Triumphrat

propforward

I considered posting this in survival tips forum, but it's not really a riding technique - just confirmation of what we already know.

I was at a stoplight the other day - a standard 4 way intersection, and was at the front of the queue. As is my want, I looked around a bit while waiting for the lights to turn.

Every driver was on the phone. The guy behind was on the phone, the guy in the left turn lane next to me was on the phone, the guy in the right lane next to me was on the phone. Every driver coming from the right turning in front of me was on the phone, every driver from the left turning in front of me was on the phone. The drivers on the opposite side of the junction were on the phone, and the drivers to the left and right waiting for their turn were all on the $%#&&$^$^$^^%^%&* phone!

I had to vent about this.

We already know cagers don't see us, so just start assuming that everyone is yakking away on the phone while they're driving.

How the human race survived this long without talking so much BS on the telephone is a mystery, because apparently people can't live without cell phones permanently strapped to their heads now.

Minnesota needs a no-phone-while-driving law. Not that that would help much.

Here endeth the rant.

Still I enjoy my bike.

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My God - it's full of stars!

Pokeyjoe

California recently passed a hands-free law, not that it helps much. The drivers are still distracted. Might as well institute no eating, no putting on make-up, no reading the paper and no kids laws, too.

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John
3-7-77
Some people are like Slinkies. They're really good for nothing. But they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.

ChurnDog

Some states have a no txt while driving law, though they say it is nearly impossible to enforce since most people hold the phone in their lap when they txt so you can't see them doing it clearly.

In my car i have that fancy in car bluetooth thing that I never use, but then again, I just don't talk on my phone while driving.

meinschaft

"How the human race survived this long without talking so much BS on the telephone is a mystery, because apparently people can't live without cell phones permanently strapped to their heads now."

Good point. I'm always wondering what the h*ll these maroons can possibly be talking about???????

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Ride On!

propforward

Aye, true enough.

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My God - it's full of stars!

denman13

Even with the new "hands-free" only cell phone use laws, I still see plenty of people driving while holding a cell to the ear while going right past a sign that says the new law is in effect. Of course, they probably didn't see the sign while yakking, shaving, reading the WST, faxing a memo and drinking a Starbucks issue vat-style reservoir of latte w/cinnamon resting safely between the drivers legs.

I wonder how many of those $100 tickets have been handed out. I think most people just feel they won't get caught.

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Never miss a good opportunity to shut up. - Will Rogers

themaster

We have a no phone while driving law in the UK. For the mostpart it works - the compromise is a hands-free system, so whilst drivers can still be distracted by conversation, at least they remain, in theory, in control of the vehicle.

I'm not sure what the penalties for violating the law are, but there has been discussion in the news recently about increasing penalties for drivers who kill/injure whilst using a phone - including jail up to around 12 years. Which is quite a deterrent.

The 'no eating, no make-up, no reading the paper' stuff counts, in the UK at least, as driving without due care and attention, which means points and fines. I believe they were thinking of introducing a 'causing death by driving without due care and attention' penalty too.

steventhechef

We have no mobile phones law whilst driving in Oz too. They can use hands free but you still see so many people with them stuck to their ears.

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steventhechef

Eggs & Bacon. A day's work for a chicken, a lifetime commitment for a pig.

seumas

I find that my Stebel Nautilus horn does a good job of interrupting their conversation, especially if I'm right next to the driver's window.

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Is fhearr fheuchainn na bhith san duil.

Tbirdnz

Lets face it, lots of people can't chew and walk at the same time. Driving holding a mobile, talking or texting causes a distraction and in traffic is dangerous, you're simply not paying sufficient attention to the main reason you're in a car, that's driving. As motorcyclists you all should be supporting banning of this as bikes are less noticable than other cars.

You yourself might think you can perform these tasks simultaneously and safely, that is, until you cause an accident through lack of attention, don't say it won't happen, it can and does.

Here's a list of countries that ban mobiles whilst driving. NZ has just joined them.

http://www.cellular-news.com/car_bans/


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Ride on !

p.s. You're right Prop, it's not a riding tip but it's a safety concern and when the thread has done it's dash on BHO I'll move it to Riding and Survival Forum. Whilst HiDesert is on his bike tour !