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Smart Phone, stupid driver.

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Started 2 years ago by turnedNOTburned
Latest reply from alexs

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turnedNOTburned
Grandview/Columbus, Ohio
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OK,

Losta media coverage on the risks of txting while drive (or more appropriately, the distraction of cell phones in the car). I'm very guilty of reading/acknowledging txt message at stop lights, or fumbling with my smart phone trying to make a call - EVEN with a headset.

Rather than bitch about the problem, lets talk solutions beyond obvious legislation. Lets apply more technology. Bluetooth handsfree is one of the best answers in my book. I'm considering investing in something that can enable this.

Short of that, what can we do aside from putting our phone out of reach as a means for "forced discipline"? "Just don't answer it" is an "idealist" reponse, but, its snarky and of little practical use when you consider the statistics.

What are options for improving/outsmarting the problem?

Posted 2 years ago #
berdawn
near that stretch of N. High Street in the Short North
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Most studies I've seen referenced show that even hands-free phones make you as alert as a drunk driver; your attention is almost as important as your eyes.

Posted 2 years ago #
Anne
King Lincoln
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Make the call before you start the car? Pull off the road or into a parking lot to take the call? Have a passenger conduct the conversation for you on speakerphone?

Those are probably also idealist responses, but I really don't use my phone while driving. I think it's just too dangerous and usually, with another little person in the car, I just really don't want to get in an accident because I was on the phone and not paying good enough attention.

Posted 2 years ago #
hivner1
clintonville
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Seriously. Chill out on the multi-tasking!!! We are way too plugged in. NPR did a good series last year on on the whole topic.

Posted 2 years ago #
Bear
The woods
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I'm actually not convinced that "just don't answer it" is such an idealist response, or that it's all that impractical. We do have voicemail, and those trying to reach us are apparently breathlessly awaiting our calls -- so much so that they'll take them while dodging traffic, pedestrians, bikes, etc. What percentage of those calls, realistically, can't be returned when the driver has reached his or her destination, or a rest stop, or if it's that important a parking space?

Posted 2 years ago #
Manatee
The eternal present
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Yeah, I know we all like to be connected at all times these days, but... if it's a choice between paying full attention to the giant, hulking piece of heavy machinery I am piloting at deadly speed, or answering a phone call I can return in five minutes when I arrive at my destination, I don't think idealism really comes into play :)

Posted 2 years ago #
alexs
Limestone bluffs of the Scioto
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"I'm driving a stickshift so I can't talk now" is good for keeping a call down to 15 seconds or less.

Posted 2 years ago #