Using a mobile whilst driving - shocking police video

[Nigeyy]

It really depends on the state rules. Some states are more serious, some less so.

I can't remember how many times I see people on major highways (e.g. motorways) yapping and swerving, as well as texting. Mind you, I remember one night driving home and it was dark, and seeing a bloke with the interior light on reading a book that was open on his steering wheel, his head down. Really. Can't remember how many times I've seen a woman stick their head up to put make up on using the visor mirror too.

Generally speaking culturally, there is a greater lack of awareness that when you are driving you are in charge of a potentially dangerous object. I don't know how to put it, but somehow there's more an attitude of you don't need to take driving as seriously.

And don't get me started on the attitude towards drink driving over here......

edit: FYI, that Gwent video is a bit viral over here, it's already been talked about (they can't show it as it is too gory, figure than one out when you consider the games and movies that come out, but I digress) on one major US tv network morning show. I'm not sure how many teenagers would take notice of it, but if it saves one life, maybe it's done its job. Actually, there's a pet peeve too, I notice it seems to be targeting teens, seems like it should be targeted to everyone who texts or get distracted with a phone while driving (and they're certainly not all teens).

Interesting that there are no comparable rules in the United States (or none that are enforced) and it is considered normal to use the phone whilst driving/parking etc. Rules may vary between individual States though. I spotted at least five people over a three week period using a mobile/Blackberry in dangerous circumstances. They have a greater proportion of Blackberry type e-mail/text phones out there so people aren't just using the phone but reading and responding to texts and e-mails.

 

[danphoto]

Have to say that while in Texas two years ago, the one thing that really staggered me was the number of drivers drinking large cups of coffee at speed on the freeways as well as around downtown Dallas - and that maze that makes up the road approaches to Fort Worth aiport.

That seems to be one thing we don't see a lot of over here - at least in the south east.

 

[Bollo]

I was surprised on my trip to Sweden this summer how many people were on the mobile while driving, including the coach driver ferrying us from the campsite into town. I guess if you're encased in a Volvo then you feel pretty invulnerable.

 

[Tinuts]

....whether they are in the car at the time or not. [ie while phoning or being crushed]

If they were on the phone I doubt they'd even notice..........

 

[hackbike 666]

I've seen a lot of it in Bangkok.Even stuck behind a taxi driver at three miles an hour while he was yapping into his mobile phone.Even seen motorcyclists doing the same.

Still it seems anything goes here.

 

[thomas]

I've seen a lot of it in Bangkok.Even stuck behind a taxi driver at three miles an hour while he was yapping into his mobile phone.Even seen motorcyclists doing the same.

Still it seems anything goes here.

They seem to accept avoiding others as part of driving so it probably isn't as bad.

 

[Plax]

I suspect the driver on Tuesday that was driving down my side of the road when there was no obstruction on his side of the road had been faffing with his mobile phone and drifted accross to my side. He only "woke up" and swerved back to his side of the road meters away from hitting me when I left my hand on the horn. Then all he did was a stupid apologietic looking wave. If I wasn't so shocked I'd have given him some rude gesture.

 

[Archie_tect]

The rule in my job is that mobile phones must be switched off while driving.

I have no problems with this.

+1