Some Hypermiling techniques denounced by AAA

[Frank Lee]

Define "lot". It happens enough.

It happens more than talking to your passengers, disciplining your children, changing the cd player/radio, checking a map or gps system, having a drink of water or soda, eating, reading a magazine, newspaper, or book, applying makeup, and watching television or a dvd combined.

[PA32R]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

Define "lot". It happens enough.

Probably more than enough (though I was tempted to say "define enough"). I'm not trying to make excuses for cell phone related distracted driving. But it's the distracted driving that is the issue, it happens that the cell phone is currently the most likely distractor.

In California on Tuesday, July 1, the "hands free cell phone" law goes into effect. There are lighted signs on the freeways advertising that. Presumably there are studies (hopefully better than the Mythbusters' version) that justify this law. I've had a hands free version for a couple of years, and I guess it's a little less distracting.

But, speaking of distractions, when the freeway is near its limit, the CalTrans lighted signs are enough of one to cause a jam. And it should should be noted that text messaging while driving is still legal.

[gascort]

Originally Posted by PA32R

Not effective enough. We need cameras and microphones in vehicles to assure complete compliance. There shouldn't be conversations with passengers, radio tuning, cd changing, etc.

Perhaps sensors could be built into the steering wheel such that failure to have two hands on the wheel would signal the authorities who would then pull the offender over and issue a citation for reckless driving.

Or maybe just impound and sell the vehicle to pay for the monitoring system.

I love it! hahaha
I agree with you; some of the ideas on this are a little extreme and "big brother".

I think the problem isn't the devices, or talking to passengers, or reading the paper. The problem is the driver.
Frank - the people who nearly hit you while using their cell would not become better or safer drivers if you took their phone away. They would find something to look at, or be distracted by the radio, etc. anyway IMO. Just because this class of morons have chosen their unsafe distraction of choice to be the cell phone does not mean that all using them are like this.

We could bring up plenty of stereotypes like, "teenage driver" or "woman driver".. etc. here. Just because the only bad drivers you see might be people with red hair doesn't mean the other red haired drivers are driving like idiots. I'm sure you know this - not trying to insult you, just bringing it up as an argument.

[Frank Lee]

Yeah I know there are many distractions and many drivers easily led to distraction. My point is the cell phone is the most egregious of the lot.

[RH77]

I think it depends on the driver -- example...

I can't concentrate on driving for FE (or in heavy traffic) and carry on a conversation in the car, let alone on the phone (even hands-free). But if I set the cruise on a long trip in thin traffic, I can talk all day.

I don't know if I'm alone, but for me, the part of the brain that engages decisions in vehicle operation must be closely tied to verbal conversation and aural interpretation. You'll rarely find me on the phone in the car (unless the boss calls or something similar).

The Biggest Problem around here is people TEXTING and driving (especially young drivers -- many who are barely comfortable operating a vehicle). Laws are slowly banning that activity. About a year ago here, several teens were killed in a head-on while someone was texting and crossed the center line at night. Senseless!

RH77

[cfg83]

jamesqf -

Originally Posted by jamesqf

Who're you calling we? I've never owned one, and have no plans to - unless the price comes down to where it's lower than my land line, and even then I'd probably leave it at home.

As for laws, I'd suggest this: the cell phone provider tracks calls & timing for billing purposes. So if someone is in an accident, the records are checked. If they were making a call at the time, they're 1) presumed to be at fault until evidence proves otherwise; and 2) are liable for extra punitive damages.

I wish I *didn't* have a cell phone. My goal was to hold out for $10/month basic cell service, but I caved in for personal/emergency reasons.

I'll have to think about your law suggestion. What would be interesting is if *both* drivers were on the phone at the same time. That would be rare, but who would be at fault? Maybe it would qualify as reckless drivingor cancel out.

CarloSW2

[PA32R]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

Define "lot". It happens enough.

It happens more than talking to your passengers, disciplining your children, changing the cd player/radio, checking a map or gps system, having a drink of water or soda, eating, reading a magazine, newspaper, or book, applying makeup, and watching television or a dvd combined.

I'm not trying to start a word war, but how did you come up with that? If it's "when looking into cars where I'd almost been hit I noticed the driver on a cell phone," that's exceptionally unreliable. To paraphrase someone in this group's signature, "no, I believe you, just show me the evidence."

[trikkonceptz]

I have noticed though, the power the cell phone has to render you useless as you drive. For example, since I drive 55 on all highways people usually just go around me as I drive in the right lane. I have noticed that 100% of the vehicles that sit behind me for some time without incident are the ones on cell phones. Once they hangup, they pass me like everyone else. I guess they don't have the extra brain power, to coordinate a lane change while talking ..

[Frank Lee]

Originally Posted by PA32R

I'm not trying to start a word war, but how did you come up with that? If it's "when looking into cars where I'd almost been hit I noticed the driver on a cell phone," that's exceptionally unreliable. To paraphrase someone in this group's signature, "no, I believe you, just show me the evidence."

I've dug up studies on this before. Find it yourself.

[Formula413]

Originally Posted by RH77

I don't know if I'm alone, but for me, the part of the brain that engages decisions in vehicle operation must be closely tied to verbal conversation and aural interpretation.

I believe I read about a study that actually proved this. From personal experience, it is obvious that talking on a cellphone (regardless of whether it is hand-free) reduces one's ability to concentrate on driving.

Originally Posted by trikkonceptz

I have noticed that 100% of the vehicles that sit behind me for some time without incident are the ones on cell phones. Once they hangup, they pass me like everyone else. I guess they don't have the extra brain power, to coordinate a lane change while talking ..

Case in point.

Originally Posted by LostCause

I've heard people argue that our upcoming "hands free" law needs to be expanded to "cellphone free." Keeping your hands on the steering wheel makes sense. Keeping people from having telephone conversations is ridiculous.

I wouldn't say it's ridiculous, but it would be extremely difficult if not impossible to enforce.