Phoning Whilst Driving

[Williamwoo]

I find it hard to understand the whole "it's the conversation that distracts you" I have had many conversations with passengers in my car and have not been distracted. In fact you're more likely to be distracted when chatting to a passenger as you're probably going to glance at them occasionally!

I think the point is that passengers will be able to see what's going on on the road and will, subconsciously or otherwise, gauge when the driver needs increased concentration on the road, and stop talking.

 

[NDFR]

excellent thread.....where is my popcorn when you need it

In the boot where it cannot distract the driver.

 

[Mulberry]

I think the point is that passengers will be able to see what's going on on the road and will, subconsciously or otherwise, gauge when the driver needs increased concentration on the road, and stop talking.

You've obviously never driven my Mother in Law anywhere.

 

[scottydee]

I think the point is that passengers will be able to see what's going on on the road and will, subconsciously or otherwise, gauge when the driver needs increased concentration on the road, and stop talking.

You can always just stop talking on the phone if you need "extra concentration"

 

[markjay]

I think the point is that passengers will be able to see what's going on on the road and will, subconsciously or otherwise, gauge when the driver needs increased concentration on the road, and stop talking.

While talking to the passenger may cause some distraction, having another pair of eyes in the car is generally considered safer. Assuming the passenger is a competent adult and preferably a driver himself/herself.

 

[Bellow]

You can always just stop talking on the phone if you need "extra concentration"

There is no one I would ever be talking to that would tolerate their time being wasted in such a manner. Neither would I be so insulting to them as waste their time - even if they were prepared to tolerate it.

 

[PhiliusM]

You've obviously never driven my Mother in Law anywhere.

Or my Mrs.

 

[renault12ts]

You can always just stop talking on the phone if you need "extra concentration"

That assumes that you have seen whatever it is that demands your attention.

I remember some years ago being completely oblivious to the siren of the police car trying to get my attention as he was sat next to me as I waited at a red light whilst engrossed in conversation on my phone...he wasn't a happy bunny!!

 

[Alex225]

Why do you think holding the phone in his hand rather than using a handsfree made him go slower...isn't it more true that the actual conversation is the problem...not the equipment?

Personally I can hold a conversation with a passenger or phone (loud speaker/hands free kit) and remaint at the same speed.

I'd be inclined to think that if someone knows they shouldn't be holding a phone to their ear, they're slightly distracted by that so slow down 'just in case' although I'm sure chatting has a similar effect on some.

With driving standards being what they are in the UK, the last thing most drivers need is concentrating on holding their phone rather than the steering wheel!

 

[Carrsey]

With driving standards being what they are in the UK, the last thing most drivers need is concentrating on holding their phone rather than the steering wheel!

Or using the phone at all....

This why we (I'm a traffic bobby) when attending serious / fatal collisions we seize phones, they are then interrogated for any use at the time of the collision. This evidence will then be used to help lay blame and convict..

 

[renault12ts]

Or using the phone at all....

This why we (I'm a traffic bobby) when attending serious / fatal collisions we seize phones, they are then interrogated for any use at the time of the collision. This evidence will then be used to help lay blame and convict..

Do you also interrogate handsfree?

 

[Carrsey]

Do you also interrogate handsfree?

I would think they would if it was a device that had its own independent sim card, not come across one though. Normal hands free links to the actual phone so all relevant data will be on there.

 

[renault12ts]

I would think they would if it was a device that had its own independent sim card, not come across one though. Normal hands free links to the actual phone so all relevant data will be on there.

Interesting. So even if the person was not holding a phone, but was holding a conversation on a phone...it is seen as relevant?

 

[poormansporsche]

Another one to add to the list of modern distractions !!!

This morning nearly had the van sideswiped by another van. The driver was steering with his elbows whilst using both of his hands to fill up his vape stick ! Its not the first time ive seen it either

 

[renault12ts]

Another one to add to the list of modern distractions !!!

This morning nearly had the van sideswiped by another van. The driver was steering with his elbows whilst using both of his hands to fill up his vape stick ! Its not the first time ive seen it either

And in the event of an air bag deployment...where does the vape stick go?

When your kids are young you teach them the dangers of walking/running with a pencil in their mouths...then someone invents the vape stick.

 

[Carrsey]

To give you an idea what were up against, the other day I was at a set of lights (on red) the traffic was flowing left to right. A young girl went through the lights and was holding her phone in front of the steering wheel and clearly operating the screen with her thumb.

I got her stopped and told her I had stopped her for using her phone, she was adamant she was not using the phone and never would as she knows it is illegal, she was simply updating facebook...

People need to understand the offence is using a mobile phone, not just making a call.

 

[renault12ts]

Yep...people are thick.

 

[Carrsey]

Interesting. So even if the person was not holding a phone, but was holding a conversation on a phone...it is seen as relevant?

Yes, the offence is "use a mobile phone whilst driving" and would be seen as a contributory factor..

 

[poormansporsche]

And in the event of an air bag deployment...where does the vape stick go?

When your kids are young you teach them the dangers of walking/running with a pencil in their mouths...then someone invents the vape stick.

Something else for Channel 5 to make a shockumentary about !

 

[Bellow]

Another one to add to the list of modern distractions !!!

This morning nearly had the van sideswiped by another van. The driver was steering with his elbows whilst using both of his hands to fill up his vape stick ! Its not the first time ive seen it either

They are such a faff to refill, his actions are of a lunatic!

And in the event of an air bag deployment...where does the vape stick go?

When your kids are young you teach them the dangers of walking/running with a pencil in their mouths...then someone invents the vape stick.

Pipe users can best answer your question R12S. Similarly, a can of Coke squashed into your skull won't be very pleasant. A bottle worse still.
FYI, when I'm vaping, I keep it away from my face approaching junctions etc - anywhere I perceive a risk of something pulling out on me. Helps with my 'risk assessment'!