California goes hands-free
09-16-06, 06:14 PM
#26
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To ban the use of hand-held phones means we'll all be force to purchase new phones or at least hands-free devices if we don't already have them. It's a boon to the industry. The lag time is supposedly to give us all "fair warning", but you know it really means time enough for the industry to figure out how to fully maximize the profits on this whole thing.
09-16-06, 08:24 PM
#27
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Originally Posted by Helmet Head
I saw it. I wasn't impressed.
It showed that worst case, cell-phone use is as bad as being on the borderline between legally sober enough to drive, and drunk driving. At that BA level it's probably hard to get a conviction for drunk driving.
I mean that's not great, with all the hand-wringing about the alleged horrors of cell-phone use while driving, you'd think it would be worse than that.
It showed that worst case, cell-phone use is as bad as being on the borderline between legally sober enough to drive, and drunk driving. At that BA level it's probably hard to get a conviction for drunk driving.
I mean that's not great, with all the hand-wringing about the alleged horrors of cell-phone use while driving, you'd think it would be worse than that.
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09-16-06, 10:32 PM
#28
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I'd rather see a law that requires auto makers to put cell-phone inhibition fields/devices in cars to prevent them from working there.
09-17-06, 05:02 AM
#29
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Originally Posted by derath
<snip>
I do use my phone in the car. It is a necessary evil at times. </snip>
I do use my phone in the car. It is a necessary evil at times. </snip>
No flame, just a curious question... What did you do pre-cell phones? Necessary evil or attractive nusiance?
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09-17-06, 06:40 AM
#30
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Whats the penalty for a violation? A stern talking to by the police?
Funny the effort put into seatbelt laws while ignoring all the distracted drivers. Make sure u belt in so u don't get hurt while reeking death and destruction on others.
Funny the effort put into seatbelt laws while ignoring all the distracted drivers. Make sure u belt in so u don't get hurt while reeking death and destruction on others.
09-17-06, 06:53 AM
#31
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Originally Posted by Stacey
No flame, just a curious question... What did you do pre-cell phones? Necessary evil or attractive nusiance?
-D
09-17-06, 07:46 AM
#33
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Originally Posted by derath
I had to pull over and find a payphone to answer my pager. So yes a 60sec or less confirmation call etc is a "necessary evil" for me. My phone is a business tool. I don't even own a personal cell phone. I don't Chit chat on it.
-D
-D
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09-17-06, 07:47 AM
#34
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Originally Posted by DnvrFox
Recent Bumper Sticker:
"Hang up and Start Driving."
"Hang up and Start Driving."
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09-19-06, 01:10 PM
#35
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Maybe if there were only a few all-business cell phone users some of the complaints in this thread would hold water. But that's certainly NOT what's going on in Southern California. And the issue of other distractions in the car, such as screaming kids, is different -- at least congnitively -- from the distraction of a phone conversation. From the studies I've seen, cognitively, the distraction of the phone -- hands free or not -- is greater because the mind tends to fill in details about the person to whom you are speaking. Studies about this are all over the place these days.
I commute every day on the bike and I avoid cell phone users like the plague. They tend not to signal. Their speed and stopping is less predictable. They often fail to make eye contact, and so on. Sure, this is all anecdotal, but I bet lots of bike commuters will agree. When a car does something stupid around me, there's usually a cell phone involved.
You would think that a decade ago humans were virtually incapable of communication. What the hello do you people talk about on cell phones anyway?? Who are you talking to?? Why are the conversations so urgent?? I don't get it.
I commute every day on the bike and I avoid cell phone users like the plague. They tend not to signal. Their speed and stopping is less predictable. They often fail to make eye contact, and so on. Sure, this is all anecdotal, but I bet lots of bike commuters will agree. When a car does something stupid around me, there's usually a cell phone involved.
You would think that a decade ago humans were virtually incapable of communication. What the hello do you people talk about on cell phones anyway?? Who are you talking to?? Why are the conversations so urgent?? I don't get it.
09-19-06, 01:21 PM
#36
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Originally Posted by sbhikes
I'm glad they'll be banning hand-held phones. Every little bit will help.
Al
09-19-06, 04:28 PM
#38
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Originally Posted by Helmet Head
Just ride in a way that doesn't require everyone to be paying attention and you'll be fine.
09-20-06, 12:51 PM
#39
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Hands-free makes a big difference. Most cell phones require a very precise ear position to hear. In order to maintain the conversation, you can't really turn your head. Also, the coordination required to have one hand in synch with the side of your head while the other drives the car is signficant.
I found that hands free is no more distracting than conversing with a passenger in the car.
I found that hands free is no more distracting than conversing with a passenger in the car.
09-20-06, 12:52 PM
#40
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Originally Posted by MrCjolsen
I found that hands free is no more distracting than conversing with a passenger in the car.
al
09-20-06, 01:22 PM
#41
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Originally Posted by Helmet Head
Just ride in a way that doesn't require everyone to be paying attention and you'll be fine.
I can't believe you were serious when you typed that.
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09-20-06, 01:30 PM
#42
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Originally Posted by Slow Train
DC went hands-free about 2 years ago. Neither the MD or VA suburbs have followed. Here is what I found:
Expect the law to be ignored for about 6 months to a year.
Expect the law to be ignored for about 6 months to a year.
Originally Posted by Slow Train
Gradually law enforcement will start ticketing after many complaints.
Originally Posted by Slow Train
Among the most frequent violators of the law will be police officers themselves.
What really burns me is people actually have contempt for the law. I gave up telling people what they were doing was illegal because I recieved dirty looks,was cussed at,and one guy wanted to start a fight.
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09-20-06, 02:21 PM
#43
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Look at it this way as well.
Are folks when they get in their car going to prepare their hands free system before starting off?
Are folks going to answer the phone when driving when it doesn't have the earpiece ready to go?
Are folks going to fumble thru coin tray looking for hands free set while driving if they want to make a call or after answering a call?
Sure some (primarily those who regularry conduct business I'd estimate) will pre-prepare the hands free and some folks use HF all the time (such as like having the bluetooth earset jammeed in ear all day.
)
Al
Are folks when they get in their car going to prepare their hands free system before starting off?
Are folks going to answer the phone when driving when it doesn't have the earpiece ready to go?
Are folks going to fumble thru coin tray looking for hands free set while driving if they want to make a call or after answering a call?
Sure some (primarily those who regularry conduct business I'd estimate) will pre-prepare the hands free and some folks use HF all the time (such as like having the bluetooth earset jammeed in ear all day.
)Al
