Tell the truth, do you ever look at your phone while driving? (1 Viewer)

[JohnnyU]

Has phone related accidents overtaken drunk driving? I don’t know the answer, but my guess would be a resounding yes.

Mobile phones have been a massive boon to personal injury lawyers due to all the accidents and injuries it causes. Plaintiff's lawyers will obtain the at-fault driver's phone records and in some cases will know exactly what the driver was using at the time of the accident. Most auto policies exclude coverage for dui, although there are exceptions to that rule so the phone user, which is as dangerous if not moreso than DUI, has been a fantastic development for plaintiff and insurance defense lawyers alike.

I am verymuch in favor of steep penalties for this (even looking at the red light). Prettymuch like DWI. And if you injure people... life as you know it is over. "Sorry kids, we need to sell your bikes. Daddy was too addicted to his phone."

I admit I'm harsh on this one. At 58, I just don't understand the phone addiction that would cause someone to read their texts while driving.

Yet here we are

 

[JohnnyU]

Next you're gonna tell me I can't even crack open a cold one at a red light.

Spilling good beer is reason not to.

 

[Dezbelief]

I plead the fifth.

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

Yeah, I had a chance to rescue an AMBER alert kid, but state law and a football forum frowned upon me diverting my gaze from the car trunk in front of me that they were tied up in.

On the bright side, the kid got their picture on a milk carton.

 

[Hastur]

Absolutely not.

My wife was hit and totaled our van(she walked away Thank God). The driver that hit her was texting. I'm lucky my wife is still with us.

These type of accidents are only going to get worse. The younger generation is growing up with a phone in the hand upon birth.

 

[JohnnyU]

Absolutely not.

My wife was hit and totaled our van(she walked away Thank God). The driver that hit her was texting. I'm lucky my wife is still with us.

These type of accidents are only going to get worse. The younger generation is growing up with a phone in the hand upon birth.

I’m not so sure this is only a young person problem.

 

[jwb]

Absolutely not.

My wife was hit and totaled our van(she walked away Thank God). The driver that hit her was texting. I'm lucky my wife is still with us.

These type of accidents are only going to get worse. The younger generation is growing up with a phone in the hand upon birth.

I’m not so sure this only a young person problem.

Definitely not.

 

[Desert_Power]

Yes. But it’s very limited.

 

[JohnnyU]

I remember a few years ago a beautiful high school girl from Byron, MN, who just got her drivers license, rear ended a school bus looking at her phone. There wasn’t even skid marks. She’s dead.

 

[Desert_Power]

I don’t see how we solve this problem without banning automatic transmissions. Hard to text and drive while you’re working the clutch (although I’ve seen someone do it)

 

[JohnnyU]

I don’t see how we solve this problem without banning automatic transmissions. Hard to text and drive while you’re working the clutch (although I’ve seen someone do it)

I navigated a stick shift with a broken wrist before getting a cast. So where there’s the will, you find a way.

 

[Desert_Power]

I don’t see how we solve this problem without banning automatic transmissions. Hard to text and drive while you’re working the clutch (although I’ve seen someone do it)

I navigated a stick shift with a broken wrist before getting a cast. So where there’s the will, you find a way.

Yeah. It’s just something I wonder about when you look at US vs EU data on this stuff.

Good thread to remind us all to do better.

 

[JohnnyU]

I don’t see how we solve this problem without banning automatic transmissions. Hard to text and drive while you’re working the clutch (although I’ve seen someone do it)

I navigated a stick shift with a broken wrist before getting a cast. So where there’s the will, you find a way.

Yeah. It’s just something I wonder about when you look at US vs EU data on this stuff.

Good thread to remind us all to do better.

Frankly this should be a no tolerance thing shouldn’t it? All it takes is a split second to cause a tragedy. I don’t see how it’s any less worse than drunk driving.

 

[TennesseeJed]

Reading this thread in the car right now…

 

[Desert_Power]

I don’t see how we solve this problem without banning automatic transmissions. Hard to text and drive while you’re working the clutch (although I’ve seen someone do it)

I navigated a stick shift with a broken wrist before getting a cast. So where there’s the will, you find a way.

Yeah. It’s just something I wonder about when you look at US vs EU data on this stuff.

Good thread to remind us all to do better.

Frankly this should be a no tolerance thing shouldn’t it? All it takes is a split second to cause a tragedy. I don’t see how it’s any less worse than drunk driving.

How do you enforce it?

 

[JohnnyU]

I don’t see how we solve this problem without banning automatic transmissions. Hard to text and drive while you’re working the clutch (although I’ve seen someone do it)

I navigated a stick shift with a broken wrist before getting a cast. So where there’s the will, you find a way.

Yeah. It’s just something I wonder about when you look at US vs EU data on this stuff.

Good thread to remind us all to do better.

Frankly this should be a no tolerance thing shouldn’t it? All it takes is a split second to cause a tragedy. I don’t see how it’s any less worse than drunk driving.

How do you enforce it?

I have no idea. Can’t they make a phone not work unless the car is turned off?

 

[Desert_Power]

I don’t see how we solve this problem without banning automatic transmissions. Hard to text and drive while you’re working the clutch (although I’ve seen someone do it)

I navigated a stick shift with a broken wrist before getting a cast. So where there’s the will, you find a way.

Yeah. It’s just something I wonder about when you look at US vs EU data on this stuff.

Good thread to remind us all to do better.

Frankly this should be a no tolerance thing shouldn’t it? All it takes is a split second to cause a tragedy. I don’t see how it’s any less worse than drunk driving.

How do you enforce it?

I have no idea. Can’t they make a phone not work unless the car is turned off?

Maybe. A lot of apps try to put you into a “phone mode” with limited functionality.

Amazon music will do this. Then it will have a bug where it fast forwards songs randomly and you scramble to pause on a completely different screen.

 

[Hastur]

Absolutely not.

My wife was hit and totaled our van(she walked away Thank God). The driver that hit her was texting. I'm lucky my wife is still with us.

These type of accidents are only going to get worse. The younger generation is growing up with a phone in the hand upon birth.

I’m not so sure this is only a young person problem.

Agreed. I just said it is going to get worse.

 

[JohnnyU]

Absolutely not.

My wife was hit and totaled our van(she walked away Thank God). The driver that hit her was texting. I'm lucky my wife is still with us.

These type of accidents are only going to get worse. The younger generation is growing up with a phone in the hand upon birth.

I’m not so sure this is only a young person problem.

Agreed. I just said it is going to get worse.

I don’t see how it’s any can get any worse, but I suppose it’s possible.

 

[Desert_Power]

Another way of putting the enforcement question:

If we can’t make speeding or red light cameras work, how can we do something here?

Maybe it is having a toddler, but road safety is abysmal and getting worse.

 

[JohnnyU]

I remember having to watch death highway in drivers Ed class in 1975. Do they still do that?

 

[Gatorade]

The only time I will use my phone while driving is to make a phone call and then I always place the call before I start moving.

 

[JohnnyU]

Not a phone issue back then but just goes to show how one mistake can ruin many lives.

Drunk driver silent about Carrollton bus crash despite survivors' pleas

Larry Mahoney, the drunken driver who caused a school bus crash that killed 27 people, has not spoken publicly in years though survivors wish he would

www.courier-journal.com

 

[Hastur]

Absolutely not.

My wife was hit and totaled our van(she walked away Thank God). The driver that hit her was texting. I'm lucky my wife is still with us.

These type of accidents are only going to get worse. The younger generation is growing up with a phone in the hand upon birth.

I’m not so sure this is only a young person problem.

Agreed. I just said it is going to get worse.

I don’t see how it’s any can get any worse, but I suppose it’s possible.

I think what I was (unsuccessfully) trying to point out is there are several different generations on the road. Most people over 40 understand not to text and drive. Those younger do not understand why it is such a big deal. As the years go on, the older generations will stop driving, and the younger generations will start driving. Thus, filling the roadways with a greater concentration of people who don't think texting and driving is bad.

 

[JohnnyU]

Absolutely not.

My wife was hit and totaled our van(she walked away Thank God). The driver that hit her was texting. I'm lucky my wife is still with us.

These type of accidents are only going to get worse. The younger generation is growing up with a phone in the hand upon birth.

I’m not so sure this is only a young person problem.

Agreed. I just said it is going to get worse.

I don’t see how it’s any can get any worse, but I suppose it’s possible.

I think what I was (unsuccessfully) trying to point out is there are several different generations on the road. Most people over 40 understand not to text and drive. Those younger do not understand why it is such a big deal. As the years go on, the older generations will stop driving, and the younger generations will start driving. Thus, filling the roadways with a greater concentration of people who don't think texting and driving is bad.

Perhaps there will be some kind of law enacted that won’t allow phones to work in a running car. Once the jail cell shuts behind you the realization of your situation hits home. But that’s when it’s too late if the act didn’t cause your own death.

 

[3C's]

Next you're gonna tell me I can't even crack open a cold one at a red light.

I do that while driving since I don't want to chance the person next to me seeing it.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Yet another reason we need autonomous vehicles to take over, ASAP.

As for the OP, almost never, though I have glanced at texts on my watch, rarely.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Only when I'm backing into a parking space

 

[Phil Elliott]

Only gps.

 

[JohnnyU]

Only when I'm backing into a parking space

So, you’re one of those

 

[BassNBrew]

I'll invoke the 5th. Self driving is also very nice.

 

[JohnnyU]

I'll invoke the 5th. Self driving is also very nice.

Is this so woven into everyday life now that it is a can’t do without? If yes, why is that?

 

[BassNBrew]

I'll invoke the 5th. Self driving is also very nice.

Is this so woven into everyday life now that it is a can’t do without? If yes, why is that?

You make good points. I'll put it up except when the self drive is on.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

Never while moving. But at a stop light, yes.

The US is slow to adopt. Self driving is coming. I'll take my chances with a Tesla doing it wrong vs a kid/elderly/crazy driver doing it wrong.

 

[loser]

Sick thread posty

 

[JohnnyU]

Never while moving. But at a stop light, yes.

The US is slow to adopt. Self driving is coming. I'll take my chances with a Tesla doing it wrong vs a kid/elderly/crazy driver doing it wrong.

The bigger question is why we feel the need to occupy our minds constantly with devices? Whenever I’m in a waiting room for an appointment I use the extra time for closing my eyes and relaxing while the other 15 people scan useless / old stuff on their phone.

 

[JohnnyU]

Is it rude to look at your phone during dinner with your significant other? Do you feel the need to do it? My wife would stab me in the eye if I did that.

 

[Hastur]

Is it rude to look at your phone during dinner with your significant other? Do you feel the need to do it?

I consider it to be rude. Phones or other electronic devices are not allowed at the dinner table.

 

[JohnnyU]

Is it rude to look at your phone during dinner with your significant other? Do you feel the need to do it?

I consider it to be rude. Phones or other electronic devices are not allowed at the dinner table.

While I think device usage is just as prevalent among all age groups, but this is one where I would bet the younger you are the less rude it is considered to be.

 

[Hastur]

I like where JohnnyU is going with this.

The need to check a phone is quickly becoming a problem. Not just with driving. Everywhere.

Case in point: This was about 10 years ago. The company I was working for took all the managers out for an 'End Of The Year" holiday dinner to celebrate certain production goals, remanence about the past year, team build, etc. About 10 minutes after everyone getting there, someone made some point, then jumped on their phone to 'check a fact' he was talking about. That signaled everyone else to get on their phone. 20 minutes of the whole table (16 or so of us) in silence as everyone(except me) starred at their phone doom scrolling. After a while, I couldn't take it any more, and said pretty loudly "Hey! I though we were here to hang out with each other!".

Everyone apologized and sheepishly put their phone away. Same thing happened 2 more times that night.

 

[JohnnyU]

I like where JohnnyU is going with this.

The need to check a phone is quickly becoming a problem. Not just with driving. Everywhere.

Case in point: This was about 10 years ago. The company I was working for took all the managers out for an 'End Of The Year" holiday dinner to celebrate certain production goals, remanence about the past year, team build, etc. About 10 minutes after everyone getting there, someone made some point, then jumped on their phone to 'check a fact' he was talking about. That signaled everyone else to get on their phone. 20 minutes of the whole table (16 or so of us) in silence as everyone(except me) starred at their phone doom scrolling. After a while, I couldn't take it any more, and said pretty loudly "Hey! I though we were here to hang out with each other!".

Everyone apologized and sheepishly put their phone away. Same thing happened 2 more times that night.

I don’t believe I would have said anything to a group, as much as I would have wanted to. As far as with my wife and I, we don’t need to say anything. It is understood.

 

[jamny]

My wife never takes her phone when we go out and I only look at mine if I'm looking up something we are discussing while out, like planning trips or restaurants.

 

[Terminalxylem]

I like where JohnnyU is going with this.

The need to check a phone is quickly becoming a problem. Not just with driving. Everywhere.

Case in point: This was about 10 years ago. The company I was working for took all the managers out for an 'End Of The Year" holiday dinner to celebrate certain production goals, remanence about the past year, team build, etc. About 10 minutes after everyone getting there, someone made some point, then jumped on their phone to 'check a fact' he was talking about. That signaled everyone else to get on their phone. 20 minutes of the whole table (16 or so of us) in silence as everyone(except me) starred at their phone doom scrolling. After a while, I couldn't take it any more, and said pretty loudly "Hey! I though we were here to hang out with each other!".

Everyone apologized and sheepishly put their phone away. Same thing happened 2 more times that night.

I don’t believe I would have said anything to a group, as much as I would have wanted to. As far as with my wife and I, we don’t need to say anything. It is understood.

I think it’s a good habit to do stuff without a phone, period. None of us are so important as to require being available at all times.

 

[Desert_Power]

Never while moving. But at a stop light, yes.

The US is slow to adopt. Self driving is coming. I'll take my chances with a Tesla doing it wrong vs a kid/elderly/crazy driver doing it wrong.

The bigger question is why we feel the need to occupy our minds constantly with devices? Whenever I’m in a waiting room for an appointment I use the extra time for closing my eyes and relaxing while the other 15 people scan useless / old stuff on their phone.

Willingly been re-wired by clever agents within
Looping our reflections, our obsessions draw us in
Fix and fixation, no sentience beyond

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

 

[jwb]

I like where JohnnyU is going with this.

The need to check a phone is quickly becoming a problem. Not just with driving. Everywhere.

Case in point: This was about 10 years ago. The company I was working for took all the managers out for an 'End Of The Year" holiday dinner to celebrate certain production goals, remanence about the past year, team build, etc. About 10 minutes after everyone getting there, someone made some point, then jumped on their phone to 'check a fact' he was talking about. That signaled everyone else to get on their phone. 20 minutes of the whole table (16 or so of us) in silence as everyone(except me) starred at their phone doom scrolling. After a while, I couldn't take it any more, and said pretty loudly "Hey! I though we were here to hang out with each other!".

Everyone apologized and sheepishly put their phone away. Same thing happened 2 more times that night.

I like where he's going with it too - there are still a few of us that are like "what is wrong with all of you"? Must you check your phone at the red light? Why??

It's even bigger than addiction really - it's a whole society thing. It seems most people simply cannot exist without looking at it every spare second they get. In the car, during a pause in conversation, etc. And like you just mentioned, all it takes is one "let me look that up" for everyone at the table/event to get out their phone. And everytime I try and see what has them so transfixed... they're looking at Facebook / Instagram. It's so weird to me.

 

[JohnnyU]

I like where JohnnyU is going with this.

The need to check a phone is quickly becoming a problem. Not just with driving. Everywhere.

Case in point: This was about 10 years ago. The company I was working for took all the managers out for an 'End Of The Year" holiday dinner to celebrate certain production goals, remanence about the past year, team build, etc. About 10 minutes after everyone getting there, someone made some point, then jumped on their phone to 'check a fact' he was talking about. That signaled everyone else to get on their phone. 20 minutes of the whole table (16 or so of us) in silence as everyone(except me) starred at their phone doom scrolling. After a while, I couldn't take it any more, and said pretty loudly "Hey! I though we were here to hang out with each other!".

Everyone apologized and sheepishly put their phone away. Same thing happened 2 more times that night.

I like where he's going with it too - there are still a few of us that are like "what is wrong with all of you"? Must you check your phone at the red light? Why??

It's even bigger than addiction really - it's a whole society thing. It seems most people simply cannot exist without looking at it every spare second they get. In the car, during a pause in conversation, etc. And like you just mentioned, all it takes is one "let me look that up" for everyone at the table/event to get out their phone. And everytime I try and see what has them so transfixed... they're looking at Facebook / Instagram. It's so weird to me.

I remember going out to dinner with my wife years ago, it was either prom week or graduation, I can’t remember, but what I do remember is about 20 teenagers all looking at their phone instead of talking with each other. It was both amusing and sad at the same time. No wonder new employees right out of college have such a hard time communicating.

 

[IrishTwinkie]

Distracted driving is a thing. The phone just makes it easier. I've seen people reading novels, think a 20,000 page Tom Clancy hardcover, I've seen news paper's being read, shaving, makeup and yes phones. I wasn't allowed friends in my car for the first year after I had my license, and I didn't allow my kids to have their friends either. Distractions come in many shapes and sizes. A car is a deadly weapon, but there are countless ways people misuse them. Anyone out on the roads and highways this long weekend has seen at least few things.

 

[SoBeDad]

I can't wait until self-driving cars become the norm, 1000s of lives will be saved annually. While visiting my daughters in CA, we rode in a Waymo in SF, 4 people, comfortable, great audio, safer driver than human per insurance and police stats. A long way to go, but getting traction. Some parents with $$ in SF are sending their kids to school in Waymos. They reached 1,000,000 rides per month, and going up. Being tested in Austin, Miami, and other cities.

Lets see what Tesla with FSD, BYD and other companies do.

Main issue, cost, which will come down. A $17 Uber was a $29 Waymo.

Why don't people use more voice activation on their cell phones while driving?

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Absolutely not.

My wife was hit and totaled our van(she walked away Thank God). The driver that hit her was texting. I'm lucky my wife is still with us.

These type of accidents are only going to get worse. The younger generation is growing up with a phone in the hand upon birth.

My kids are the most militant members of my family when it comes to cellphone use while driving

 

[nirad3]

Of course. Mostly hands free. Almost never reading or scrolling. Rarely while moving.

This is about where I'm at. I have a mount thingy, where the phone can safely stay while I'm driving. If a text comes in, I can use the touchscreen in the car to have Siri read it to me just in case it's something related to where I'm going, etc. I can change channels on SiriusXM from said touchscreen, too. I very, very rarely actually pick up the phone while actually in motion. If anything, it'd be while I'm at a stoplight, and I look up every couple of seconds to make sure the light hasn't changed.