prichard
Veteran Member
Actually there is some validity to that statement. I somehow doubt we'll ever enforce hundreds or possibly thousands of hours of training for driving.
Texting while driving
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Actually there is some validity to that statement. I somehow doubt we'll ever enforce hundreds or possibly thousands of hours of training for driving.
turnkey4099
Elite Member
And jsut think what the sky would be like had the "flying car" ever worked out!!
No, doing all those things is not "multi-tasking" as you are doing one at a time.
Industrial Toys
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I have always considered myself quite good at multi tasking while driving and keeping the vehicle on course. So I considered the whole driving/texting issue with some skepticism. Maybe just a cash grab.
Yesterday I was messing with my new I-Phone (which I totally hate) (broke my Rugged Flip Phone), while driving on a deserted highway and found myself crossing the centre line. Never before has this happened to me, not operating Ham radios or anything else. These things ARE evil! I get it.
Yesterday I was messing with my new I-Phone (which I totally hate) (broke my Rugged Flip Phone), while driving on a deserted highway and found myself crossing the centre line. Never before has this happened to me, not operating Ham radios or anything else. These things ARE evil! I get it.
mark02tj
Veteran Member
There is a lot of difference between texting while driving and flying a plane while copying clearances, etc. In general, a properly trimmed plane is going to require very little correction while your attention is elsewhere for a moment or two. Plus, you don't have oncoming planes coming towards you that are literally just a few feet away from you.
There have been studies that show that in a car, you subconsciously steer in the direction that you're looking. So, you have your phone in your right hand and you're thumb-texting, you will most likely veer slightly right. Ditto for your left hand at which time you head towards the centerline.
I think that my old flip phones were a lot safer than the so-called-smart-phone. For frequently dialed numbers stored in my contact list, I could flip open the phone, feel for the contacts list button and press the "7" key three times to get to "S weetie" - the first "S" listing in my directory. Same for texting although there was a lot less of it with the older phones. My first car phone had a full sized handset with the keypad on top. I could reach down and dial it without looking at the keypad. Not so with the smart phone.
There have been studies that show that in a car, you subconsciously steer in the direction that you're looking. So, you have your phone in your right hand and you're thumb-texting, you will most likely veer slightly right. Ditto for your left hand at which time you head towards the centerline.
I think that my old flip phones were a lot safer than the so-called-smart-phone. For frequently dialed numbers stored in my contact list, I could flip open the phone, feel for the contacts list button and press the "7" key three times to get to "S weetie" - the first "S" listing in my directory. Same for texting although there was a lot less of it with the older phones. My first car phone had a full sized handset with the keypad on top. I could reach down and dial it without looking at the keypad. Not so with the smart phone.
PILOON
Super Star Member
With 'texting' I agree but disagree with simple using a cell phone especially to take incoming calls.
The only tricky part would be when dialing a number manually but then today most phones have a memory list and many can take voice commands. (like call home etc)
Heck LEO's use 2 way radio all the time so why can't we.
Are CB radios also now banned?
Putting on make up while driving or eating and drinking coffee is a lot more dangerous than taking a call.
Study commuters and you'll be amazed at what folks do on the way to work every morning.
Maybe Tim Hortens and McDonalds should be banned commuter stops as well as they possibly contribute more danger than a cell phone does.
The only tricky part would be when dialing a number manually but then today most phones have a memory list and many can take voice commands. (like call home etc)
Heck LEO's use 2 way radio all the time so why can't we.
Are CB radios also now banned?
Putting on make up while driving or eating and drinking coffee is a lot more dangerous than taking a call.
Study commuters and you'll be amazed at what folks do on the way to work every morning.
Maybe Tim Hortens and McDonalds should be banned commuter stops as well as they possibly contribute more danger than a cell phone does.
aczlan
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Most states exclude 2way radios from the "handsfree only" laws, so CBs and other radios are allowed to be used while driving.
Aaron Z
Aaron Z
mark02tj
Veteran Member
A of LEOs are now getting their dispatch orders via computer. There are several instances of LEOs being in car crashes due to being distracted by the laptop screen or responding via the keyboard.
One of the craziest things I ever saw.... Was on I-70 in Eastern IN many years ago and passed a car where the driver was "driving" with his knee... while PLAYING A GUITAR!!
Practice makes perfect!
PILOON
Super Star Member
"Practice makes perfect! "
Texting while on a skate board must have taken a lot of practice.
I kid you not, saw that for real and I clocked him doing about 15mph
Texting while on a skate board must have taken a lot of practice.
I kid you not, saw that for real and I clocked him doing about 15mph
k0ua
Epic Contributor
Having used a 2 way radio in vehicles for decades with thousands of hours of operation, I will state that using a 2 way radio does not take even 1/10 the concentration of trying to text while driving. With a 2 way radio, your eyes stay on the road and your ability to drive is does not seem to be diminished. I can't say the same about texting. I cannot text and drive safely, but I sure can talk on a 2 way and drive safely, and have done it for a long time.
turnkey4099
Elite Member
Maintainign balance is pretty well automatic, now steering requires paying attention
turnkey4099
Elite Member
Tests have shown that the mere act of talking on a phone (or radio) greatly degrades reaction time.
Retiredguy2
Gold Member
Query here: What about listening to loud music on the radio or chatting with passengers? Don't those actions also degrade reaction time? What about eating a Big Mac and fries while driving? It truthfully scares me how incompetent the vast majority of drivers today are. While on the way to the store yesterday I saw two other drivers completely blow thru a red light because they were not paying attention to the road.
Industrial Toys
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In Ontario I believe Hams and other two way radio operators are still exempt from the distracted driving laws. What about having three kids in the car, all with ice cream? And a dog? How can that possibly amount to any sort of attentative driving?
Years ago when we were doing fire alarm inspections on lake freighters and had to drive accross the country to meet them, I worked with a guy who was very able to drive, eat, change his shoes, and play cards with his passenger, while in motion. I never felt nervous driving with him. In fact quite the opposite.
Years ago when we were doing fire alarm inspections on lake freighters and had to drive accross the country to meet them, I worked with a guy who was very able to drive, eat, change his shoes, and play cards with his passenger, while in motion. I never felt nervous driving with him. In fact quite the opposite.
TomSeller
Super Member
That's nothin'. I can pick my nose with one hand, change the radio station with the other while steering with my knees.
sld
Veteran Member
On long straight stretches of highway I like to steer with my knees and give my arms a break. It's pretty easy actually.
One time, as a naive young one, I left right after work for a 500 mile drive to go snow skiing with some friends. They were already there and I was driving by myself.
The truck was a 1990 F150 extended cab and the front seat was a big ol' bench seat. I was sooo bored and tired that I started driving from different sitting positions. This was on a long straight 4 lane interstate with the cruise set at the speed limit. I sat on the passenger side and drove from there. I sat like I was on a divan with my back against the driver door and drove from there. Finally, I got in the back seat (remember it's a bench) and drove for a while from there. Talk about stupid! It did keep me awake though. Good thing cell phones weren't invented then!
One time, as a naive young one, I left right after work for a 500 mile drive to go snow skiing with some friends. They were already there and I was driving by myself.
The truck was a 1990 F150 extended cab and the front seat was a big ol' bench seat. I was sooo bored and tired that I started driving from different sitting positions. This was on a long straight 4 lane interstate with the cruise set at the speed limit. I sat on the passenger side and drove from there. I sat like I was on a divan with my back against the driver door and drove from there. Finally, I got in the back seat (remember it's a bench) and drove for a while from there. Talk about stupid! It did keep me awake though. Good thing cell phones weren't invented then!
turnkey4099
Elite Member
They do indeed. My reaction time at age 81 sucks, Iwon't degrade it further by listening to the radio...especially 'talk radio'. I almost ran into the back of a slow moving truck on a freeway while doing nothing but talking to my sister.. As for eating a big mac? It doesn't take much "thinking" to eat.
The whole problem is inyour last ling "not paying attention to the road". comes right back to the "no such thing as multitasking. Anything that requires your brain to be engaged in it detracts from 'attention tothe road'.
