Well, “technically”, a distraction is a distraction. But, some things only distract the driver for an instant (, while other things require attention for longer periods of time. And, some things need to be done while driving (checking mirrors, gauges, etc.), while some things really are unnecessary to be doing. Additionally, some things require your eyes to leave the road, while other things don’t.

Accidents certainly do happen as a direct result of doing all of the things RW mentioned. And some of the modern “conveniences” being put in at the factory level (GPS, video screens, etc.) probably shouldn’t be, for the same reason.

Why is cellphone use more of a concern? Probably because the majority of people have demonstrated that when they’re on the phone (cell or other), they become absolutely CONSUMED. It seems to be the one “voluntary distraction” that disconnects the most brains from their attention to their driving. I would also rate texting right up there with it.

I can’t count the number of times I’ve stepped off a curb to cross a street, only to be almost wiped out by someone talking on their cell who failed to stop at the corner and LOOK! before roaring around that corner! Ask yourself, why does a cell phones stop so many people from seeing with their eyes? Who knows? But, it quite obviously is the case. That’s part of being “consumed”, as I said.

People do a lot of stupid things when they’re supposed to be in control of their vehicle.
Some things I’ve witnessed over and over again…

- Foot up on the dashboard… cutting toenails
- Applying makeup, shaving, combing hair, squeezing pimples (and turning the rear view mirror to accommodate it)
- Food on the lap, eating something messy and/or of volume (there goes the grip!)
- Masturbating (can’t believe how often I actually see this! – Men and women both!)
- Reading a book or trying to handle a road map (even to the point of blocking their entire view of the road for scary long periods)
- Body turned 180 degrees, fighting with the kids or pleading with the dog to lay down

People that do these things have no brains, and no regard for others’ safety. They are accidents waiting to happen.
Certainly, if you add up the damage caused by such people, and add that to the damage caused by cell phone use, it may compare to the damage caused by drunk drivers!

Indeed, with driving, there really isn’t much difference between being drunk and being distracted, when I think about it.

I always thought tv screens were not aloud in sight of the driver as to not distract him. Now it seems car stereos are getting more and more visually atractive. Fancy display screens, ability to play movies, and iPod hook up where you can search for that one song you want to hear that directory of thousands of songs.

If they are gonna be banning someone talking on the phone I’d like to see them curb the purchase and installation of tv/dvd car stereos.

You weren’t talking on your cell phone when that happened, were you?!
: )

I don’t know why the ‘duplicated’ — I looked and there’s nothing there.

Sorry!

Cheers!

What happened to the comment I put in after RW’s??
Tried again, thinking I made an error – your server gives back a message like “duplicate entry?”.

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iT9VvX9Y4iMJsM6uq9Dv_kwmueQg

(OMG!~)

I think it should be OK to talk on the phone, for example, if you are in a traffic jam on the expressway–a great purpose of the cell is to tell people you’ll be late.

I completely agree that the cell phone is distracting, and should not be used in most traffic situations, whether hands-free or not.

Joe (Waterloo, Ontario, Canada)

In acquiring a driver’s license to begin with, it is made abundantly clear to you that “Driving is not a ‘right’… it is a PRIVILEGE!”. You are supposed to remember that every time you get into a car. You are supposed to always direct your attention to the road, and put all other distractions on hold whenever possible, from the time you start the engine to the time you shut it off. You are fully responsible for everything that results in between those times.

Talking on the phone, for many, appears to be an “all-consuming” activity, regardless of what kind of phone. It’s like they’re crawling into some other world inside the receiver, and disconnecting the cognitive part of their brain from the rest of their bodies! Walking while on the cell, they pace erratically and aimlessly, needlessly crossing paths with other walkers. While driving, I see heads cocked at crazy angles (not cradling the phone – it’s in their hands), with eyes pointing either at the roof or directly into the phone, and TWO hands waving about!

Cell users at a mall also show you where their priorities are.
They continue their conversations through a busy checkout line, paying no attention to the cashier (who’s trying to request the money, etc.) and making everyone wait. And, so many come back to their cars, turn the key, pull out, and RIGHT THEN, pull out their phones and INITIATE a call while trying to negotiate the parking lot, the people on foot, and a number of other concerns that they have elected to put second to the phonecall. (Why is it necessary to put the vehicle in motion?? – Make the call, then put down the phone and put the car in gear. This is clearly a voluntary decision on their part.)

No sir, this is not my idea of a something that deserves the title of a “personal right and freedom”!
An overwhelming number of cellphone users have already demonstrated they simply can’t “walk and chew gum at the same time”! And, as long they’re able to continue this behaviour, they really can’t be trusted to ensure anyone else’s safety. Personal rights and freedoms always end when they infringe on others’ right to the same, or negatively impact others’ quality of life or safety.

Using a cellphone is a VOLUNTARY ACTIVITY. No condition exists that would change that while the vehicle is in motion. If you can’t drive without constantly being on the phone, or checking text messages, or logging into Facebook… you need to examine your priorities!!

Québec has banned both types of phone use while driving, I believe.