Using cellphones while driving

[vernard]

Why of why do folks refuse to use headsets with cellphones when driving?

They should make it illegal to sell a cellphone without either speakerphone capabilities or a headset.

Comments

[jerseygirl1.livejournal.com]

AMEN!!!!

[technoshaman.livejournal.com]

It's not the phones themselves, it's the attitude. People talking on the phone zone out and don't pay attention to anything around them. Besides, this is not the only thing people do, particularly mornings, that distract them..... women applying cosmetics, doing hair; folks fiddling with radios, CD cases, children screaming....

You cannot regulate that kind of thing. You can only make it hurt when it causes a problem. If you were Driving While Distracted, even if it was by yon billboard over there that wasn't even IN your car, and cause a boo-boo, you get busted.

Anything else violates the doctrine of prior restraint. In these days when Dubya wants to take whatever freedom he can get his greasy meat hooks on, don't give him any bright ideas.

[jerseygirl1.livejournal.com]

I disagree... I do fine talking on my phone with a headset. I think it is because I have both hands on the wheel and I am sitting up straight. I also try not to dial when driving (most people are on speed dial and I do not have to look at the phone to dial). To me, it is easier than talking to someone in the car, because I tend to try to look at someone when I talk to them.

*plink* *plink*

[technoshaman.livejournal.com]

Personally I think it's a question of mentality... some folks multitask better than others. But since giving "you can't think straight" as a valid reason for flunking a driving test is a Bad Idea for a number of reasons (including preventing rural McDonalds' workers from getting to work), we have to go with restraint after-the-fact. Less bureaucracy, not more.

[jerseygirl1.livejournal.com]

Well, I see your point. I am a good multi-tasker! :-)

[dwivian]

Studies show that the handset is not any less dangerous than the headset, and can be less so. The headset tends to get left on, and thus blocks sound from an area during driving. And, as well, the zoning mind tends to not care what the distraction is. The idea that one-handed driving is bad is still there, but many drivers are not "ten-and-two" people anyway, so there is no loss.

You're much worse on the road with a passenger that you want to address, or food you want to eat, or music you want to enjoy, than with any cell phone. Until they outlaw drive-thru cuisine and front seat riders, I don't expect any change on cellphone usage to be of any importance.

[arasirsul.livejournal.com]

Except that not using a headset is a problem, and even the cellphone companies admit it. (I work for one.) From what I can see, the biggest problem with headset/non headset use isn't the distraction, it's that a person with a cellphone grafted to his ear seems to be pretty much unable to turn his head to check his blind spot before changing lanes.

The headset doesn't necessarily reduce the distraction, it allows one to continue doing one of the basic functions of driving a vehicle. If you're going to yap while driving, spend the few bucks (hell, I got my last one for $1 at the dollar store) on a hands-free kit. Sure, you're just as distracted either way (and just as distracted as if you were twiddling stereo knobs or yapping with the person in the seat next to you), but at least if you're using a headset you're able to properly see what's going on around your car.

-JDF

[dwivian]

Interesting points. Wish the studies I've seen had addressed them, but the data either doesn't show a significant risk from people not turning their heads, or perhaps they turn their heads anyway during tested events. Dunno.

I have bought several headset/hands-free kits. The wiring in them is so flimsy that I have spent more than I did on my phone itself trying to be good. I may have to get a bluetooth phone and a wireless earpiece next.

[captain-bob.livejournal.com]

You cannot outlaw bad driving.

[dwivian]

Yes you can. enforcing the law, though, becomes messy.

[vernard.livejournal.com]

What I do is when I get into my car is immediately plug my headset into my phone and place my phone somewhere that I can easily get to it when I'm driving. If calls are so important that I need to answer them then I think its important enough to take the extra effort to make it easier and safer for me to answer the call. Its become a habit and I no longer even notice the extra effort.

And yeah, most speakerphones do suck in cars. They aren't designed to be used in that situation.