Ducati Monster Forum

Kitchen Sink => No Moto Content => Topic started by: herm on May 09, 2009, 04:35:17 PM

Title: no shit.....
Post by: herm on May 09, 2009, 04:35:17 PM
text messaging while driving (anything) is dangerous (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/10/us/10Boston.html?_r=1&ref=global-home)

what surprises me most is that the union is backing the new measure by the city.
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: That Nice Guy Beck! on May 09, 2009, 04:41:52 PM
im def guilty of it
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: El Matador on May 09, 2009, 05:02:14 PM
Quote from: That Nice Guy Beck! on May 09, 2009, 04:41:52 PM
im def guilty of it

I'm not surprised
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: That Nice Guy Beck! on May 09, 2009, 05:14:08 PM
Quote from: El Matador on May 09, 2009, 05:02:14 PM
I'm not surprised

what do you mean by that?
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: IZ on May 09, 2009, 06:36:01 PM
There's already enough azzholes on the road but then put a cell in their hands..


>:(
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: That Nice Guy Beck! on May 09, 2009, 07:04:50 PM
Quote from: IZ on May 09, 2009, 06:36:01 PM
There's already enough azzholes on the road ..


>:(
bikers and cagers
in the end we're all guilty of texting/talking, fixing our hair, playing with the ipod all in the car.. we're not perfect
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: herm on May 09, 2009, 07:14:40 PM
i dont think that you can compare the lack of attention to the road that texting will cause, except perhaps driving drunk, or over tired.

and no, i have never text-ed while driving. i dont text message at all.
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: Statler on May 09, 2009, 07:16:08 PM
Quote from: That Nice Guy Beck! on May 09, 2009, 07:04:50 PM
bikers and cagers
in the end we're all guilty of texting/talking, fixing our hair, playing with the ipod all in the car.. we're not perfect


I think you've partly identified a difference between motorcyclists and drivers.     You are a driver.    A very typical driver.

Has absolutely nothing to do with perfection.

Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: ducatiz on May 09, 2009, 07:24:41 PM
i text at a red light and that's it.  drive a stickshift and you learn quickly you only have two hands and unless you have a prehensile penis, you can't text.

my phone has voice dialing and i use a bluetooth headset.  that's about the limit of my transgressions
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: superjohn on May 09, 2009, 07:31:15 PM
I still don't understand why society seems to have this inane fetish with texting in the first place, let alone while while driving. I've sent, maybe 20 texts in my life. None from a car. here's just no one or nothing THAT interesting.
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: IZ on May 09, 2009, 07:32:55 PM
Quote from: Statler on May 09, 2009, 07:16:08 PM

I think you've partly identified a difference between motorcyclists and drivers.     You are a driver.    A very typical driver.

Has absolutely nothing to do with perfection.



agreed!

Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: Sinister on May 09, 2009, 07:38:23 PM
Quote from: herm on May 09, 2009, 04:35:17 PM
what surprises me most is that the union is backing the new measure by the city.

Good point, but how could they not?  Safety is the biggest deal with all the unions I've worked with.  Besides, I'm sure the union is getting some concession in return for their "full support."
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: Drunken Monkey on May 09, 2009, 08:45:44 PM
Quote from: That Nice Guy Beck! on May 09, 2009, 07:04:50 PM
bikers and cagers
in the end we're all guilty of texting/talking, fixing our hair, playing with the ipod all in the car.. we're not perfect

You may be guilty of these things, but I'm not. Handsfree bluetooth wired into the car audio, with voice dialing. Even then, I don't talk much while driving, as it's too distracting.

Hell, I don't even talk to people in the car when I drive.
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: That Nice Guy Beck! on May 09, 2009, 09:01:36 PM
Quote from: Drunken Monkey on May 09, 2009, 08:45:44 PM
You may be guilty of these things, but I'm not. Handsfree bluetooth wired into the car audio, with voice dialing. Even then, I don't talk much while driving, as it's too distracting.

Hell, I don't even talk to people in the car when I drive.

my entire car is bluetooth I dont even need the key to start it but I still love to text, hate talking on the phone, I even threw a text when I was on the track at road america a few weeks ago
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: Drunken Monkey on May 09, 2009, 09:06:32 PM
A favor to ask:

Someone save this thread as evidence so when Beck kills someone because he was texting while driving he doesn't get off.

kthnxbai
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: That Nice Guy Beck! on May 09, 2009, 09:19:38 PM
Quote from: Drunken Monkey on May 09, 2009, 09:06:32 PM
A favor to ask:

Someone save this thread as evidence so when Beck kills someone because he was texting while driving he doesn't get off.

kthnxbai


why is everyone so serious, we should all go to santa clara and drink our heads off.... and take a cab of course
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: Mother on May 09, 2009, 09:36:14 PM
I drive a 17,000 lb vehicle over the speed limit while looking at an alpha pager, talking on 2 radio's, looking up map grids on a laptop, and talking on a cell phone. I do it 14 nights a month for 12 hrs at a time and get paid for it.

I'm afraid I have to side with the camp that says texting/cell phones is not the issue.

It is merely the straw... poor camel

The main issue is cars that are too hightech

and

drivers that are too comfortable.

Driving isn't scary anymore.

Cars accelerate too quickly and stop too well.

The road noise is too quiet  and the cars will go straight with your hands off the wheel.

It isn't like the old days where you actually had to drive a vehicle and the act of driving occupied your attention.

here is a thought, get rid of the idea of insurance and see what effect that has on drivers.
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: Drunken Monkey on May 09, 2009, 11:44:09 PM
I'm with the DOT guys who was asked if airbags made drivers safer.

He said "Hell no. If we wanted to make drivers safer we should replace the airbags with 6 inch steel spikes in the steering wheels. Everyone would be a much safer driver with those installed"

Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: Scottish on May 10, 2009, 12:28:23 AM
HA! I saw a car marked "student driver" being driven by an instructor who was texting on my way to work yesterday. I guess they are being taught that now?  ???
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: El Matador on May 10, 2009, 12:39:29 AM
Quote from: That Nice Guy Beck! on May 09, 2009, 09:01:36 PM
I even threw a text when I was on the track at road america a few weeks ago

Sure you did  [roll]

Was this before, after, or while you spun out?
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: Holden on May 10, 2009, 02:12:09 AM
what's a legitimate reason to text anyone ever?
_____________________________
Message sent from my Blackberryâ,,¢
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: TiNi on May 10, 2009, 05:53:01 AM
Quote from: Ol' Dirty Assed Buzzard on May 09, 2009, 09:36:14 PM
I drive a 17,000 lb vehicle over the speed limit while looking at an alpha pager, talking on 2 radio's, looking up map grids on a laptop, and talking on a cell phone. I do it 14 nights a month for 12 hrs at a time and get paid for it.

I'm afraid I have to side with the camp that says texting/cell phones is not the issue.

It is merely the straw... poor camel

The main issue is cars that are too hightech

and

drivers that are too comfortable.

Driving isn't scary anymore.

Cars accelerate too quickly and stop too well.

The road noise is too quiet  and the cars will go straight with your hands off the wheel.

It isn't like the old days where you actually had to drive a vehicle and the act of driving occupied your attention.

here is a thought, get rid of the idea of insurance and see what effect that has on drivers.

i agree with you on this J,
but the kid was responsible for the safety of others in his trolley.

i don't know... it seems to me that the new law is a good one.
the only reason i can think of to have a mobile device on board would be in case of an emergency.
one of those 2-way radio things would take care of that, unless his girlfriend is the dispatch on the other end.

i've never liked dealing with the phone while driving... i like driving too much.
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: herm on May 10, 2009, 05:55:36 AM
Quote from: Ol' Dirty Assed Buzzard on May 09, 2009, 09:36:14 PM
I drive a 17,000 lb vehicle over the speed limit while looking at an alpha pager, talking on 2 radio's, looking up map grids on a laptop, and talking on a cell phone. I do it 14 nights a month for 12 hrs at a time and get paid for it.



(http://wxyz.img.cdn.dayport.com/img/dp_thumbs/thumb_1219356485625_0p24930513591753156.jpg)

and you know you are not supposed to be doing that. thats what the company officer in the right seat is for. yeah, i know, rural vfd and all that, but that doesnt make it right, or safe.

i would liken that to giving cpr without a pocket mask......or not wearing gloves.

just sayin.......
and i agree with most of the rest of what you posted [thumbsup]
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: psycledelic on May 10, 2009, 06:02:06 AM
I have always been confused by peoples need to text anyway.  If you need to have a conversation with someone, and you have a phone in your pocket, why not call them and take care of a 20 minute series of fumbling through a 10 digit keypad typing abreviated code.  R U w/ Me? 
Of course, I am Mr. anti technology.  We don't even have call waiting.  Making someone "hold on" while you talk to someone else is rude!  First come, first serve.
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: Le Pirate on May 10, 2009, 06:15:43 AM
Quote from: psycledelic on May 10, 2009, 06:02:06 AM
I have always been confused by peoples need to text anyway.  If you need to have a conversation with someone, and you have a phone in your pocket, why not call them and take care of a 20 minute series of fumbling through a 10 digit keypad typing abreviated code.  R U w/ Me? 
Of course, I am Mr. anti technology.  We don't even have call waiting.  Making someone "hold on" while you talk to someone else is rude!  First come, first serve.

I agree.

Half the people I know won't even answer their phones anymore. It rings 4-5 times, goes to voice mail....30 seconds later you get a text asking what you wanted. I wanted to talk to you JACKASS! Thats why I called you on the PHONE! If I wanted to write back and forth, I would of sent you an email. I won't even get started on driving and texting. My wife doesn't see anything wrong with it...I hate hate hate it. I guess she also hasn't been an inch from getting her leg crushed a bumper of a car who's driver was txting and pulled out into the intersection without looking first.

I hate people.
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: Mother on May 10, 2009, 06:28:20 AM
herm

that's the ambulance, code 3 returns are all done solo

the RFPD gig is also done solo and that rig is 38,000 lbs...regardless of that

my point remains, it is never the point specific item that is the danger but the fundamental

there are a large amount of operators that multi-task in the seat due to need

from fighter pilots to truck drivers

so the device isn't the issue, it is a combination of factors from training to entitlement that are the true problem.

a law forbidding texting isn't the solution, it is a band-aid

A proper solution would be correctly trained drivers with accountability and a cognitive ability to know when they need to communicate and when to concentrate.

Ever increasing sets of blanket laws and rules do nothing more than dumb down the population.
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: Speedbag on May 10, 2009, 07:15:19 AM
Quote from: Le Pirate on May 10, 2009, 06:15:43 AM
I agree.

Half the people I know won't even answer their phones anymore. It rings 4-5 times, goes to voice mail....30 seconds later you get a text asking what you wanted. I wanted to talk to you JACKASS! Thats why I called you on the PHONE! If I wanted to write back and forth, I would of sent you an email. I won't even get started on driving and texting. My wife doesn't see anything wrong with it...I hate hate hate it. I guess she also hasn't been an inch from getting her leg crushed a bumper of a car who's driver was txting and pulled out into the intersection without looking first.

I hate people.

+1

I hate texting also.

Then again, I hate cell phones for the most part, unless there's a good reason to use one other than just mindless babbling....
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: Howie on May 10, 2009, 07:25:13 AM
Gotta agree with Mother...I mean Ol' Dirty Assed Buzzard.  Laws won't solve this problem, common sense and responsibility will.  The real issue is to pay attention, be familiar with your equipment, and have the equipment set up for use.  There should be a viable reason for using these devices while driving, not chatting and arguing with your significant other.  
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: sno_duc on May 10, 2009, 07:33:35 AM
When I got my SEL private pilots license, they drilled into my head early and often " Fly the airplane everything else is secondary "
The same applies......Drive the vehicle everything else is secondary.

It would be interesting to compare accident rates vs driver training. A lot of countrys require much more intensive training compared to the USA. Just wondering if more training equates to a lower accident rate.
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: Bick on May 10, 2009, 07:51:48 AM
Quote from: howie on May 10, 2009, 07:25:13 AM
common sense and responsibility  

What the hell kind of antiquated thinking is that?!!!


[roll]

Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: That Nice Guy Beck! on May 10, 2009, 07:59:30 AM
Quote from: psycledelic on May 10, 2009, 06:02:06 AM
I have always been confused by peoples need to text anyway.  If you need to have a conversation with someone, and you have a phone in your pocket, why not call them and take care of a 20 minute series of fumbling through a 10 digit keypad typing abreviated code.  R U w/ Me? 
Of course, I am Mr. anti technology.  We don't even have call waiting.  Making someone "hold on" while you talk to someone else is rude!  First come, first serve.

simply cannot live without my BB and texting, hate hate hate speaking on phone.. shoot a text get your point across in 30 seconds
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: That Nice Guy Beck! on May 10, 2009, 08:02:58 AM
Quote from: El Matador on May 10, 2009, 12:39:29 AM
Sure you did  [roll]

Was this before, after, or while you spun out?

uhh yea I really did..
the first time out I went with my boy when i was supposed to go with an instructor i sent like 3 texts, as a matter of fact at one point on the straight i had no hands on teh wheel and when peter tells everyone of his ride with me he always brings that up and it was after i spun in that one turn thats eggs actly what i was texting about
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: Ddan on May 10, 2009, 08:07:08 AM
Quote from: That Nice Guy Beck! on May 10, 2009, 08:02:58 AM
uhh yea I really did..
the first time out I went with my boy when i was supposed to go with an instructor i sent like 3 texts, as a matter of fact at one point on the straight i had no hands on teh wheel and when peter tells everyone of his ride with me he always brings that up and it was after i spun in that one turn thats eggs actly what i was texting about
Well ain't you sumthin'. 
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: IZ on May 10, 2009, 08:16:05 AM
Quote from: That Nice Guy Beck! on May 10, 2009, 07:59:30 AM

1989..the number..another summer.

Get down..sound of a funky drummer!!



Ahhh..FBP brings back some good memories.






Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: ducatiz on May 10, 2009, 08:30:10 AM
Quote from: Ol' Dirty Assed Buzzard on May 10, 2009, 06:28:20 AM
A proper solution would be correctly trained drivers with accountability and a cognitive ability to know when they need to communicate and when to concentrate.

Ever increasing sets of blanket laws and rules do nothing more than dumb down the population.

i have always pointed out

that the state needs to have shitty drivers

and aggressive drivers

to keep a good revenue stream going.

if everyone drove correctly and sanely

and didn't speed or wreck

what would happen to state income?

NYC takes in over $700,000,000 annually just from parking violations alone.  They refused to publish the moving violations amount, but it is estimated at close to  $1,000,000,000 annually.

just last month the NY times reported this

and that the city was deploying an additional 20% more ticket writers

because city revenues were down.


Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: Statler on May 10, 2009, 08:50:54 AM
That's a very different issue than what level of multitasking becomes dangerous.   I bet Beck gets a a silly speeding ticket for something we all do every day safely before he ever gets one for drifting into a biker's lane while texting about hating treckies.

I'd rather have people paying attention and doing nothing but driving while doing 110 in the left lane (not weaving in and out etc.) than someone drifting between the two inside lanes varying speeds by more than twenty mph while trying to text or dial or shave or apply makeup etc.etc.etc.

Only one of those will be ticketed and lose a license (to your topic).



objective versus subjective categories to define safe driving.  One is much harder to prove as you know.
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: That Nice Guy Beck! on May 10, 2009, 10:11:21 AM
Quote from: Statler on May 10, 2009, 08:50:54 AM
That's a very different issue than what level of multitasking becomes dangerous.   I bet Beck gets a a silly speeding ticket for something we all do every day safely before he ever gets one for drifting into a biker's lane while texting about hating treckies.

I'd rather have people paying attention and doing nothing but driving while doing 110 in the left lane (not weaving in and out etc.) than someone drifting between the two inside lanes varying speeds by more than twenty mph while trying to text or dial or shave or apply makeup etc.etc.etc.

Only one of those will be ticketed and lose a license (to your topic).



objective versus subjective categories to define safe driving.  One is much harder to prove as you know.


fyi im extremely respectful to all bikers on teh road, always give them room to breath and I never text anyone when they are around me
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: ducatiz on May 10, 2009, 10:33:08 AM
Quote from: Statler on May 10, 2009, 08:50:54 AM
That's a very different issue than what level of multitasking becomes dangerous.   I bet Beck gets a a silly speeding ticket for something we all do every day safely before he ever gets one for drifting into a biker's lane while texting about hating treckies.

I'd rather have people paying attention and doing nothing but driving while doing 110 in the left lane (not weaving in and out etc.) than someone drifting between the two inside lanes varying speeds by more than twenty mph while trying to text or dial or shave or apply makeup etc.etc.etc.

Only one of those will be ticketed and lose a license (to your topic).



objective versus subjective categories to define safe driving.  One is much harder to prove as you know.


change driving laws to strict liability.  and if you cause someone's death as a result of not paying attention, then get manslaughter.
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: Drunken Monkey on May 10, 2009, 12:47:49 PM
Quote from: That Nice Guy Beck! on May 10, 2009, 10:11:21 AM
fyi im extremely respectful to all bikers on teh road, always give them room to breath and I never text anyone when they are around me

And how exactly do you know they're around you if you're busy texting?

Sorry, at this point I've made up my mind that you're a menace.
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: That Nice Guy Beck! on May 10, 2009, 01:27:55 PM
Quote from: Drunken Monkey on May 10, 2009, 12:47:49 PM
And how exactly do you know they're around you if you're busy texting?

I was bit by a spider 3 days ago.
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: That Nice Guy Beck! on May 10, 2009, 01:41:58 PM
Quote from: IZ on May 10, 2009, 08:16:05 AM
1989..the number..another summer.

Get down..sound of a funky drummer!!



Ahhh..FBP brings back some good memories.










WORD


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PaoLy7PHwk#lq-hq-vhq (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PaoLy7PHwk#lq-hq-vhq)
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: That Nice Guy Beck! on May 10, 2009, 01:43:53 PM
Quote from: ducatizzzz on May 10, 2009, 10:33:08 AM
change driving laws to strict liability.  and if you cause someone's death as a result of not paying attention, then get manslaughter.

I agree with this, and on that note I banned myself from ever texting while the car is moving [beer]
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: herm on May 10, 2009, 01:44:44 PM
Quote from: howie on May 10, 2009, 07:25:13 AM
Gotta agree with Mother...I mean Ol' Dirty Assed Buzzard.  Laws won't solve this problem, common sense and responsibility will.  The real issue is to pay attention, be familiar with your equipment, and have the equipment set up for use.  There should be a viable reason for using these devices while driving, not chatting and arguing with your significant other.  

never said i was in favor of more laws. im not.

but in my cup half empty world, there are not enough people exercising common sense or responsibility.
so.........when beck gets in an accident his first month on the job as an amtrak jockey, (or just being a clueless driver on his own time) i want there to be clear wording which leaves no doubt that he was negligent. no chance for him to claim that " i didnt know" or "my employer never told me i couldnt"
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: DrDesmo on May 10, 2009, 04:09:48 PM
If you didn't read the article, fyi, this happened on an underground subway line, caused 2 cars to detail, $10M in damages, and like 50 people to go to the hospital.

Frankly I'm surprised this wasn't in place earlier - why on earth do you need a cell phone in those circumstances?

Adam
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: herm on May 10, 2009, 04:28:16 PM
Quote from: DrDesmosedici on May 10, 2009, 04:09:48 PM
If you didn't read the article, fyi, this happened on an underground subway line, caused 2 cars to detail, $10M in damages, and like 50 people to go to the hospital.

Frankly I'm surprised this wasn't in place earlier - why on earth do you need a cell phone in those circumstances?

Adam

and what the make the beast with two backs was so important more important than the safety of the passengers. couldn't wait for the next station stop?  >:(
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: Howie on May 10, 2009, 06:25:09 PM
Quote from: herm on May 10, 2009, 01:44:44 PM
never said i was in favor of more laws. im not.

but in my cup half empty world, there are not enough people exercising common sense or responsibility.
so.........when beck gets in an accident his first month on the job as an amtrak jockey, (or just being a clueless driver on his own time) i want there to be clear wording which leaves no doubt that he was negligent. no chance for him to claim that " i didnt know" or "my employer never told me i couldnt"

Your cup half empty world has merit.  Every time I'm on the road I see more people distracted by phones and other electronic devices as well as lunch, applying make-up, shaving, probably self pleasuring and who knows what else.  Usually I spot the (tickitable) erratic behavior first.  I think perhaps a ticket for failure to keep in lane, yield , or whatever else might be the way to go.  For the record, my phone goes unanswered when driving.

Do you really think Amtrak would hire Beck [laugh]
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: herm on May 11, 2009, 05:29:31 AM
Quote from: howie on May 10, 2009, 06:25:09 PM
Your cup half empty world has merit.  Every time I'm on the road I see more people distracted by phones and other electronic devices as well as lunch, applying make-up, shaving, probably self pleasuring and who knows what else.  Usually I spot the (tickitable) erratic behavior first.  I think perhaps a ticket for failure to keep in lane, yield , or whatever else might be the way to go.  For the record, my phone goes unanswered when driving.

Do you really think Amtrak would hire Beck [laugh]

i concede the point. my argument was flawed.
Title: Re: no shit.....
Post by: Nitewaif on May 12, 2009, 03:00:05 AM
Quote from: Ol' Dirty Assed Buzzard on May 09, 2009, 09:36:14 PM
I drive a 17,000 lb vehicle over the speed limit while looking at an alpha pager, talking on 2 radio's, looking up map grids on a laptop, and talking on a cell phone. I do it 14 nights a month for 12 hrs at a time and get paid for it.

I'm afraid I have to side with the camp that says texting/cell phones is not the issue.

It is merely the straw... poor camel

The main issue is cars that are too hightech

and

drivers that are too comfortable.

Driving isn't scary anymore.

Cars accelerate too quickly and stop too well.

The road noise is too quiet  and the cars will go straight with your hands off the wheel.

It isn't like the old days where you actually had to drive a vehicle and the act of driving occupied your attention.

here is a thought, get rid of the idea of insurance and see what effect that has on drivers.


I agree with Mom.  People are too comfortable.  Driving is too easy - people don't have to focus, so they don't allot the proper amount of attention to driving.  On top of that, you have all the extra shit in cars now so people are changing DVDs for their kids to watch and whatnot.  It's like a rolling living room, so people treat it that way.  Plus, car fatalities are waaay down compared to even 20 years ago with all the safety stuff.  People have a wreck that would've killed 'em in the old days and they walk away from it not considering they could've died.  It just isn't taken seriously.  Maybe more training and more $ required for getting your initial drivers license would help, I don't know what the answer is.  Tonight I borrowed a friend's truck, an old-ass Toyota 4-speed with no power steering.  I haven't driving anything like that since I got rid of my 240Z.  Maybe we should make it mandantory to learn on something like that.  And without the airbags and all, it HURTS when you do something stupid.