Scary stuff - Driver distraction

[Cicli]

Originally Posted by Irishgirl

I recently heard about a large firm that is taking a hard line with distracted driving. This firm makes safety a priority and has strict no cell phone usage policy behind the wheel while on the clock. The firm has outlined consequences for those not abiding by the policy.


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I used to work for a company that had drive cams in all company vehicles. Cell phone use or distracted driving was immediate termination. Everyone knew it. Hard line rule, no exceptions. Good rule, my time there made me a better driver and I carry that habit with me to this day.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by jemoryl

I've always wanted to have a way to disable phones when a car is in gear. Unfortunately, this really goes against some FCC regulations that would be hard to get around. I have read that such blocking is done in movie theaters in Japan and churches in Spain!

Negative..no 'FCC regulations' that prevent the driver from using their cellie when driving. It's the YUGE bribes by the telecommunication companies to congress that prevents this from happening...VEY easy to do but no 'will' to do it.

[oldpotatoe]

bobby jones writes

Add in the frequent smell of pot smoke and I'll say as a road cyclist I got VERY frighted for the immediate future.

Pretty funny...NOT advocating driving while stoned(or drunk or texting or eating a bacon cheese burger)..but where do ya live? I live in the people's republic of Boulder and yup, there are legal weed stores like EVERYWHERE..google the 'green mile' in Denver..and while riding I very, very seldom smell weed.....So, regardless of the fear of 'demon weed', driving 'faced'(drink and drive)..is a MUCH bigger problem, along with distracted(cellie use) driving..

[jemoryl]

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

Negative..no 'FCC regulations' that prevent the driver from using their cellie when driving. It's the YUGE bribes by the telecommunication companies to congress that prevents this from happening...VEY easy to do but no 'will' to do it.

I didn't mean using a cell phone while driving violates a FCC regulation. What I meant is they regard jamming the phone signal a big no-no.

[unterhausen]

cell phone blockers are in place in the U.S. under very limited circumstance. Like some places in hospitals. I thought about putting something in my car that would block nearby cars from having cell reception. But I always wondered if it might cause more problems while the driver tried to figure out why their phone didn't work

If you look at where the cell coverage is in the U.S., it pretty much follows the main highways. Some of that reflects where the population is, but not always. It's pretty rare that there is no coverage on a major highway.

[Peter P.]

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

bobby jones writes


Pretty funny...NOT advocating driving while stoned(or drunk or texting or eating a bacon cheese burger)..but where do ya live? I live in the people's republic of Boulder and yup, there are legal weed stores like EVERYWHERE..google the 'green mile' in Denver..and while riding I very, very seldom smell weed.....So, regardless of the fear of 'demon weed', driving 'faced'(drink and drive)..is a MUCH bigger problem, along with distracted(cellie use) driving..

I live in CT and weed was recently legalized for sale in neighboring MA.
I definitely notice it when I'm riding as cars pass, in either direction. Since you can't smell alcohol as drivers pass, I'd be interested in the statistics on the percent of drivers under alcohol vs. pot in locales that have access to both. I wouldn't be surprised if the numbers soon reach parity.

I also agree that distracted driving is more of a problem than the former two.

[Peter P.]

Originally Posted by unterhausen

I thought about putting something in my car that would block nearby cars from having cell reception. But I always wondered if it might cause more problems while the driver tried to figure out why their phone didn't work.

While a great idea, it's illegal to jam cellphone signals without authorization. Personal jamming devices are available for you to bring to the theater, etc., by the way.

Others have done what you considered. The FCC has tracked them down and
prosecuted.

It would certainly be interesting to carry one while riding however, and watch nearby drivers' expressions!

[dgauthier]

Originally Posted by jemoryl

I've always wanted to have a way to disable phones when a car is in gear. Unfortunately, this really goes against some FCC regulations that would be hard to get around. I have read that such blocking is done in movie theaters in Japan and churches in Spain!

I'm sure you're referring to compulsory, mandated disabling of cell phones while driving. However, iOS 11 and later has a voluntary "do not disturb while driving" feature. It can even be set to activate automatically.

It works like a charm! I use it. I love it. Tell your friends, every little bit helps...

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208090

[Hawker]

Georgia passed a hands-free law about 18 months ago and it's "reported" that it is helping accidents attributed to distracted driving. But yes, it has to be enforced heavily to make a dent. I also think that auto manufactures need to re-think all the electronics in new cars. Whenever I rent a car I spend waaay too much time trying to play the radio, etc. I want knobs that turn and buttons that push....not touch sensitive controls!!!!!

[kiwisimon]

Originally Posted by jemoryl

I have read that such blocking is done in movie theaters in Japan and churches in Spain!

Here in Japan they aren't blocked but there is a short PSA telling people to turn them off and using them is a potential crime (copyright laws). BUT people are texting and driving all the time over here as well. And distracted drivers kill cyclists too.

[jemoryl]

Originally Posted by kiwisimon

Here in Japan they aren't blocked but there is a short PSA telling people to turn them off and using them is a potential crime (copyright laws). BUT people are texting and driving all the time over here as well. And distracted drivers kill cyclists too.

I had read somewhere that phones could be blocked in theaters, to stop ringing and bright screens detracting. This was some time ago, and not universally, just in the context of something that could not legally be done in the US.

[Hellgate]

We block them at work once an employee enters a speedgate. There's an app on the phone that disables features. Once the exit thru the speedgate the features are enabled.

[bambam]

While in North Carolina Saturday I noticed statewide it is hands free or ticket??? I think.

Not a complete solution, but as start.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by bambam

While in North Carolina Saturday I noticed statewide it is hands free or ticket??? I think.

Not a complete solution, but as start.

I don't get it..WHAT is SO important that you MUST use yer cellie while driving? Whether it's no hands or NOT??

OK, yer chasing a criminal..and need to talk to LEO while you are chasing him..

yeegads..Once upon a time you had to stop to find a pay phone and wait till ya got home to dialup the interweb and do instant messenger..

[mcteague]

MD has a law against hand held cell phone use and I doubt it stops much. When on my bike, and motorcycle, I have a great view inside of cars. I am amazed how many people I see with the phone in their hand while behind the wheel. I get most nervous on long, straight roads. That seems to be the time many drivers feel "safe" in checking their phones. I try and keep to twisty roads when riding, more fun for me and perhaps safer too.

Tim