Texting While Driving

Ive known how dangerous it is for a while now, but just saw a clip on the Today Show saying that texting is now worse than drinking and driving. I usually try to avoid texting and driving but am guilty of it every now and then (I know its no excuse but I pretty much know where all the keys are and dont have to look at the phone but for a split second at a time)

Just wanted to get some input from you guys considering the acclamation that this is now more dangerous than DUI... SO - do you do it? what are your thoughts when you see someone in the lane next to you texting? do you think they should make it illegal?

Thanks for any input

 

We legislate enough stuff already...Increased penalties for folks who cause accidents/injuries/damage while texting are the way to go, like many other things that are currently illegal.

I could care less what you do in your car as long as you don't put me in danger. I text and talk on the phone often- but I manage to hold the line I'm driving and will normally slow down to increase space between me and cars ahead of me. Busy traffic areas is a no-no for me. When I see people making poor decisions and swerving all over on the phone-pisses me off...Control the car right THEN worry about your weekend plans or whatever. Just MHO...

 

It is illegal in VA, but only as a secondary offense. I've seen plenty of people crossing the double yellows while messing with their phone (some just talking). That being said, I do check my Blackberry while driving but will have the wife type my response if she's with me. Other than that I've learned to just wait till I get where I'm going (or at least stopped at a light).

 

It was recently made illegal here in Tenn. In my mind there are plenty of other things that are just as dangerous or distracting that aren't specifically illegal. Playing with your GPS, iPod, eating, putting on makeup, talking on the phone, etc. I do my share of "distracted driving" but I try to keep it at a minimum. Hell, if you made all of them illegal, the only thing you could do would be pay attention to your driving.

 

actually i was told they have bumped it up from a secondary... not sure how accurate that is though.

 

I do it. I try to in "safer" conditions. Like not in traffic and not at night. For the most part.

I disaggree with them saying it is just as bad as drunk driving. Maybe tipsy driving at the most. When I'm "drunk" I usually can't even see.

 

I absolutely HATE when people are using their cell phones while driving. Texting, talking, dialing.....I don't care. Get your hands & eyes off the phone and put them on the wheel & the road where they belong.

Yeah, I've done it but I don't do it anymore. I'll pull into a gas station or side road and stop the vehicle If I gotta make a phone call. If someone calls me...I let it ring and I call them back when I'm ready (at home, or stopped somewhere).

Aside from a medical or family emergency....there's nothing that's more important to force you to take your eyes, ears, hands, & brain off running a piece of machinery that can be deadly if not operated properly.

 

It's bad. I don't do it anymore.

 

I'm going to have to agree with Janster. I have seen so many people screw up their driving skills when on the road. Not noticing how fast or slow they are going, cutting out in front of people, and just plain out not seeing the drivers around them. I think it can be equal to drinking and driving. I mean yeah, your not impaired by alcohol, but your judgment and mind is off somewhere else that can be just as lethal.

 

well i do it.. however i also use a program that allows me to speak the message and it types it out for me... so technically its no worse than talking.. plus my phones in a dock on the dash so i'm not holding it either..

 

Yean now thats not bad at all on your setup. Pretty sweet actually!!!

 

yea it works pretty good... plus the dock has a signal booster so i get to chat on the phone out in the boondocks....

 

Hey what program are you talking about for the texting? I need to look into getting that if it will work with my phone.

 

its called vlingo works for texts and email plus use it to voice dial or open apps.. basically you can say whatever you want your phone to do instead of pushing buttons..

 

Is that something you downloaded or did it come with the phone?

 

Yes it should be illegal.

That being said, I consider myself one of the very few who can do it without it affecting their driving.

If I get a phone call I'll generally tell people in the first 2 sentences I'm driving and what they want cause I want off the phone.

 

download it... they have a depending on the phone and whatnot they have a free version that will do certain stuff and a one time fee for an extended version that does everything...

just go to vlingo.com and check it out and see if it will work with your phone..

 

Cool, thanks I will have to check it out.

 

i do ...only while at stoplights. im like conor if somebody needs me bad enough theyll call me.

 

X2!