I know I don't need to tell you guys this but stay off the damn phone while driving. Watched a guy nearly get killed this morning

[Madhatter]

you are correct ericv…. at least drinkers try to pay attention , sad as that is (don't want to get busted ) . but a txter ,well they are just stupid and with out excuse....when they start putting people in jail for txting like they do drinkers it might change a few minds . you just get a ticket for txting.

 

[Sierra1]

Unfortunately It's perfectly legal to text and drive everywhere in the US. Want proof? Just look around. If there is a law I sure would like to see it enforced....

….What you are referring to is enforcement. Traffic duty officers will be judged far too often on the number of citations they write in their area that fall into the classification that their supervisors wish to enforce. Speed is easy to see, gets many complaints and easy to observe and cite, as well as those citations are relatively easy to get to hold up in court....

TAP....TAP....TAP....Is this thing on? I posted the following a couple of days ago:

The enforcement of the current law is the issue. At least in Texas, the law allows EVERYTHING except texting; i.e. talking, navigation, and searching for music is legal. So, when pulled over, a person will of course claim they were NOT texting. And, since a search warrant is required to look into someone's phone....unenforceable. As far as videos go....illegal in the front seat.

If your state law does not prohibit hand held devices, there is no way TO PROVE IN COURT that a person was texting. Other violations/offenses are enforceable because officers can testify to what he saw; and sometimes he can even get it on video. BUT, if he stops you for using your phone, he can only testify that you were using a phone....but not to what you were doing on the phone. The law needs to be written as "hands free" only. Not that "hands free" will completely fix the problem; even "hands free" is a distraction. It WILL go a long way to stop texting.

 

[nondairycreamer]

Whether or not the cause is texting or other I see far too many cars crossing the center line. There was a time when that was cause for a reckless driving citation and a possible search if unusual odors are detected. It seems to me not staying in lane is still a possible invitation to court. Even if the driver is not fined the inconvenience is a major incentive to pay closer attention to their behavior.

 

[cyclemike4]

I know the cell phones are a real problem where i live and they have to be ever where. people driving 15 to 20 mph over the limit looking at a phone. the new cars are not much better. Sure they have anti lock brakes and steer back into your lane and stop for you safety features. they also have touch screens for every thing from the heat to the radio. It isn't like you can look at the road and feel for that heat switch and turn it on. you have to look at the screen that takes your eyes off the road. I think if every body drove a 1950 model car the whole place would be safer. no power steering or brakes. 3 on the tree and poly glass tires. You had to dive those cars. No time for distractions. the main problem i see is people live in a here and now world. they have to be where they are going right now and driving is no longer an enjoyment. People try to multitask by doing the shopping list and everything else while driving not to mention keeping up with face book. I know i hear people talking about they can multitask and get more things done but the fact is people who multitask do more things badly. Not sure what can be done about the phones and driving or when it will be done but until then people keep on your toes and keep that head moving looking and predicting the best you can and remember to enjoy the ride!

 

[Sierra1]

Actually, as far as statistics go.....less people now die in car crashes, nationally, than ever before. Some 25 years ago, on average, 50,000 people per year, died in car crashes. I saw a stat for 2016, that showed we were down to 37,000 car crash deaths. That being said, I don't think we're driving better....the cars are protecting us better. Don't get me wrong, I agree with cyclemike, we are WAY too distracted. Unfortunately, that will never change; which is why I use that situational awareness to try and predict the actions of others. So far, so good.

 

[Kyle_E]

Actually, as far as statistics go.....less people now die in car crashes, nationally, than ever before. Some 25 years ago, on average, 50,000 people per year, died in car crashes. I saw a stat for 2016, that showed we were down to 37,000 car crash deaths. That being said, I don't think we're driving better....the cars are protecting us better. Don't get me wrong, I agree with cyclemike, we are WAY too distracted. Unfortunately, that will never change; which is why I use that situational awareness to try and predict the actions of others. So far, so good.

We are also driving considerably more miles per year than 25 years ago. Testament to how much safer cars have gotten guess we should toss in medical treatment advances there as well.
Crumple zones and stuff may suck for repairing cars after an accident, but they save a ton of injuries and lives.

 

[Sierra1]

....Crumple zones and stuff may suck for repairing cars after an accident, but they save a ton of injuries and lives.

Absolutely correct. Stability control software, and side-impact air bags are two huge, often forgotten life savers. You have to make the choice....more damage to the car, or more damage to your body.

 

[Kyle_E]

Absolutely correct. Stability control software, and side-impact air bags are too huge, often forgotten life savers. You have to make the choice....more damage to the car, or more damage to your body.

The insurance companies are among those pushing for the air curtains and stuff. Its cheaper for them to write off a $50,000 car than it is to pay for 3 days in ICU and 10 weeks of rehab.

When I got hit on the freeway 2 years ago, I rode myself to the trauma center (down the street 4 blocks). I was there for literally 3 hours the bill was $27,000.....

 

[Sierra1]

Personally, I TOO would rather write of the car than spend the days in ICU, and rehab. (not that I'm likely to have that $50k car in the first place)