Using a Telephone Whilst Driving

SHIPSHAPE

vax2002 wrote: »

At a conference of the countrys leading accident investigation specialists including police, the conclusion was that the most dangerous driver on any road and the one most likely to cause a fatal accident is one who concerns themselves with other peoples driving habits.

Rubbish.

I drive a lot and I have to compensate for the idiots on the road by anticipating what those idiots may or may not do by concerning myself with their driving habits.

Only yesterday I was approaching from a narrow junction to turn right and some burk was waiting to turn right into this narrow road, on his mobile and totally oblivious to me, and I had to beep my horn frantically when he attempted to turn into my road otherwise he would have knocked into me.

Situations like this happen almost on a daily basis.

eyelinerprincess

It still disturbs me that police like that are/were roaming the streets of my hometown.

kittykarate

Peater wrote: »

If hands-free kits are just as bad as holding a phone because its the conversation thats the distraction, then surely that casts questions over the eligibility of carrying passengers?

Because, heaven forbid, they may converse with you......

The studies have shown that part of the problem with conversing on the phone is that you have to concentrate on the conversation more, as you are missing the visual clues and cues you'd get whilst talking to someone in person. While I hope that people don't drive along gazing into the face of their passenger, you will still get some body language etc. in your peripheral vision.

Also, hopefully a passenger has the sense to !!!!!! while you're in the middle of something needing a bit of thought, and they can see the driving conditions that you are dealing with, so have the opportunity to bring things to your attention.

marleyboy

Originally Posted by vax2002
At a conference of the countrys leading accident investigation specialists including police, the conclusion was that the most dangerous driver on any road and the one most likely to cause a fatal accident is one who concerns themselves with other peoples driving habits.

It is generally someone else's bad habits that cause fatalities on the roads. I am always weary of other drivers habits. Are they going to pull out in front of me without looking, is he going to try and jump those lights, is she going to use her indicators or should I second guess it.

I constantly remind my OH to be vigilant on the road, not because of her driving, but because of those out there who shouldn't be driving. Should she ignore the bad habits of dangerous drivers using the roads, there's a greater risk of her becoming a victim to one.

shaun_from_Africa

the conclusion was that the most dangerous driver on any road and the one most likely to cause a fatal accident is one who concerns themselves with other peoples driving habits.

Well, speaking as a driver who probably drives more miles on roads with some of the worst drivers in the world, than many posters on here, (Nigeria, Mauritania, Libya, are just some of the places), all I can say is that the people who came to this conclusion must be total idiots.

I normally work with a group of about 10 or 12 expats all of whom drive, and as yet, not one of us has ever been involved in a serious, let alone a fatal accident. (and I've been driving in these places for well over 20 years now).

It is only by deeply concerning yourself with other peoples driving habits that it's possible to avoid becoming another statistic in the road fatility list.

daveyjp

vax2002 wrote: »

At a conference of the countrys leading accident investigation specialists including police, the conclusion was that the most dangerous driver on any road and the one most likely to cause a fatal accident is one who concerns themselves with other peoples driving habits.

Competely agree and feel some respondants are confusing concern with awareness. There is a huge difference between concerning yourself with other people's driving and being aware of other drivers.

Once you start concerning yourself you try and do something about it to show the bad driver the error of their ways. Concerned drivers fail to address their driving shortfalls and see themselves as a teacher who knows everthing, when in fact they are often very poor drivers.

Examples. Middle lane driver on motorway. If you are aware you recognise the error, pass correctly still being aware of them and leave them to it. If you are concerned you get close, flash your lights and do whatever else you deem appropriate to chastise the other driver.

Or the tailgater. You decide you are concerned and slam on, or slow down etc to "teach the other driver a lesson". This merely winds them up. A good driver would know a tailgater is far better in front as you can keep an eye on them and let them pass.

In both cases the concerned driver can cause an accident, an aware driver can't.

BobQ

Peater wrote: »

If hands-free kits are just as bad as holding a phone because its the conversation thats the distraction, then surely that casts questions over the eligibility of carrying passengers?

Because, heaven forbid, they may converse with you......

The difference with a passenger is they can and should appreciate the conditions under which you are talking. If you pause or stop speaking they can rationalise why by looking out of the window. If you are speaking to (for example a potential customer) who asks you a question and you do not reply he will conclude you are being rude. Of course if you tell him you are driving he will conclude you are a fool.