No cell phone law talking or texting except for truck drivers, No smoking in car law, and No car insurance law you are not required to have car insurance unless you have a loan on your car.

Daniela - posted on 02/18/2011

But as far as dangerous drivers go - I have several pet-hates and mobile phone use is not actually at the top of my list. Overtaking before a bend or at the brow of a hill, moving into the opposite lane in a bend (oh so common here), pulling out in front of me making me slam on my breaks, not indicating, kids in the car with pencils in their mouths - I could write a book on stuff that drives me mad on the road. That said - I've probably done most of it in a moment of madness once or twice myself...

Daniela - posted on 02/18/2011

There is no need to ever be on the phone and drive at the same time. You can always pull over if you need to answer it. Studies have shown that your concentration is seriously impaired when you talk on a mobile phone - even though but not as strongly when on a hands-free. It is not the same as talking to another person in the car. And as for most people driving with one hand only anyway - that's actually not safe either. I drive for a living and never talk on the phone while driving and hardly ever take one hand of the steering wheel.

Ashley=) - posted on 02/18/2011

Christina i have a friend who drives,she has the phone at her ear, held by her shoulder and then gets a cigarette out of the box and lights it, shes a multi tasker lol..its not safe.I dont care she smokes or anyone else lol.i care shes not in full control doing all that multitasking... and does not have full attention on the road when doing all of this.

Christina - posted on 02/18/2011

Actually, not all states have it illegal to talk on the cell and drive. You have to know your state laws. Where I live, it is only illegal to use a cell phone in a school zone.
As for smoking while driving, why do you care? It is none of your business if someone smokes.

Candi - posted on 02/18/2011

Makes you wonder how so many people survived before cell phones, huh?

Nikki - posted on 02/18/2011

I don't think there is any excuse to answer your phone while driving, not if it could possibly put the lives of others at risk. It's just not worth it. I don't care if your running late, pull over or ring them back. It's illegal here, but even if it wasn't it's common sense, my families lives are more important than any phone call.

Brittany - posted on 02/17/2011

It is in fact illegal in the State of Washington to drive while talking on the phone without a hands free divice (including speaker phone), it is also illegal to text while driving. There is exceptions for police (on duty in a marked car), fire and aid cars, and truck drivers using the compunication divice installed in the car. They actually have something in legislation about smoking and driving.

I find it a piece of mind actually. It was getting really bad before. Now you rarely see it, especially since the police really up hold the law in our area. They wont hesitate to pull you over for it.

Ashley=) - posted on 02/17/2011

Oh i have no problem with the speaker phone if you really need it, thats not illegal just the phone to ear is.120 people a day are caught with the phone to ear and fined and can get penalty points on there licence.

Ashley=) - posted on 02/17/2011

I believe if you need to answer your phone or you need to ring someone..you pull in, were its safe,
Amy i understand you had to answer your phone.You dont this all the time, but once is enough.I was 19 with my first child.Came to a pedestrian crossing were the car coming was slowing, then as i crossed she sped up and stopped suddenly, she just about missed crashing into my daughters buggy.I dont care at that moment the urgency of that call if any.She nearly seriously injured my child.There's no excuse for that.She was distracted from being on the phone.I roared a few things at her and she didnt have the respect to apologize.:-( Although she got a fright and it took her a while to gather herself again and pull off.I hope to god that close call opened her eyes.It scared the crap out of me.

Laura - posted on 02/17/2011

Thank-you, Loureen, for posting those statistics! I agree with you, Ashley; drivers talking or texting on cell phones iratate the heck out of me! Operating several thousands of pounds (a few tons) of metal and machinery requires one's FULL attention. Yes, distractions occur while driving, but the key is to limit them! Cell phones should be turned off when driving, IMO. That's what voice-mail is for...

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 02/17/2011

Candi, on long road trips my parents used to have a contest on who can stay quiet the longest. The winner got $5 lol. I always won. My sister and brother don't know how to stop talking.

Loureen- I just love seeing semi-truck drivers on their cell phones *eye roll*

I do understand that there are certain circumstances where you may need to answer or make a call and that's fine as long as you can pay attention. I didn't talk much while driving before my daughter and now I only do it in an emergency (like calling 911 for the idiot driver in my earlier post). It's illegal to use a cell phone in school zones where I live. I just want more people to not drive like idiots.

Candi - posted on 02/17/2011

we have a rule in my van. Since the kids could talk the rule is" If the van is running, your mouth is not!
There's nothing that rides my nerves like kids fighting in a car. If my kids want to listen to music, they have an MP3 player and they also have video games to play. Drivers need to pay attention to the road and other drivers and such, not worrying about what the kids are fighting over.

Laura Zoey - posted on 02/17/2011

Also, I just thought about another scenario where cell phones would be irreplaceable. What if you have a car crash? And you are stuck in the car and it's not in an area where there's alot of cars around, or it's in the dark, or your car swerved down a ditch and is not visible?
There's alot of extreme reasons where cell phones would be a life saver!
Sure on star is better, but everyone doesn't have that!

Amy - posted on 02/17/2011

First of all, it's not illegal everywhere to talk on a cell while driving. Here it's only illegal to text although there is other legislation that is up for consideration to ban it.

You don't know anyone's situation. Not all people are just chatty cathys on the phone. I did pick up my phone last week because of who was calling. I got the call that my grandmother had lost the cancer battle. I live in the country and was the only one on the road, but still. I'd have picked it up. Most of the time, I ignore my phone in the car. It's there for MY convenience, not the rest of the world's that i MUST pick it up. If it is someone who calls I need to call back, how hard is it to pull off the road or pull into a parking lot and make a call? really? Where you live makes a big difference too. I don't see a problem talking on the phone driving in the middle of nowhere ohio where i'm lucky to see two cars in 15 minutes of driving.

Distractions can be anything. phone, changing a cd, stupid people putting on makeup while driving, lighting a cigarette, the kids themselves being hooligans in the back seat. People are so busy being on the go, they forget it's important to get there safely.

I do like the proposed law that kids under 17 cannot talk, text, etc. They are just learning to drive and really need full attention. Eh, although my mother is almost 60 and has been in more fender benders than anyone I know - no cell phone. Maybe some people just shouldn't drive. lol.

Candi - posted on 02/17/2011

I agree with it working in the car. We have other resources to help, GPS, OnStar, etc, but a phone sometimes is incredibly beneficial. My sister is a driving texter. Absolutely drives me up a wall. One day I had to pick up some stuff for Boy Scouts and my friend sent a text asking me about it. My daughter read it to me and I said "text her back and let her know we got it." My then 9 yr old sent a text that read "We got da goods, yo!" lol. Be careful when you let your kids attempt to help you, but that is safer than me trying to text while driving.

Laura Zoey - posted on 02/17/2011

Having a cell phone work in a car is immensely important. Once I was almost run off the road by an angry driver and he almost hit me at 70+ miles an hour on the freeway. I immediately dialed 911 and reported him to the police and they sent a cop out to stop him hopefully before he caused a crash.

Countless times I've gotten lost while driving, and especially in down town Milwaukee it isn't safe to get out of the car and ask for directions, or even pull to the side of the road in some areas. So having my phone is very important in those times so I can call someone to help me find my directions.



I whole heartedly agree with no texting while driving, that's illegal here as of this year and it's high time.

Susanne - posted on 02/17/2011

I think its about time that phone manufacturers made phones that lose signal completely while the engines running on the car, solves all problems and takes away the urge for imbeciles to use the phone while driving.

Meghan - posted on 02/17/2011

I was in class a few months ago and overheard some guy talking about drag racing. He was bragging about how fast he has raced down one street-which happens to be one that me and my son are on daily. I had to pipe up and ask him if he had ever thought about the fact that there may be kids or parents on the road while he was acting like a douche bag. His response was that he only does it on weekends after the sun goes down and kids shouldn't be out at that time anyway. *shakes head* People really are getting dumber and dumber.

Charlie - posted on 02/16/2011

Consider some facts:

• A 13-month study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute placed cameras, sensors and data collectors in vehicles of 241 volunteers of all ages.

The most striking conclusion: Drivers of large commercial trucks who were texting were 23 times more likely to crash, or nearly crash, than truck drivers who weren’t texting.

• Psychologists with the University of Utah used a different method, a driving simulator operated by 20 men and 20 women ages 19 to 23, and studied their responses to various driving scenarios. Those results, revealed in December, said the ones who were texting were six times more likely to crash.

• “Texting drivers look down at their devices for five seconds at a time on average — enough time at highway speeds to cover more than a football field,” according to a study, says the Driven to Distraction Task Force of Washington State.

• Texting is exploding worldwide. In 2008, more than 1 trillion text messages were sent, up from 363 billion in 2007, says CTIA, the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry.

• And drivers younger than 20 were the largest age group of distracted drivers in fatal crashes in 2008.

That’s according to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The dangers of driving while texting are viewed as extreme by many researchers.

As a result, in a major nationwide action, the U.S. government recently ordered commercial truck drivers and federal employees not to text while driving.

‘Particularly problematic’
Plenty of studies also have concluded that driving while talking on cell phones is a danger.

“In experiments using driving simulators, many researchers have found that people engaged in cell phone conversations show poorer driving performance than people focused only on driving,” Ira Hyman and several colleagues at Western Washington University in Bellingham reported last year.

“Although drivers may encounter a number of distractions, cell phones appear to be particularly problematic. Cell phone users perform more poorly than people listening to music, listening to books on tape or conversing with a passenger.”

A 2006 study by scientists with the University of Utah “also found that engaging in a cell phone conversation results in poorer driving performance than being legally drunk,” the report said


Lots of people drive around drunk without crashing too but it is still dangerous .

Laura Zoey - posted on 02/16/2011

I talk on the phone while driving, it's not illegal where I live in Wisconsin. I've talked on the phone while driving for the past 6 years since I got my lisence, never swerved into the other lane or onto the shoulder, never speed more then 5 over, always use my blinker even to change lanes, and I don't change lanes unless I have to.
Never had an accident, never a close call.
When you learn to drive while speaking to the passengers it's really the same as speaking on the phone.
And most people who aren't on the phone still only use one hand on the steering wheel at a time so there's really no less control that way.
I've never texted while driving, never typed in a gps, never even read a map while driving, these things take your eyes off the road. But speaking on the phone still keeps your eyes on the road so I have not had an issue with that.

Medic - posted on 02/16/2011

Where I live it is not illegal to text and drive or to talk on your phone without a headset. While I think texting and driving is just stupid for obvious reasons I do not feel that talking on my phone is any more distracting than having a passenger and talking or talking to my kids in the backseat. I have no intentions of turning off my phone while driving.

Charlie - posted on 02/16/2011

It is illegal to do both in Australia .

Candi - posted on 02/16/2011

If my phone rings while I am driving, I'll get one of my kids to answer. If I am alone, it goes unanswered. Its usually somewhere buried in my purse anyway. How about the drivers who feel they must stare at the passenger while talking to them? LOL. I'm sure they know who you're talking to. Eyes on the road...

LaCi - posted on 02/16/2011

Disagree. Phones are definitely for texting. I loathe talking on the phone.

Amber - posted on 02/16/2011

What's the difference between texting and instant messaging?

Ellen - posted on 02/16/2011

Telephone's are for talking on, not for texting. If you need to text, send an instant message. Off my soapbox now

Amber - posted on 02/16/2011

I talk on my phone while driving, but I use my bluetooth so that both of my hands are free.
But it's not illegal in my state to talk on your phone without a handless device or text while driving...which has caused several car accidents in the last few months.

And it absolutely drives me crazy when people are texting while driving! If I'm sitting at a stop light, I might send a one word reply while waiting. But even that doesn't happen unless it's from somebody that I know doesn't text me unless it's important.

I find my son much more distracting than anything else. He's always asking questions and I'm constantly having to say "Honey, I can't look at what you're doing because I have to look at the road." He's four now and seems to understand better, but still seems annoyed that he can't have my attention while I'm driving :)

Ashley=) - posted on 02/16/2011

I agree there are some very bad drivers, without the other issues involed but when its shown that they other issues are proven to distract drivers from focusing on the road etc why do them.If your a bad driver anyway using phones talking or texting on top of it etc wont help the situation lol.

Going into the supermarket one day a car hit us from the left, an old lady and she stayed going.She was focusing so well on were she was going, no phone etc.

My partner had to pull off or she would of caused damage.She was going slow so no damage was caused before we moved forward.My partner was getting out and the old lady drove off.We believe and the other people around watching think she had no idea she even hit us.Hard to believe but she didnt react in the slightest.She kept driving with great care and focus from her facial expression,and never stopped even when she hit us, so once we moved she was still moving..trying to force her way out, i mean how can you not know your forcing a car out of the way.lmao

LaCi - posted on 02/16/2011

I don't really see talking on the phone as any more of a distraction than talking to the passenger. It does irritate me when people are talking on the phone and it, apparently, renders them incapable of turning their head to check their blind spot. I don't think it's necessarily the phone though, I think people just suck at driving. I almost get hit twice a week in the same parking lot because some asshole is flying through in the middle of the lane and turning into MY lane because they're in such a fucking hurry to get out of there. People just suck at driving. One of these days I'm going to let one of these bastards hit me. Fuck it.

Brittanie - posted on 02/16/2011

I hate this! I have gone so far as to gesture to people talking on the phone to hang it up. What REALLY irks me though is texting while driving, I can't even stand it when I read a facebook update that was clearly written while the person was driving, I have to stop myself from writing unkind messages in the comments. I travel with three children sometimes 4 in a busy city and I am very concerned about the issues I see going on on the roads. I take care not to call people/text/update social sites while I am driving, why can't these people?! Some people assume that it's teens or single males/females mostly doing this too...but from what I have seen it's A LOT of mothers as well. People just seem to have to be constantly plugged in... uggggghhhhh.



As for smoking... I can see people smoking while driving...but not while holding something in their other hand..and never with kids in the car. Well, that's illegal here in Ontario, Canada anyhow.

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 02/16/2011

This is why I limit where I go. lol. I've seen so many accidents around here. I saw someone run a red light and get t-boned by a truck. I had my daughter with me. In the truck was a small child about my daughter's age. Thank goodness she was still rear facing and appeared to be unharmed. One that really got to me was an idiot who's car was not working. Literally. He could barely steer and didn't seem to be able to go when he wanted. He had some other idiot driving behind him waving at people to stay back. They were taking up both lanes of the road. Again, I had my daughter with me. We were trying to go to my OB appointment. Because I was stuck sitting in the road while this moron was trying to get his car somewhere (it's called a tow truck). I called the non-emergency number to report it. I just had a feeling it wouldn't end well. Instead of pulling off to the right he decides to make a left hand turn across two lanes of traffic. Right as I hang up with the officer he pulls out in front of a minivan and gets smashed. The van spins up into the median and stops right before coming into my lane. I was terrified and pissed the hell off. Needless to say, my BP was raised by the time I got to the doctor. So, for me it's just stupidity while driving in general. There doesn't have to be a phone involved lol.

Ashley=) - posted on 02/16/2011

Grrr.. April, thats crazy.What is your friend thinking.Its not just your friend on the road that day there's hundreds and not to forget pedestrian's.Its not worth it.I feel to many are so wrapped up in themselves the dont care about anyone else around them.This is why there's so many accidents and why so many are burying there loved ones, parents burying there children.Its not right.

April - posted on 02/16/2011

I have a friend who has AOL instant messenger on her phone and she would drive with her knee while sending instant messages!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!