Comments on: Swear an Oath

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:15:00 +0000

Unfortunately driving, and cell phone use, are each effectively treated as rights in the U.S. Until that changes and there are dire consequences for their misuse we will continue to have accidents and deaths but I don’t see a possibility of that changing in our lifetimes.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:00:40 +0000

Orin: Interesting observations about how driving and cell phone use is handled in Europe.

I suppose driving is viewed much in the same way that gun ownership is at some level. Regardless of the legal issues surrounding either the expectation of our country is that both are something inherently American and the government should stay out of the way.

If as individuals we were more responsible government wouldn't need to get in the way.

I'm not sure how I feel about how cell phone use should be managed on the road. I just know from first hand experience that it's a danger to me.

By: Orin

Orin — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:27:49 +0000

Something I noticed while living in Europe is how a driver's license is very difficult (and expensive) to get and very easy to lose. In Germany, you have to go through a process very similar to getting a pilot's license; an article in AutoWeek noted the United States is the only industrialized nation that does not require some kind of formalized training for getting a license. In fact, BMW made use of this in advertising their advanced driver training program, picture ads featuring Aunt Tilly and that sketchy guy your mom married as not good people from which to learn to drive.

In Sweden, any alcohol in your blood gets you a DUI and a lengthy license suspension; using the cell while driving gets you a bunch of points on your license in several countries. In Europe, of course, people don't really need to drive because there's really good public transportation (financed by high taxes on fuel and motor vehicles) and good intercity railways.

Some Fox News Channel ranter has been quoted as saying "we're three minutes away from becoming Europe." I think that'd mostly be a good thing...

__Orin
Scootin' Old Skool

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:42:15 +0000

projecta1: You’re right, even with laws controlling use of phones who knows how well they would be followed.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:41:13 +0000

Jack Riepe: I think you should begin promoting a big "Turn Off the Phone" event. A national thing.

Seriously though you have said it right. All we need do is turn the thing off once in awhile. We're not all surgeons on call. What can be that important that we need to be instantly available?

irondad: I don't know how we fix the lack of responsibility problem. Sometimes it seems as if the culture is built around the Bart Simpson "Not Me Man" motto. Everything is someone else's problem...

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:37:09 +0000

vic: It sounds as if you have considered this issue carefully. I've not had many problems with incoming calls because I largely ignore them. It's me making calls that's the problem. Thankfully, I can make a decision to not use the phone.

For me the cellphone issue is much more important than helmet issues. It has a direct effect on my safety.

Joe: I emailed you the article. Please tell us what bad stuff is going to happen from reading the NY Times. I'm assuming this is a technical risk and not a political one....*grin*

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:30:44 +0000

SimplyTim: You noted correctly how dialing a cellphone can be bad. It takes time away from the road to do things and even a moment can be disaster.

My life does seem hijacked my rush at times. I have to fight to get off that road.

Rob: Text Goblin. That's a great picture. I predict more states will ban cell phone use while driving but I wonder how they will enforce it?

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:25:32 +0000

WaywardScooterGirl: It's a hard habit to break in the car in part because cars seem so "safe". It's like I'm perfectly shielded and in control. But so far so good. No cellphone use in the car.

cpa3485: Talking while riding seems nuts to me but I guess not to everyone. I was looking at a Honda Goldwing that had all sorts of built in communications devices. Maybe I'm just not coordinated enough.

Seriously though I think the same impairment denial at work with drinkers works with cellphone users. You just don't believe anything is wrong and nothing bad will happen.

By: projecta1

projecta1 — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:51:00 +0000

Very good blog this one
Cell phones are a distraction mean while you´are driving.. in Argentina where I live cell phones are not allowed when driving cars.

Unfortunately just a few take care of the normative rest keep cell phonning

Hector
http://wwwprojecta2.blogspot.com/

By: irondad

irondad — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:12:41 +0000

Cell phones are a big distraction, for sure. I just think we need to broaden the subject. Why not turn on the key, then CONCENTRATE ON DRIVING?

I find it so frustrating dealing with symptoms when the real sickness is that people just don't take responsibility for themselves, anywhere, let alone driving. How do we fix that?