This is probably one of the simplelist and easiest ways to reduce carnage on our highways. As such, it probably won’t be very effective. Almost anytime I drive and I pass somebody in the right lane because somebody is driving too slow in the left lane, I see when I pass them they either have a phone in their ear or are texting. I say recruit a bunch of deputies (Barney Fife like) and charge them with handing out tickets to those committing any offense. They get to keep half of the income from the tickets they hand out for their service. Every day I drive I see these menaces to society and nothing will stop them other than a few dozen tickets, huge fines and possible suspension of their licenses.
You know what Dave, Pedestrian injuries and deaths are almost as bad as the drivers texting while driving. People are so wrapped up in their own little world of cells, they just walk right out into traffic with not a hint of knowing what is going on. These people are so distracted, they can’t concentrate on anything for more than 20 seconds. I have had them in my office trying to explain insurance coverage and they were constantly looking down at their cell or would be getting something. I have had to ask them to turn it off until we are finished. It is very rude, but they don’t even realize it is rude.
Actually Libby, the laws are mostly in place. They just need better enforcement. Much like so much other liberal blather where laws are in place and not enforced, the liberals call for more laws (that won’t be enforced) and the conservatives call for better enforcement of the ones in place. Oh well.
Totally agree, Dave. Make it a $1,000 minimum fine 1st offense, $2,500 2nd offense and $5,000 and loss of license third offense. Make it effective in all 50 states for all drivers – not just minors.
We have the technology either the car companies need to put something in their vehicles that knocks out the ability to send and receive these communications or companies like Apple and Samsung should.
I have very little faith that people will be able to resist the urge to respond especially in todays environment in which a response is also expected immediately.
One piece of technology that would help would be better, more easy to use “talk to text” technology. I’ve tried several, the new Balckberry comes close, but this technology could be better.
What’s next, talk to talk? Can you imagine a world where people didn’t have to send each other cryptic, written messages limited to 160 characters and instead could chat with each other in “real-time”? Just think of it!
How about a very simple feature similar to the out of office reply on your email. When you receive a text or a call while driving an automatic response is sent to the individual that sent the text or placed the call stating something like, “I am currently driving. I will reply to your text/call as soon as I reach my destination”.
I hope they show this video in schools right after the “Let’s talk about your period” video, but right before they show the, “hey, no means no” video. And then end the whole day with, “when you apologize for taking pictures of the girl you just raped and not the actual rape, you are a sociopath” video.
Just like drinking and driving, smoking, drugs or any other issue, people do not think the worse case senario will happpen to them. If showing the carnage and impact of these things will not stop people, why would a fine or even jail time? We need to accept the fact that in a free society, people are going to make bad decisions that may have a negative impact on others. It is called life.
All we can do is hold those who make these decisions accountable after the fact. That is one of the reasons we offer insurance and have careers.
This is probably one of the simplelist and easiest ways to reduce carnage on our highways. As such, it probably won’t be very effective. Almost anytime I drive and I pass somebody in the right lane because somebody is driving too slow in the left lane, I see when I pass them they either have a phone in their ear or are texting. I say recruit a bunch of deputies (Barney Fife like) and charge them with handing out tickets to those committing any offense. They get to keep half of the income from the tickets they hand out for their service. Every day I drive I see these menaces to society and nothing will stop them other than a few dozen tickets, huge fines and possible suspension of their licenses.
You know what Dave, Pedestrian injuries and deaths are almost as bad as the drivers texting while driving. People are so wrapped up in their own little world of cells, they just walk right out into traffic with not a hint of knowing what is going on. These people are so distracted, they can’t concentrate on anything for more than 20 seconds. I have had them in my office trying to explain insurance coverage and they were constantly looking down at their cell or would be getting something. I have had to ask them to turn it off until we are finished. It is very rude, but they don’t even realize it is rude.
What? More “regulation” and “government control?” I’m surprised at you, Dave.
Actually Libby, the laws are mostly in place. They just need better enforcement. Much like so much other liberal blather where laws are in place and not enforced, the liberals call for more laws (that won’t be enforced) and the conservatives call for better enforcement of the ones in place. Oh well.
Totally agree, Dave. Make it a $1,000 minimum fine 1st offense, $2,500 2nd offense and $5,000 and loss of license third offense. Make it effective in all 50 states for all drivers – not just minors.
We have the technology either the car companies need to put something in their vehicles that knocks out the ability to send and receive these communications or companies like Apple and Samsung should.
I have very little faith that people will be able to resist the urge to respond especially in todays environment in which a response is also expected immediately.
I agree Charles….I am pretty sure relationships have ended because one person didn’t respond within 5 seconds to the other. :)
I doubt any law will ever be that effective. Look at how many people still drink and drive.
What about the passenger that makes a call? What about an emergency? You really didn’t think this through very well.
One piece of technology that would help would be better, more easy to use “talk to text” technology. I’ve tried several, the new Balckberry comes close, but this technology could be better.
What’s next, talk to talk? Can you imagine a world where people didn’t have to send each other cryptic, written messages limited to 160 characters and instead could chat with each other in “real-time”? Just think of it!
It’s not just texting. There are lot of Apps out there…traffic apps, weather apps, music…
How about a very simple feature similar to the out of office reply on your email. When you receive a text or a call while driving an automatic response is sent to the individual that sent the text or placed the call stating something like, “I am currently driving. I will reply to your text/call as soon as I reach my destination”.
I want that. Of course, I might just leave it on all the time.
They ahve those apps for the phone to do just that. It says your driving and can’t reply but you will when your in a safe place.
That would make too much sense anon.
I noticed that because my daughter connects her phone to the car auxillary thing to play her music, she doesn’t even know if she gets a text.
For every driver that does that, there are probably a hundred that do not. Trust me, people are texting while driving all the time everywhere.
I agree.
I hope they show this video in schools right after the “Let’s talk about your period” video, but right before they show the, “hey, no means no” video. And then end the whole day with, “when you apologize for taking pictures of the girl you just raped and not the actual rape, you are a sociopath” video.
Just like drinking and driving, smoking, drugs or any other issue, people do not think the worse case senario will happpen to them. If showing the carnage and impact of these things will not stop people, why would a fine or even jail time? We need to accept the fact that in a free society, people are going to make bad decisions that may have a negative impact on others. It is called life.
All we can do is hold those who make these decisions accountable after the fact. That is one of the reasons we offer insurance and have careers.