Advocacy & Safety - Horrified by the number of distracted drivers I see

I was walking (gasp) to a lunch place earlier this week which was a bit farther than the norm for me, but the weather was nice and I felt like enjoying it.

It involves walking down a fairly busy but still pretty fast moving traffic street (avg speed 35-45mph) with good car density and some lights. Just for kicks, I started to observe and actually count the number of oncoming drivers (I was facing traffic) who were driving distracted.

I considered distracted:
- Having a cell phone to their head and talking (which is technically illegal here in CA)
- Texting (which means actively looking at their phone and away from the road)
- Doing something else requiring not looking at the road at all (often involved finding a phone or trying to attach the phone to a headset)

I did NOT consider driving distracted:
- Talking hands free - that's legal here in CA so I gave those drivers a pass

On my estimate, after seeing a good 30+ cars pass by at 35+mph, a good one-third of the drivers were distracted by the criteria above. If I were a cop, it would have been a field day - could have pulled over every third car for those violations. And keep in mind I'm not being a stickler about dinging drivers for distraction; these weren't momentary lapses of a second. Most of these violations were ongoing full-out conversations or big-time texts that went on from the moment I saw them to the moment they rolled by. A few drivers drove a good several hundred feet without ever even looking at the road!


Makes you worried about cycling on roads with this situation, unfortunately.

What you mentioned I believe absolutely to be true...and grown a lot worse with different hand held devices available....from phones, to tablets with video to GPS.
Drivers are so poor today...partly lulled into a sense of security in 2 ton vehicles with excellent crash protection...the reason I sold my motorcycle. I love motorcycles but believe the risk to be too great and a single common mistake would likely ruin my cycling...perhaps for a lifetime...too big a risk.
As to ride a bicycle on roads with speed limit above say 35 mph...good luck to all of us. I try to limit my bike riding on busy
streets or non cycling specific venues.

Not only cell phone use/texting and the other items you listed hhnngg1 distract drivers, but in new cars all the electronics included on the dash do too. Touch screens, tablets, GPS units, cd players, it all steals a drivers attention from the road. I see these car ads on tv and think "Are you kidding??!?"

- Talking hands free - that's legal here in CA so I gave those drivers a pass


So strange to me that hands free talking is against the law. To me it seems that talking hands free would be like talking to other passengers in the car. How weird would it be if you couldn't talk to other passengers in your vehicle when driving?

Really true. I remember the day when phones were home and when people in cars just drove. Still despite the above driving continues to become safer each year. What probably is not becoming safer is walking, running or cycling where drivers are adjacent to those doing the above.

Some people have never driven without owning a cell phone. When I look at drivers in passing cars, I get about the same count as the OP. Scary.

So strange to me that hands free talking is against the law. To me it seems that talking hands free would be like talking to other passengers in the car. How weird would it be if you couldn't talk to other passengers in your vehicle when driving?
This is because studies have shown that passengers in the car respond to driving threats which moves prevents social pressure from pulling the driver away at key moments. Listening to the stereo also does not have the distracting effect of a cell phone conversation because there is no social pressure and the driver tunes out the music when they need to.

What surprises me is how many people are shocked by the number of idiots out there. If there's one thing you can count on, that's what it would be

You would **** a brick here, in Taiwan, to see many cars equiped with DVD players that have screens visble to drivers while the car is being driven. Some even stream TV with 4G. I've been in MANY taxis with this.

I have no idea why anyone thought this was a good idea.

Our extaordinary Mayor in Toronto whos been caught reading documents while driving, wants bicycle lanes removed and has stated that cyclists being hit by vehicles deserved it would disagree with the op.

Having been hit by a distracted driver, it is a topic worthy of worry.

Anecdotes rarely give us an accurate account of something like this.

If we look at total driving fatalities from 2005 to 2011, the number of motor vehicle fatalities has actually dropped from 43,500 to 32,300.

Distracted driving is around 10% of fatal accidents, but the numbers appear to be falling. Its involvement in crashes has dropped, from 39,000 in 2005 to 32,000 in 2010. Fatalities due to distracted driving has dropped from 43,500 in 2005 to 32,800 in 2010. All this at a time when cell phone / smart phone / texting, and awareness of distracted driving by data collectors, has undoubtedly increased.

So either people are getting better at driving while distracted, or they are distracted less than in 2005.


Pedestrian fatalities are in absolute terms lower - 4,900 in 2000, down to 4,280 in 2010. Bicycle fatalities also haven't changed much since 2000, around 700 per year.

So cycling is just as safe now as it has been for well over a decade.


Of course there can always be local variations, and obviously more can be done to mitigate distracted driving. But it seems likely that you (and most of us) are just noticing it more acutely, rather than distracted driving actually going up.

Having a law that prohibits these things isn't exactly fair because some people can do it (driving while talking on the phone for instance) ... while others clearly can't.
People have been adjusting their radio or briefly looking at maps or other things while driving for decades, you know.
As long as you do it right and with the right timing and attention ... there isn't any risk involved.
Personally, for my job, I constantly do the following things while driving:
drinking, eating, calling hands-free, looking at GPS maps, looking at my toughbook on the passenger seat to see phone numbers or addresses, etc ...
Never had any problems while driving ... furthermore cyclists and pedestrians in general are very friendly to me because I almost always let them go first.

Having a law that prohibits these things isn't exactly fair because some people can do it (driving while talking on the phone for instance) ... while others clearly can't.
People have been adjusting their radio or briefly looking at maps or other things while driving for decades, you know.
As long as you do it right and with the right timing and attention ... there isn't any risk involved.
Personally, for my job, I constantly do the following things while driving:
drinking, eating, calling hands-free, looking at GPS maps, looking at my toughbook on the passenger seat to see phone numbers or addresses, etc ...
Never had any problems while driving ... furthermore cyclists and pedestrians in general are very friendly to me because I almost always let them go first.

And some people drive drunk better than some people who are stone sober.

When you take a 2-ton crusher that can easily go over 100 mph out on public property, society damn well has the right to dictate the rules under which you operate that deadly machine.

Anecdotes rarely give us an accurate account of something like this.

If we look at total driving fatalities from 2005 to 2011, the number of motor vehicle fatalities has actually dropped from 43,500 to 32,300.

Distracted driving is around 10% of fatal accidents, but the numbers appear to be falling. Its involvement in crashes has dropped, from 39,000 in 2005 to 32,000 in 2010. Fatalities due to distracted driving has dropped from 43,500 in 2005 to 32,800 in 2010. All this at a time when cell phone / smart phone / texting, and awareness of distracted driving by data collectors, has undoubtedly increased.

So either people are getting better at driving while distracted, or they are distracted less than in 2005.


Pedestrian fatalities are in absolute terms lower - 4,900 in 2000, down to 4,280 in 2010. Bicycle fatalities also haven't changed much since 2000, around 700 per year.

So cycling is just as safe now as it has been for well over a decade.


Of course there can always be local variations, and obviously more can be done to mitigate distracted driving. But it seems likely that you (and most of us) are just noticing it more acutely, rather than distracted driving actually going up.
Would love to know how NHSTA can deduce the no. of distracted drivers has fallen. Love to know this so please do tell.
People if anything are 'much' more distracted today because there is more to be distracted about.
As to deaths decreasing...vehicle safety has steadily improved...some cars having 8 air bags including roll over bags and much better crash management...including critical side crash protection.
Drunk drivers still kill a lot people out on the roads. Basically 40,000 people are killed in the US in car accidents every year like clock work.

Funny you mention this, I was walking today and did the same thing. It was almost odd to see someone not busy with their phone.

THis is an issue all over the world...well maybe not in Copenhagen :)

A lesson from my motorcycle instructor applies to both cyclists and pedestrians as well: 'Always assume you are invisible'
I've read somewhere that North American drivers are simply not used to or made sensitive to presence of cyclists on the road.
Since cycling is on the rise, the danger of getting hit has also increased.
Average driver's brain may not 'register' the presence of such a small object, as it is scanning mostly for cars.

We need more awareness for the drivers, paying attention to smaller objects on the road like bicycles, scooters, mopeds and motorcycles should be stressed during driver training (which btw should be mandatory for new drivers)
My father taught me how to drive, and so I inherited all of HIS so-so habits...which took a while to realize and deal with down the road :)

The light at the end of this tunnel is that bike lanes are on the rise and the numbers, and therefore exposure is up.

I worked for a courier company which operated in Vancouver, Canada. We had a few bike couriers for DT core.
These guys had to deal with drivers not paying attention on minute-by-minute basis.

My daily goal while biking is to try and find as many as possible that are NOT texting or talking on phones in cars. I cross at a four way light in a small city at mid morning daily. It is a joke how many are doing everything but driving. I have it figured out, IF the head is turning back and forth to see if they can turn and the phone is in hand to ear, they DO NOT see me on a bike. Oh boy is it a sore spot to me.
Who is everyone talking and texting too is my question? I say the President must call and ask opinions from all these people.

Would love to know how NHSTA can deduce the no. of distracted drivers has fallen.
When there's a reported crash, the police fill out the Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria. This ensures that police are reporting the same data to the NHSTA.

It's certainly a better means of measurement than an irate cyclist watching a handful of cars on a busy road. ;)



As to deaths decreasing...vehicle safety has steadily improved...some cars having 8 air bags including roll over bags and much better crash management...including critical side crash protection.
That might be possible, but actually, the more likely component of the explanation -- which I admit I missed -- is that people are driving less.

The estimated number of miles driven peaked in 2005, and started falling after that. By 2011, people were driving as much as they had in 1997. Less driving = less crashes = less distracted driving = less crashes due to distracted driving.



Drunk drivers still kill a lot people out on the roads. Basically 40,000 people are killed in the US in car accidents every year like clock work.
No, it used to be close to 40,000 -- in 2005. It's now down to around 32,000.

The number of alcohol-related fatalities, which hovered around 17,000 per year from 1993 to 2005, started to dip after 2005, and dropped to less than 13,000 per year in 2009.


And again, the changes in bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are all but statistically insignificant. 2.47 million Americans died last year, and 700 of them were on a bicycle when it happened. That's 0.03% of all US fatalities. This doesn't mean you should cycle like a complete moron and feel safe, or that distracted driving is never an issue. It means we could use a nice dose of perspective here.

10 times more people a year die from Clostridium difficile infections than on a bike. How many people have even heard of c.diff?

In other words, cycling is a relatively safe activity. Stay predictable, use some common sense, learn how to avoid common crashes, watch for cars and you should be fine.

Agree with above. Bicycling is still statistically a very safe activity.

However, I would argue, even just on my anecdotal observations, that your odds of having an accident are dramatically reduced if you select roads that are away from high moving traffic density and away from urban areas where things like texting and fiddling with phones are more common, if not just because of the sheer number of drivers.

On my favorite bike routes, I can usually count with one hand the number of cars that will pass me in a 30-60 minute stretch. The roads that are more trafficked have big shoulders with other cyclist groups on them so it's pretty well known to keep alert for us. Of course you don't always have this luxury depending on where you live, but I do think it would be a big mistake to think that just because the stats suggest that cycling is safe, that you shouldn't worry about where you ride. The total number of bicycle fatalities will always be low as well since only a very small segment of the population bikes at all. Compare to drivers or people getting sick in hospitals, and the numbers aren't even close in terms of people at risk.

Oh yes. It's only a matter of time.

Oh yes. It's only a matter of time.

Everything is.

And some people drive drunk better than some people who are stone sober.

This is absolutely true and the main reason I don't like the Belgian law system that simply measures the amount of alcohol in the air you breathe out to decide whether or not you have to pay a fine.
I've heard about actual tests with walking on lines and such being conducted in the states ... that system isn't perfect either but definately better than just measuring an amount and deciding that makes you a certain degree of "drunk".

Moved from Road to A&S.

the changes in bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are all but statistically insignificant. 2.47 million Americans died last year, and 700 of them were on a bicycle when it happened. That's 0.03% of all US fatalities. This doesn't mean you should cycle like a complete moron and feel safe, or that distracted driving is never an issue. It means we could use a nice dose of perspective here..

Nicely put there.

And again, the changes in bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are all but statistically insignificant. 2.47 million Americans died last year, and 700 of them were on a bicycle when it happened. That's 0.03% of all US fatalities. This doesn't mean you should cycle like a complete moron and feel safe, or that distracted driving is never an issue. It means we could use a nice dose of perspective here.



Using 2009 US stats, 628 cyclists were killed that year, representing .5 percent in the total of the 118,000 unintentional US deaths. Add in the fact that bicycling only accounts for .4 percent of the US transportation share, which in turn only shoots even more holes in that nice dose of perspective of yours.

When you take a 2-ton crusher that can easily go over 100 mph out on public property, society damn well has the right to dictate the rules under which you operate that deadly machine.

"Society" is unlikely to pay any attention to horrified advocates who use overheated rhetoric like 2-ton crushers to describe an automobile or refer to 100 mph capability of automobiles as an issue when discussing distracted driving.

Nearly got hit by someone in a Prius who was reading her mail while driving in rush hour. Her response when I caught up to her and voiced my displeasure at nearly being run into a parked car? "You should wear a helmet!"

Our extaordinary Mayor in Toronto whos been caught reading documents while driving, wants bicycle lanes removed and has stated that cyclists being hit by vehicles deserved it would disagree with the op.

Having been hit by a distracted driver, it is a topic worthy of worry.

I can't believe he is still mayor. I remember when that was first mentioned on BF.

Nearly got hit by someone in a Prius who was reading her mail while driving in rush hour. Her response when I caught up to her and voiced my displeasure at nearly being run into a parked car? "You should wear a helmet!"

So, That is her excuse for purely stupid behavior.

So strange to me that hands free talking is against the law. To me it seems that talking hands free would be like talking to other passengers in the car. How weird would it be if you couldn't talk to other passengers in your vehicle when driving?
The difference is that another passenger can see the situation outside and shut-the-F-up when appropriate (unless its my GF) whereas the other party in a hands-free cell call will keep blabbering on when you're about to have an accident.

So strange to me that hands free talking is against the law. To me it seems that talking hands free would be like talking to other passengers in the car. How weird would it be if you couldn't talk to other passengers in your vehicle when driving?

It's not though. There have been multiple studies and talking hands free is much more distracting than talking to people in the car. Even FMRI scanning shows that when the person you're talking to is on a device rather than standing right there, your brain completely switches gears and is no longer primarily concentrating on your surroundings.

I've start commuting recently and I can agree more with this problem. Is really scary having to really be extremely careful now a days when driving a bike, I have to double check every time a car comes out from a residence parking cause they are all distracted with their phones I don't pass until the person looks at me that I'm there, is ridiculous even crosing a road I wil do the same. This issue is very worrying but I try to be safe and always wear a helmet.

I see allot of other bike riders in the morning or any time of the day none of them are wearing a helmet so I really think that were I live there is no way people have an idea of what bike safety means. I feel like the weirdo Alien for them cause I'm wearing a helmet and gloves and they look at me like with that look of "What in the hell are you wearing...eeew" LOL seriusoly...

The difference is that another passenger can see the situation outside and shut-the-F-up when appropriate (unless its my GF) whereas the other party in a hands-free cell call will keep blabbering on when you're about to have an accident.

I am trying to get my relatives to not succumb to the stupidity of hands-free talking. There is quite a ways to go, with the malaise they are in.

And leaving Weenie Roast the cops could have set up shop with checkpoints and loaded buses full of drunk drivers......instead they were directing traffic and clearing people away from a crash in the parking lot on the way out. My guess is when it comes to doing lots of work, people don't want to.

Sometimes when i've been in the car with my mom she talks about the stupidest most trivial things on her phone and she's going blind! I'm just like "i hope you have your things in order if you were to get into a serious crash one day" (and refuses to wear glasses!)

I've start commuting recently and I can agree more with this problem. Is really scary having to really be extremely careful now a days when driving a bike....
Again, it is no different now than at any other time. You should always keep an eye on cars, you shouldn't assume that cars can see you.

A helmet is helpful, but it isn't a substitute for proper cycling techniques.

Any hand held device is illegal in Oregon. This rule of law is not enforced with any vigor. Many drivers here believe they are important and thus need to talk on the cell phone or text especially in the tri-county area around Portland. Although it is my observation road cyclists are often seen going through stop signs without coming to a full stop.

Any hand held device is illegal in Oregon. This rule of law is not enforced with any vigor. Many drivers here believe they are important and thus need to talk on the cell phone or text especially in the tri-county area around Portland. Although it is my observation road cyclists are often seen going through stop signs without coming to a full stop.

Thats is sort of a weird digression... Just because a person rolls a stop sign( or even outright blows it, which is entirely different than rolling though IMHO) does not mean they are distracted. Now if you want totalk about bicyclists texting ) something I have seen quite a bit in Portland lately) that would be ,ore on topic.

I live within a few blocks of a small college and as I walk and bicycle around I see way too many young drivers with a phone in their hand. (How are they all affording those iphones? Oh yeah, loans.)

"Society" is unlikely to pay any attention to horrified advocates who use overheated rhetoric like 2-ton crushers to describe an automobile or refer to 100 mph capability of automobiles as an issue when discussing distracted driving.

We're not society, we're commiserates.

This thread reminds me of an editorial cartoon I saw about a decade ago. A cop had pulled over a motorist who had a laptop, paperwork, a phone and a meal laid out on a small table next to him. The motorist said, "I'm sorry officer. I forgot I was driving."

I do counts like the OP several times per month. However, I only observe about half as many motorists driving distracted as the OP did. Maybe we make up for it with our higher levels of intoxicated drivers.:)

It's not though. There have been multiple studies and talking hands free is much more distracting than talking to people in the car. Even FMRI scanning shows that when the person you're talking to is on a device rather than standing right there, your brain completely switches gears and is no longer primarily concentrating on your surroundings.I think the point is that with talking on the phone, whether hands-free or not, your brain is distracted, not necessarily your eyes. I think both are equally dangerous. Texting is even worse because your eyes and brain are both disengaged.

When I drive I leave the cell phone alone.

. . . you want totalk about bicyclists texting ) something I have seen quite a bit in Portland lately) that would be ,ore on topic.First day with that new keyboard can be a real learning experience. :rolleyes:

We're not society, we're commiserates.

True. A "horrified" BF preacher howling to his A&S "horrified" choir, seeking catharsis through electronic wailing and gnashing of teeth.

First day with that new keyboard can be a real learning experience. :rolleyes:
Getting used to the iPad sorry ....

Getting used to the iPad sorry ....

Computers and keyboards, so "old school". (sigh)

THis is an issue all over the world...well maybe not in Copenhagen :)

Oh yes it is. Only thing that makes it less of an issue to cyclists is the bike paths. But those drivers cruise right through intersections on red, so the danger to all other traffic is very real.

Getting used to the iPad sorry ....Lol, I figured as much . . . :)

apparently, it's supposed to be illegal to text or chat while driving. last year these two guys died when their car went into the river because they were speeding and texting. But i still see scores of people talking and texting while driving.
Unfortunately, I see people on the bike paths doing this as well. Not usually the roadies, but dumb tourists on rented bikes or hipster types. Roadies usually go the the side of the road and stop before calling or texting. But stupid idiots are everywhere. I don't get what's so important that you can't wait.

The real problem with texting and driving is that you tend to spill more beer.

The real problem with texting and driving is that you tend to spill more beer.I guess for people that have not lost friends or loved ones because of drink drivers that comment would have been funny.

I guess for people that have not lost friends or loved ones because of drink drivers that comment would have been funny.

I have lost 2 friends to drunk drivers. And I still think it is funny to tweak the "safer-than-thou", "horrors, the sky is falling", "everybody but me is so reckless", "ain't it awful" crowd.