20 replies to this topic

[ryanator]

This morning while going to work, I saw two seperate people (teenagers going to school) texting while driving.  It's obvious because you see their head down with a cell phone in their hands typing away.  I mean come on, this has to be dangerous.  I see this going on more often now, I remember a day where I saw at least 4 or 5 drivers doing it (again not to be biased, but teenagers most likely).  I'll be at a red light, and here comes zooming along across the intersection on the green light is a texter not even looking up, ASSUMING the light is still green.  No wonder we are seeing more accidents being the cause of cell phones.  I know it's tempting to use the cell phone sometimes and it's almost kind of evolved with have so much technology at your fingertips, but something should be done about this for obvious safety reasons.

[C Pav]

I agree. I think the same thing. Something needs to be done.

[Exile]

In some provinces of Canada, including the one I live in (Ontario); it is illegal to use these kinds of devices while driving unless you’re using a headset. Fines can range from $155 to $500 depending on how big of an asshole you are.

[ndboarder]

I don't have a problem with talking on a cell while driving, the main thing is people need to use common sense and pay attention to the road while driving regardless of if they are talking.  In town I don't bother, but on a long trip I'll grab my headset and take it along, more for comfort than anything.   Texting on the other hand is not cool.  I'll admit I've been guilty of doing it a time or two.  You can't pay attention to the road when your doing this.  Maybe on an old school phone that you are very familiar with and your pressing 1 of 8 buttons a number of times.  Even then your still going to look and proofread it most likely.  On new phones though, such as my Touch Pro 2, it's about impossible to text with one hand, since it has a decent sized slide out keyboard, similar to many newer texting phones.  Trying to drive while use such a device is definately not safe at all.

[nodle]

Quote

In some provinces of Canada, including the one I live in (Ontario); it is illegal to use these kinds of devices while driving unless you’re using a headset. Fines can range from $155 to $500 depending on how big of an asshole you are.

See this is the way it should be I have said it before. There should be a law, either a headset like Exile said or Bluetooth. Anything else should be a ticket. I am glad Canada got it right.

[ndboarder]

Quote

See this is the way it should be I have said it before. There should be a law, either a headset like Exile said or Bluetooth. Anything else should be a ticket. I am glad Canada got it right.

Meh... talking isn't a big deal though.  I'm sure you don't keep both your hands glue to the wheel while you drive... change the volume, heating, get a drink, etc.  A headset is actually nicer to use in a car anyway, but I don't think a law requiring it to talk on the phone will make a difference.  If people are distracted by their conversations it's going to happen regardless of if they use a headset or not. Again, texting on the other hand is a whole other story.

[jmanz]

I usually lay on the horn if I see somebody texting while I'm driving. Scares the shit out of them lol.

[C Pav]

No means no. No talking or texting. Why? Have you seen the soccer mom type talking on her cell phone while driving her huge Escalade trying to park in a spot barely big enough for a VW Bug in a busy parking lot? Yeah I have. How about the multi taskers? The ones who smoke, talk on cell phone, drink coffe, and turn all at the same time.....with their knee? Okay it's not that bad but I say driving needs to be taken more seriously and any distractions such as cell phones, drinks, food and smoking need to be fined ( anything that takes a drivers hands from the wheel. 2 hands on the wheel people.

[ndboarder]

Quote

No means no. No talking or texting. Why? Have you seen the soccer mom type talking on her cell phone while driving her huge Escalade trying to park in a spot barely big enough for a VW Bug in a busy parking lot? Yeah I have. How about the multi taskers? The ones who smoke, talk on cell phone, drink coffe, and turn all at the same time.....with their knee? Okay it's not that bad but I say driving needs to be taken more seriously and any distractions such as cell phones, drinks, food and smoking need to be fined ( anything that takes a drivers hands from the wheel. 2 hands on the wheel people.

People just need to in general take this more seriously as you state.  Two hands on the wheel at all time, f* that  I highly doubt anyone here doesn't ever adjust radio or climate controls or take a drink.  The day I get a fine for taking a drink of water while driving is the day I pack up and leave the country

[jmanz]

Yes, when I need a sip of beer I'm taking one hand off the wheel damn it.

[nodle]

Quote

Yes, when I need a sip of beer I'm taking one hand off the wheel damn it.

Beer helmet solves this issue.

[ccs729]

I agree with ND Boarder texting is bad, but talking is ok.  Common sense does need to be used at all times.  The call can probably wait if you are in thick traffic, driving in unfamiliar areas, bad weather ect...  Texting on the other hand is always is bad news, and another bad one is satelite radio.  It's one thing to have 4-6 favorite pre programmed stations and its one touch of a button, but when you pull up the radio guide, and start looking through it like its a TV guide grid, that is just as dangerous.  I've caught myself swerving a few times doing this.

[ccs729]

Here is a state by state breakdown of cell phone laws.  North Dakota pretty lenient http://www.ghsa.org/...phone_laws.html

[nodle]

[WayneKerr]

*shrug* I have seen people eat bowls of cereal while driving, read books and newspapers while driving.   I don't mean to suggest that texting while driving is good, but this is by no means the first distraction to a driver.

[Junglist0682]

texting and driving is hardcore.. be safe out on the roard --- never know what idiot is not pay attention

[nodle]

[ccs729]

New ND Laws: Cell Phones & Driving                            July 25, 2011 Question: What do the new ND laws (Bills HB 1195 and 1256) say regarding electronic communication devices and vehicle operation? Answer: HB 1195 makes texting, Internet and other visual use of cell phones,  illegal in ND while driving or stopped temporarily at a sign or light – lawfully parked is OK –emergency use is OK.   Voice conversation, and dialing for voice, remains the same –legal, if you are over 18. HB 1256 Says that if you are under 18, and so operating with a restricted license, you may neither talk nor text while driving.  Emergency use is OK. Narrative excerpts below. Underlined portions are new. Both new laws take effect August 1, 2011 Bob Olgeirson Program Manager Telecom Training & Safety References: 1195 text.  http://www.legis.nd.....pdf#CHAPTER279 Use of a wireless communications device prohibited. 1. The operator of a motor vehicle that is part of traffic may not use a wireless communications device to compose, read, or send an electronic message. 2. Under this section: a. "Electronic message" means a self-contained piece of digital communication that is designed or intended to be transmitted between physical devices. The term includes e - mail, a text message, an instant message, a command or request to access a world wide web page, or other data that uses a commonly recognized electronic communications protocol. The term does not include: (1) Reading, selecting, or entering a telephone number, an extension number, or voice mail retrieval codes and commands into an electronic device for the purpose of initiating or receiving a telephone or cellular phone call or using voice commands to initiate or receive a telephone or cellular phone call; (2) Inputting, selecting, or reading information on a global positioning system device or other navigation system device; (3) Using a device capable of performing multiple functions, such as fleet management systems, dispatching devices, smart phones, citizen band radios, music players, or similar devices, for a purpose that is not otherwise prohibited; (4) Voice or other data transmitted as a result of making a telephone or cellular phone call; or (5) Data transmitted automatically by a wireless communication device without direct initiation by an individual. b. "Traffic" means operation of a motor vehicle while in motion or for the purposes of travel on any street or highway and includes a temporary stop or halt of motion, such as at an official traffic-control signal or sign. The term does not include a motor vehicle that is lawfully parked. 3. This section does not apply if a wireless communications device is used for obtaining emergency assistance to report a traffic accident, medical emergency, or serious traffic hazard or to prevent a crime about to be committed, in the reasonable belief that an individual's life or safety is in immediate danger, or in an authorized emergency vehicle while in the performance of official duties. 1256 text http://www.legis.nd.....pdf#CHAPTER272 6. A restricted license issued under subsection 3 to a child at least fourteen years of age to operate a parent's or guardian's automobile authorizes the licenseholder to drive the type or class of motor vehicle specified on the restricted license only under the following conditions: a. A restricted licenseholder must be in possession of the license while operating the motor vehicle. b. An individual holding a restricted driver's license driving a motor vehicle may not carry more passengers than the vehicle manufacturer's suggested passenger capacity. c. An individual holding a restricted driver's license driving a motor vehicle may not operate an electronic communication device to talk, compose, read, or send an electronic message while operating a motor vehicle that is in motion unless the sole purpose of operating the device is to obtain emergency assistance, to prevent a crime about to be committed, or in the reasonable belief that an individual's life or safety is in danger. d. An individual holding a restricted driver's license may not operate a motor vehicle between the later of sunset or nine p.m. and five a.m. unless a parent, legal guardian, or an individual eighteen years of age or older is in the front seat of the motor vehicle or the motor vehicle is being driven

[jmanz]

How do the police know if you are texting (illegal) or dialing a number (legal) I wonder? Are they going to check the phones?

[ccs729]

I have wondered that too jmanz.  I think it is a well intentioned,  good idea in theory, however I wonder 2 things:  1.  How do you possibly enforce it? 2. Will it become just another lame brain excuse to pull anyone over who has a cell phone in hand?