Distracted driving VS. Drunk driving.

[snobuilder]

Which happens more often from your POV?

Should it be as important to dole out as severe a penalty for BOTH equally?

If not,....Why not?

 

[chunk06]

The cell phone and driving is getting out of hand. Just last weekend we passed a young girl holding up traffic in the left lane of I90. when we finally got around her in the slow lane she had her phone in both hands on the steering wheel looking at Facebook. IMO it is worse then drunk driving.

 

[G]

The vast majority of the population cannot do two things at the same time. Texting while driving should be $1000 bucks a whack. There are also plenty who can't even talk on the phone and drive at the same time. These people should not even be allowed to reproduce. At this point in time phones are a much larger problem than drunk driving. Everybody has a phone. Not everyone is drunk.

 

[frnash]

Which happens more often from your POV?

Should it be as important to dole out as severe a penalty for BOTH equally?

If not,....Why not?

First we need to define the terms:
What is "distracted driving"?
Does driving while engaging in any of the following activities qualify?

1. Twiddling radio knobs while eyeballing the radio?
2. Fiddling with music CDs?
3. Lighting a cigarette?
4. Eating?
5. Shaving?
6. (click →) "Farding"?
7. Dressing?
8. Fielding loose objects on the front seat/floor?
9. Studying a paper map?
10. Fiddling with/viewing an on-board (built-in) GPS navigation system?
11. Fiddling with/viewing a smart phone based GPS navigation system?
12. Reading a newspaper?
13. Reading your mail (USPS mail)?
14. Spinning around in your seat to check traffic alongside your vehicle (instead of using properly adjusted mirrors)?
15. Turning around in your seat while admonishing misbehaving children in the back seat?
16. Having a conversation with a passenger?
17. Having a (hands free) telephone conversation?
18. Reading your e-mail (on an on-board/built-in "Multi Media Interface")?
19. Reading your e-mail on a smart phone?
20. Texting?

Can you think of any more?

Most of the focus these days seems to be on #20 (and to a lesser degree #17) but in my opinion, all of the above activities may qualify as "distracted driving" to some degree; I've seen 'em all.

I also see little difference between #16 & #17, for example, and consider many of the above to be far more hazardous than, say, #11 or #17, yet don't seem to be generally recognized as such.

 

[sweeperguy]

I think distracted driving is more prevalent than drunk driving. Cell phones, texting and social media is the worse. Penalties should be harsh and increase with each offense. There should also be a system in place that motorists can report distracted driving (not while they are driving but when safely stopped) it should require at least 3 reports of the driver on a day and a ticket is sent. None of this "I wasn't driving" if that's the case you make them pay the fine, as the car owner your responsibility. In that case no points on license since no proof of actual offender.
That being said: I think phones should automatically not be able to be used when in transit. These phones are smart enough it could be incorporated into them. I'm sure something could be figured out to allow passengers to use theirs.
Other types of distractions that frnash brings up happens, but always have before phones got so prevalent. But phones are obviously the worse offender as you hear about it all the time now. It was a thing that happened 20 years ago, but not at the alarming rate as today

 

[snobuilder]

First we need to define the terms:
What is "distracted driving"?
Does driving while engaging in any of the following activities qualify?

1. Twiddling radio knobs while eyeballing the radio?
2. Fiddling with music CDs?
3. Lighting a cigarette?
4. Eating?
5. Shaving?
6. (click →) "Farding"?
7. Dressing?
8. Fielding loose objects on the front seat/floor?
9. Studying a paper map?
10. Fiddling with/viewing an on-board (built-in) GPS navigation system?
11. Fiddling with/viewing a smart phone based GPS navigation system?
12. Reading a newspaper?
13. Reading your mail (USPS mail)?
14. Spinning around in your seat to check traffic alongside your vehicle (instead of using properly adjusted mirrors)?
15. Turning around in your seat while admonishing misbehaving children in the back seat?
16. Having a conversation with a passenger?
17. Having a (hands free) telephone conversation?
18. Reading your e-mail (on an on-board/built-in "Multi Media Interface")?
19. Reading your e-mail on a smart phone?
20. Texting?

Can you think of any more?

Most of the focus these days seems to be on #20 (and to a lesser degree #17) but in my opinion, all of the above activities may qualify as "distracted driving" to some degree; I've seen 'em all.

I also see little difference between #16 & #17, for example, and consider many of the above to be far more hazardous than, say, #11 or #17, yet don't seem to be generally recognized as such.

you missed #21- reloading during a drive by shooting.

- - - Updated - - -

It could still be called MADD except the perps would range severely into the category of "Moms" as well.

 

[renegade]

Not even close. Cell phone use when driving 100 times higher then drunk driving. Maybe even 1000. Young women drivers by far the biggest offenders. Most can't even set their phone on the dash or a holder. Most keep it between the thighs. I drive truck between Madison and Osseo nearly everyday and I am AMAZED how many people are not driving when they are driving. Phones by far the reason why.

 

[szotty]

Yeah younger women and men are bad but it's getting crazy with middle age people taking on the phone holding it 4" away from head staring at it on speakerphone lately. If going to call some one handsfree (which I hate) or hold it up to ur head and look out the windshield like normal people do. Sad thing is nowadays some people shouldn't be able to drive cus there distracted just breathing

 

[POLARISDAN]

I think distracted driving is more prevalent than drunk driving. Cell phones, texting and social media is the worse. Penalties should be harsh and increase with each offense. There should also be a system in place that motorists can report distracted driving (not while they are driving but when safely stopped) it should require at least 3 reports of the driver on a day and a ticket is sent. None of this "I wasn't driving" if that's the case you make them pay the fine, as the car owner your responsibility. In that case no points on license since no proof of actual offender.
That being said: I think phones should automatically not be able to be used when in transit. These phones are smart enough it could be incorporated into them. I'm sure something could be figured out to allow passengers to use theirs.
Other types of distractions that frnash brings up happens, but always have before phones got so prevalent. But phones are obviously the worse offender as you hear about it all the time now. It was a thing that happened 20 years ago, but not at the alarming rate as today

sorry steve..hate to disagree with u because we r friends..but just because some dipsh*ts cant chew gum and walk at the same time..why should i be punished..i run my business from the road..i am on the phone all the time..and yes i text and drive all the time..90% of the time i do it voice activated..and if something is so serious i pull over and type..but aint no way because most drivers suck at driving..let alone eating a burger and driving..should i be restricted..there should be a multi tasking test..then u can weed out the idiots

and by the way..before the bashing begins..i drive 50k a year and have since texting came about..no incidents..just so u kno

 

[chords]

I can twiddle, fiddle and even diddle while driving. And do so safely. It's ALWAYS the "other guy" that cant.
Yeah OK.

 

[sweeperguy]

sorry steve..hate to disagree with u because we r friends..but just because some dipsh*ts cant chew gum and walk at the same time..why should i be punished..i run my business from the road..i am on the phone all the time..and yes i text and drive all the time..90% of the time i do it voice activated..and if something is so serious i pull over and type..but aint no way because most drivers suck at driving..let alone eating a burger and driving..should i be restricted..there should be a multi tasking test..then u can weed out the idiots

and by the way..before the bashing begins..i drive 50k a year and have since texting came about..no incidents..just so u kno

No offense taken :
Hands free I think is an option.
My idea of reporting of distracted driving shouldn't haunt you if you are keeping it between the lines. As pointed out some can't drive and chew gum. People who can't talk and drive shouldn't be allowed to have passengers like kids with learn permits.
I do talk on phone, but DO NOT text. Can't seem to get it through to my wife, you know I'm driving DONT text me. I don't even read them while driving. Will look at them at a light, then call her.

 

[xcr440]

sorry steve..hate to disagree with u because we r friends..but just because some dipsh*ts cant chew gum and walk at the same time..why should i be punished..i run my business from the road..i am on the phone all the time..and yes i text and drive all the time..90% of the time i do it voice activated..and if something is so serious i pull over and type..but aint no way because most drivers suck at driving..let alone eating a burger and driving..should i be restricted..there should be a multi tasking test..then u can weed out the idiots

and by the way..before the bashing begins..i drive 50k a year and have since texting came about..no incidents..just so u kno

All well and good, but ask yourself honestly - how many times have you taken your eyes off the road, to the phone, come back to the road, and found yourself NOT where you expected to be??

True story: I was traveling out of the twin cities a couple years back pulling my sled north, and there was this vehicle that came up behind me, and blew by - I only took notice because we were in the 35E construction zone, and I knew there had been cops sitting there in the past, thinking be careful - didn't want to see the guy get a ticket. A mile or so later, here I come going to pass this guy the same as he passed me, however my speed had not changed - strange but he's drifting side to side. I'm thinking a serious bender left over from the night before perhaps?? A mile or so after that, here he comes by me again. ***. So the next time I'm coming back on him I take a closer look at the driver, and here he is with his laptop opened up against the steering wheel! Seriously? As I roll by him, I drift my trailer across his front bumber - Holy Hannah there's a pannick! I see the laptop go flying, his hands reaching for the steering wheel, nearly into the ditch before he collects himself. Now he's pissed - driving with road rage (I understand that completely from my drift into his lane) but ironically, I felt safer, because he was now PAYING FULL ATTENTION TO THE ROAD.

To your point PolarisDan - I'd like to see the test be adjusted for those of us who drive faster than others, so I can get a pass when I'm doing 15 over, because I'm paying attention at all times, I can drive better! Right??!!

 

[G]

It is foolish to suggest a different set of rules based on good drivers and bad drivers. I hope you were kidding. The roads are designed for the masses. The speed limits are designed for the masses. It is stupid easy to get a drivers license in the US of A. If you lived in Germany it takes a lot more time and effort to get a drivers license. They take it much more seriously. There are also countries like Sweden that if you get one DUI you are done driving for life. The easiest thing to do here would be to make cell phones and laptops deactivate when a vehicle is in motion. If your vehicle has a hands free phone fine. Use that. Most vehicles with on board GPS wont let you do extensive functions without stopping.
In MN there is one speed limit for snowmobiles. 50 makes sense on tight trails. 50 makes no sense on lakes or groomed ditches where you can see for 10 miles. However it is the law. It is basically there to protect inexperienced riders more than anything. One size fits all. I will not get a pass even if I have been riding for 50 years. I have not piled up a sled since 1986. Experience and good driving habits do not get rewarded.

 

[timo]

u guys haven't even hit on the 90 year old driver that can no longer see and doesn't have all their bearing's anymore. when you get to a certain age you should have to take the test over.
my neighbor was killed on his cycle when a 84 year old woman Tboned him at 60 MPH.
couple of weeks ago I was following what looked to be a guy around 100 years old...he comes up to the roundabout stops,,,, and turns left against the traffick,,,,, I was like holy ****!!!

 

[xcr440]

It is foolish to suggest a different set of rules based on good drivers and bad drivers. I hope you were kidding.

I was kidding - I was trying to make the same point you are.

 

[Admin]

When I was a younger buck and had a 90 minute commute home, I would stop at the store and pick up the ingredients and then get most of my dinner made on the way home. Then just pop it into the oven upon arrival. Great time saver!

Got the idea from Kramer on Seinfeld making a salad while he took his shower.

 

[renegade]

http://www.weau.com/content/news/UP...ta-crash-can-drive-judge-rules-475691753.html

Its a bigger problem than anyone realizes. I have been following this case cause its local (at least where the guy is from) and he had a camera watching him and still had to use his phone. I do beleive one can drive and talk, and other things safely, but no one has the ability to pay attention if one is not looking. At least a drunk driver knows he is drunk and is watching the road. It will be interesting to see what this guy from Independence gets, cause if you cause a serious accedent while texting or using smartphone you will probably end up on trial.

If you want to test people for ability to multi task and drive fast, I say throw in a personal BAC cause there is a big differance from one to another there too!

 

[uncle_ed]

I have worked in the collision industry all my life and it used to be the winter season was the busy time of year. Now its year round and I can truly confirm that distracted driving has made the difference. I hear the stories all the time: I was sitting at the light and looked in my rear view mirror and hear comes this guy looking down and wham.......

Wont matter in a decade when the car manufacturers are selling fully autonomous cars to the masses. Will put me out of business......hold it, I will be retired by then (insert smiley face here)

Distracted drivers will never be punished like drunk drivers because there wont be many that can cast the first stone!

 

[G]

u guys haven't even hit on the 90 year old driver that can no longer see and doesn't have all their bearing's anymore. when you get to a certain age you should have to take the test over.
my neighbor was killed on his cycle when a 84 year old woman Tboned him at 60 MPH.
couple of weeks ago I was following what looked to be a guy around 100 years old...he comes up to the roundabout stops,,,, and turns left against the traffick,,,,, I was like holy ****!!!

You nailed it there. A couple of winters ago I was driving around in AZ. Every day on every highway there were fossils driving their monster motor homes down the interstates at about 45. They finally get old and retired and can afford such things but their sight, hearing and reflexes are long gone. A lot of these ancient ones are probably from the time when you didn't even have to take a driver's test. You just went and bought one.

 

[renegade]

I have worked in the collision industry all my life and it used to be the winter season was the busy time of year. Now its year round and I can truly confirm that distracted driving has made the difference. I hear the stories all the time: I was sitting at the light and looked in my rear view mirror and hear comes this guy looking down and wham.......

Wont matter in a decade when the car manufacturers are selling fully autonomous cars to the masses. Will put me out of business......hold it, I will be retired by then (insert smiley face here)

Distracted drivers will never be punished like drunk drivers because there wont be many that can cast the first stone!

Oh yea they will. There are plenty of lawyers that will be casting stone after stone! LOL