Hang Up And Drive!

[howeird]

On my way to work this morning every single driver who was doing something annoying had a cell phone slapped in his/her ear. I sure hope the CHP uses the new law as a major fund raising activity come July. But I'm puzzled - who are these people talking to? I'm kind of a hermit - my phone might not ring for a week. So to try to crack this mystery, a poll.

[Poll #1191096]

Comments

[smallship1.livejournal.com]

Don't have a cell phone. If I had one, it would be switched off. I don't do anything while driving other than drive. Not safe otherwise.

[cinchntouch.livejournal.com]

I answered always to the hands free question because the only times I don't use it is when the battery is dead - wo the more accurate answer would be most of the time.
I would say that about 75% of my cell use while driving is work related. Personally, I don't like to talk on the cell while driving, though I doubt that the phone is any more distracting than eating while driving, listening to loud music or smoking crack while driving.

[howeird]

I doubt that the phone is any more distracting than eating while driving, listening to loud music or smoking crack while driving.
Depends on whom you are eating. :-)

But seriously, some recent studies have shown that talking on the phone is only second to applying eye makeup and hitting the kids in the back seat, in how distracting it is for the driver. Without hands-free, and one hand on the wheel, how can you gesture?

[cinchntouch.livejournal.com]

you drive w/your feet on the wheel

well at least when someone is eatting you.

[yourbob.livejournal.com]

Apparently, using a hands-free device is no less distracting for a majority of people.

I answered honestly - "rarely" means three times. Ever. And they were event-specific (coordinating my arrival or similar).

I usually have it off while driving. Sometimes I'll leave it on so I can pull over and get the voicemail at the next opportunity.

And NEVER would I use one, even hands free, in situations where I have to DRIVE (e.g. parking lots, school zones, winding roads).

[rackstraw.livejournal.com]

Am guilty of going back on my hands-free policy on ocassion when it gets misplaced.

Texting is easy enough at a red-light, plus I can do it quickly without looking at the phone.

If car is moving, eyes should never be away from road/mirrors for more than a sec or two.

Phoning and driving is a great way to multi-task.

[pyrzqxgl.livejournal.com]

Not a driver, not a cell-phone owner.

[vasilatos]

I have two cellphones that sit forever ignored, connected to the charger. Tomorrow I'm going to drive a car (CityCarShare), and I will try to remember to bring a cellphone in case of emergency. If history is any predictor, I will forget.