Mobile phone use.

[Deleted member 113659]

I have a quick question, this is genuine rather than stirring anything up.

If I get in the car, phone will go on the vent bracket. Now while the car is static, I'll use Siri to give dial my mum's number on loud speaker. All the while the car is not moving, the phone rings and she answers.

I then set off, with the phone on loudspeaker, total control of the car, I am merely having a conversation out loud. In the same way that i do if I have a passenger in the car.

I can hand on heart say that speaking via a speaker or side by side with someone doesn't distract me. If anything I'm likely to go quiet whilst I concentrate on a junction, manoeuvre etc rather than continue the conversation regardless.

My argument for this is that the phone conversation is no different to one with a passenger. Is chatting with someone else in the car as dangerous? As distracting?

Genuinely intrigued as for me, someone holding a phone to their ear (let alone texting) is not only concentrating on holding the phone but also not using their hands to control the car correctly.

Case studies have shown that speaking with a passenger is somewhat less distracting than speaking on the phone. (Hands free or holding the phone.)

I think there are so many variables. Driver compatance being one of them.

 

[renault12ts]

I have a quick question, this is genuine rather than stirring anything up.

If I get in the car, phone will go on the vent bracket. Now while the car is static, I'll use Siri to give dial my mum's number on loud speaker. All the while the car is not moving, the phone rings and she answers.

I then set off, with the phone on loudspeaker, total control of the car, I am merely having a conversation out loud. In the same way that i do if I have a passenger in the car.

I can hand on heart say that speaking via a speaker or side by side with someone doesn't distract me. If anything I'm likely to go quiet whilst I concentrate on a junction, manoeuvre etc rather than continue the conversation regardless.

My argument for this is that the phone conversation is no different to one with a passenger. Is chatting with someone else in the car as dangerous? As distracting?

Genuinely intrigued as for me, someone holding a phone to their ear (let alone texting) is not only concentrating on holding the phone but also not using their hands to control the car correctly.

Chatting to a passenger is indeed a distraction. But at least that passenger may be aware of what's going on...the same can't be said for the person you are chatting to on the phone.

I was so engrossed in a conversation one day many moons ago I totally didn't see/hear the police car stopped beside me with his siren blaring...until he got out. Boy...he was little upset.

 

[219]

I have a quick question, this is genuine rather than stirring anything up.

If I get in the car, phone will go on the vent bracket. Now while the car is static, I'll use Siri to give dial my mum's number on loud speaker. All the while the car is not moving, the phone rings and she answers.

I then set off, with the phone on loudspeaker, total control of the car, I am merely having a conversation out loud. In the same way that i do if I have a passenger in the car.

I can hand on heart say that speaking via a speaker or side by side with someone doesn't distract me. If anything I'm likely to go quiet whilst I concentrate on a junction, manoeuvre etc rather than continue the conversation regardless.

My argument for this is that the phone conversation is no different to one with a passenger. Is chatting with someone else in the car as dangerous? As distracting?

Genuinely intrigued as for me, someone holding a phone to their ear (let alone texting) is not only concentrating on holding the phone but also not using their hands to control the car correctly.

There is a difference : a passenger can normally see the traffic situation and take a break from conversation if the driver needs to concentrate ( harder for non drivers to do ) , but someone on the other end of a phone cant and may continue to demand attention ; there is also a psychological difference in that the mind may transport you to wherever the other person is and distract you from your drive .

 

[renault12ts]

So...we're all agreed then?

 

[Deleted member 6183]

There is a difference : a passenger can normally see the traffic situation and take a break from conversation if the driver needs to concentrate ( harder for non drivers to do ) , but someone on the other end of a phone cant and may continue to demand attention ; there is also a psychological difference in that the mind may transport you to wherever the other person is and distract you from your drive .

On the other hand the passenger might have long legs and a short skirt.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

I actually find it more off-putting chatting to passengers than a taking a phone call, not to mention when I've got three competitive children in the back...

This argument pretty much boils down to one about driver attention, I would tend not to make a call on a short journey because of the risk but will happily do so on the motorway.

Not too sure why the thread has got so angry and heated, there's little anyone on here can do other than take care of what they're doing not others.

 

[Deleted member 113659]

But that's using the phone legally. People are suggesting even that should be banned. That's what frustrates me.

I understand the argument and agree that something needs to change. I just feel that there is a way to vastly improve things without having to forget that modern technology never existed, but instead by using it to work better.

I think it's so hard to have a set rule/solution that suits every driver so it seems a total ban is assumed to be the only solution.

Imagine a very experienced driver that is used to having 8 pints of larger regularly. If he had a dry spell, then had 1 pint of larger he'd be fine to drive safely, because he's used to much more alcohol. But, Scotland's rule now is no units in the blood at all for drivers. Because it covers all bases for people that don't drink at all.

We all know of experienced drivers that could talk all day on the phone whilst driving and be totally attentive to their driving. However we also know of fiery bad drivers that are easily distracted by everything & anything so if they used a phone they would pose a risk.

As with the drink driving scenario a phone ban covers all bases.

I agree with you on finding a solution but I think the above is the train of thought for those wanting to cut down on phone related incidents.

Ant.

 

[Deleted member 113659]

So...we're all agreed then?

Please see your recent post on pet hates! (So!)

Ant.

 

[renault12ts]

Ha ha...indeed my dear Jumbo.

 

[Deleted member 113659]

On the other hand the passenger might have long legs and a short skirt.

Means nothing up here in Scotland. :bannana:

 

[Deleted member 113659]

not too sure why the thread has got so heated

:d

 

[Deleted member 65149]

Knighterrant. I'm pleased your blood is boiling. Please consider other alternatives than simple banning...

Wakey wakey David. At no time have I said ban the phone in cars. I don't want to ban anything. I want people to grow up and realise that their actions are selfish. I want people to wake up to the fact that their decisions to use a phone whilst driving are unnecessary and could well ruin many lives. I want people to make the sensible choice. I want people to do all this without the need for bans. I want people to think.

 

[MercedesDriver]

We may very well end up with a steering wheel and a gear box like cars in 40s...I will take you being sarcastic?

No that wasn't sarcastic, I really mean it but wouldn't go that far as 40s but in late nineties last true cars were made.

 

[Deleted member 65149]

I have a quick question, this is genuine rather than stirring anything up. If I get in the car, phone will go on the vent bracket. Now while the car is static, I'll use Siri to give dial my mum's number on loud speaker. All the while the car is not moving, the phone rings and she answers. I then set off, with the phone on loudspeaker, total control of the car, I am merely having a conversation out loud. In the same way that i do if I have a passenger in the car. I can hand on heart say that speaking via a speaker or side by side with someone doesn't distract me. If anything I'm likely to go quiet whilst I concentrate on a junction, manoeuvre etc rather than continue the conversation regardless. My argument for this is that the phone conversation is no different to one with a passenger. Is chatting with someone else in the car as dangerous? As distracting? Genuinely intrigued as for me, someone holding a phone to their ear (let alone texting) is not only concentrating on holding the phone but also not using their hands to control the car correctly.

Tests at the Road Research Laboratory and various other places have conclusively proved that talking on a hands-free phone is a greater distraction than talking to a passenger (which in itself is also a distraction). The major problem is that people THINK that they're not being distracted. In reality their observation skills are impaired and their reaction times increased.

 

[davidjpowell]

Wakey wakey David. At no time have I said ban the phone in cars. I don't want to ban anything. I want people to grow up and realise that their actions are selfish. I want people to wake up to the fact that their decisions to use a phone whilst driving are unnecessary and could well ruin many lives. I want people to make the sensible choice. I want people to do all this without the need for bans. I want people to think.

How do you know their decision to use a phone is unnecessary?

Any why not ask the manufacturers to stop integrating the technology to use them legally?

It's all a bit negative. How about thinking about what can be done positively?

 

[Deleted member 65149]

We all know of experienced drivers that could talk all day on the phone whilst driving and be totally attentive to their driving.

I don't. But I know plenty who THINK they're being totally attentive.

 

[Deleted member 6183]

Tests at the Road Research Laboratory and various other places have conclusively proved that talking on a hands-free phone is a greater distraction than talking to a passenger (which in itself is also a distraction). The major problem is that people THINK that they're not being distracted. In reality their observation skills are impaired and their reaction times increased.

The same Road Research Laboratory that ceased to exist in the early 90s?

 

[Deleted member 65149]

The same Road Research Laboratory that ceased to exist in the early 90s?

Sorry, my mistook. Of course I meant the Transport Research Laboratory as it has been known since 1992. But it was mainly just a change of title, not a totally different organisation.

 

[Deleted member 6183]

Sorry, my mistook. Of course I meant the Transport Research Laboratory as it has been known since 1992. But it was mainly just a change of title, not a totally different organisation.

I know, I was just undermining the credibility of you're post.

Incidentally, I don't recall seeing any conclusive evidence that hands-free talking is any more distracting than talking to a passenger.

I wonder what the next level of comms technology will bring, it's already a low level engagement activity to make or receive calls even with the phone in a pocket. Maybe thought control is to make an appearance?

 

[AMGeed]

That's true but it's a fair amount of work to do only to be met with a typical forum response:

'It's wrong, ban it'.

I'm glad I started the thread if only to get people discussing it and giving their opinions. Re the quote above, that was partly my point......it is already banned, but too many drivers are disregarding it because either the penalty is too soft or they don't care about the possible consequences.

While I fully support the idea and law of not using mobile phones whilst driving (unless it's handsfree and you are using it using voice commands) I would still not go for a kill banning them altogether. In case of emergency how are you going to cotact breakdown services or Police etc? Run along the motorway to find a phone booth?

A phone shut away in the glove box to be used only in emergencies is a perfectly acceptable option.

I'd be happy to see some kind of research into whether stopping using hands free phones would reduce accidents and make the roads safer. Personally, I avoid using a phone in the car unless necessary but understand its perfectly legal provided its hands free.

Apologies for any rudeness in my earlier posts. Its a subject I feel strongly about and wanted to bring the latest developments to attention, not get into arguments.