People on cell phones or idiots street racing?

I see a lot of flack against people who even mention street racing (for good reason) but for some reason the cell phone never seems to get any attention... It occurred to me, while dodging the 3 idiots on cell phones this morning, that I’ve had to perform 'evasive' maneuvers to avoid collision from an idiot on a cell phone FAR more times than I’ve had to avoid street racing idiots. I wonder... which causes more accidents? It’s obvious that street racing usually results in higher speed crashes for a larger fatality rate, but in general how many cell phones are involved in accidents...

People flame like mad how street racing endangers everyone, and how it causes accidents and how that’s irresponsible. Yet cell phones slip under the radar. Is that because all of us at some point have to use our phone while driving so we just turn the other cheek? Some counties are adding laws against cell phones already. Saying if you have an accident while on the cell phone a larger penalty will be involved... etc...

Should insurance care if you own a cell phone or not? Should people be allowed to talk on cell phones while driving (especially the ones that aren't hands free?)

At any rate, it was just a thought that occurred to me this morning, because I almost got hit by a woman in a minivan on a cell phone, I had another idiot in a huge SUV on a cell phone pull out in front of me in the city whom I had to dodge, and last but not least some teenage girl in a corolla on a cell phone changing lanes w/o signaling or looking about 10 inches in front of my bumper... Yet during my drive, I was not in danger from any street racing... hmm....


Disclaimer: I'm not trying to defend street racing so please to twist what I’m talking about. Street Racing, Talking on Cell phones, splitting up your fighting Kids in the back seat, reading a book/map/paper, fiddling with cd/radio extensively, etc... are all activities that can get people killed... You know what I like to do the most while I’m driving? ...DRIVE....


-Dan

 

I'd tell you but I have to shift, talk on the phone and drink my Starbucks while reading the paper. What about the ladies driving on the Interstate while putting on their mascara?

 

Drivers on cell phones for sure - there's more of them. And who say's that a "soccer mom" who's in a rush because she's late for something and on her cellphone isn't "racing". That's a dangerous situation I see too often.

 

How about idiots on cell phones?

More cities need laws about "no cell phones while driving", even hands-free ones. Except for a few folks I can't see how *anyone* has a call SO IMPORTANT that it needs to take place while driving. Truts me, nobody is *that* important so put your ego and your cell phone down.

 

You can always tell the one's who can't walk and chew gum at the same time. They're a real PITA when you're trying to stay safe on the road.

 

 

If you can't talk on your phone, shift gears, eat your dinner and drink your soda all at the same time while driving you don't belong on the road!

 

Funny...

I can't wait till WiMax allows everyone to work wirelessly on their laptop while driving... /end sarcasm

Allthough watching an idiot in a video confrence crash while presenting would be hilarious...

-Dan

 

Chicago has the law but fail to inforce it.

 

What will kill you more..a muzzle loader or a sniper-rifle??

Both will , and any activity that distracts from your ability to be fully aware of your surroundings and other drivers is dangerous. Remember....every driver has the potential to do the most stupid thing at any given time.

 

CT, NJ & NY have no-cellphone use (unless hands free) and is strictly enforced. Especially in NJ.

I fully agree with the no-cellphone use laws. The few times I am on the phone while driving, I an NOT paying attention.

On a slightly different topic: the main reason that the Corvette Forum bans street racing/kill stories is a commercial one; they do not want corporate firewalls to block CF or place it on a black list.

EG

 

They are both very dangerous. But, overall I'd say the people on cell phones are much more so since there are many more of them on the road.

 

Just to toss a fly in the ointment, how does one explain this in a lot of major cities?

How come Police Departments can drive fast, (not even code 3), look at and use the MDT (computer), talk on cell phone and 2 way radio all at the same time??

Wonder if they go through any specialized training to do all that?

You don't just see random 'intersection' crashes involving police cars every day......

 

Amen to that!!! Most of my really bad experiences have been with women and teenagers.



Barry

 

My favorite is when someone is eating a bowl of cereal while driving and the person in the next lane cuts them off because they were talking on the cell phone. I wonder if they cry over the spilled milk? At least street racers are paying attention.

 

As a motorcyle rider I long ago adapted the attitude that all cars were out to kill me, and that I was invisible. This has served my well when driving the vette. I especially look at the drivers head to see if thy're looking to make a lane change (without signaling of course), talking to their passenger or using a cell phone. By assuming every other driver is an a$$ you're at least prepared (and usually right!).

 

Lets add some realism to the issues (street racing - cell phone use).

1. Street racing is usually done when there is no traffic, and is not normally seen on a daily basis. Concentration to 'driving' is heightened during these episodes. Still, it is dangerous as he!!, and these episodes should be taken to the track.

2. Cell phone use occurs on a regular basis, in almost all modes of traffic conditions. Concentration on driving is hampered by the use of phones while driving (insurance company's and government investigations suggest that fully 30%+ of accidents are caused by the use of cell phones while driving.

In Europe countries (some, not all), mandated a number of years ago the hands- free cell phone in all vehicles.

Over a five year period accidents (cell phone related) dropped 80&.

The US (as usual) lags behind the 'power curve' in addressing the matter of cell phone use while a person is driving a vehicle.

Accidents associated with this matter continue to increase. People are being injured, and killed daily.

I am a victim of cell phone use by another driver.

Two years later, 8 major operations so far, with another scheduled the 27th of this month, over $300,000 in out of pocket expenses - all because the other person just had to talk on his cell phone.

NOTE: this accident occurred on a Saturday morning, at 8 am, NO traffic, clear sky and good weather.

Cell phone use in vehicles should be a moving violation (as it already is in certain states.

 

Those are some interesting numbers, can I ask where your source is on those statistics!?

I'm also very sorry to hear about your accident. It would seem that when something causes such a great physical and financial personal loss to someone there should be some larger punishments involved. Or else the offender will continue to behave in this manner. I Imagine the person who hit you (assuming he/she survived) still uses the cell phone while driving on a daily basis...

GL w/ the next operation! Get well soon! (In advance!)

 

Sorry to hear about your misfortune, wish the best of luck for you.

I agree that the cell phone user is a big problem. I've heard rumors that a cell phone user is more prone to accidents than a drunk driver. Not sure if its true, but sure seems like it.

Saw a recent mythbusters episode where they ran a driving course while talking on a cell phone. They were graded both on the phone and off the phone by an instructor. They did well when off the phone, but failed miserably when on the phone.

Not sure how well hands free will help, to me it seems the problem is concentrating on the phone call.

 

I can refer you to my lawyers - the numbers used are being used in a lawsuit (against the manufacture of my vehicle as the seatr I was sitting in broke loose - causing additional injuried to me).

You can bet he still uses his cell phone - it is an need in his business (real estate).

Still, I am the one that is suffering.