Why Can't Drivers Resist Using Their Phones?

[ToraToraTora]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-38711931
This is the newest and most deadly traffic offence. Time to start banning for first offence?

[Garaman]

It has been proven that a driver can be distracted on a call even using a hand-free device. If the person the other end asks you a question which makes you think for example, and you are in a situation that needs your concentration. It is all well and good sensible folk saying that they would tell the other person to shut up, but that doesn’t account for those who aren’t sensible. We only need laws because some aren’t sensible.

[ToraToraTora]

traffic situations often happen too quick to give a running commentary.

[Baldric]

If you find conversing with a passenger makes driving more difficult for you then perhaps you should consider not driving.

[ToraToraTora]

who is that aimed at balders?

[Baldric]

Anyone it fits TTT

[-Talbot-]

I would think it is aimed at people who find conversing with a passenger makes driving more difficult for them.

[ToraToraTora]

well this is about using a phone, no one has said having a passenger makes driving more difficult. The passenger situation has merely been used as a comparator by some. Did you read the whole thread?

[Baldric]

Ok, so if you find conversing with someone on a 'phone makes driving more difficult for you then perhaps you should consider not driving.

[andy-hughes]

Alec Issigonis - designer of the Mini - banned all conversation in any car he was driving - I wonder what he would make of the situation we are debating.

[Zacs-Master]

I would imagine he would be Sir prised.

[andy-hughes]

Baldric - //Ok, so if you find conversing with someone on a 'phone makes driving more difficult for you then perhaps you should consider not driving. //

I don't think it is as black and white as that.

Most experienced drivers develop an 'auto-pilot' that allows them to drive and hold a conversation at the same time, but when faced with maybe difficult traffic situations in an unfamiliar location, the best of us need to up our concentration levels to deal with the issue.

That does not mean that the same driver should never ever hold a conversation in his car ever again - it doe depend on the circumstances which are fluid.

[ToraToraTora]

"Ok, so if you find conversing with someone on a 'phone makes driving more difficult for you then perhaps you should consider not driving. " - it does fact. No matter how good you are you will be worse whilst having phone call.

[Zacs-Master]

This is interesting:
http://sharpbrains.com/blog/2006/11/11/why-do-you-turn-down-the-radio-when-youre-lost/

[Baldric]

///but when faced with maybe difficult traffic situations in an unfamiliar location, the best of us need to up our concentration levels to deal with the issue///

You sound like a very inexperienced driver Andy.

[ToraToraTora]

see here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-36475180
"The study involved 20 male and 40 female volunteers who took part in video tests while sitting in a car seat behind a steering wheel.

One group of volunteers were allowed to "drive" undistracted while another two heard a male voice from a loudspeaker 3ft (0.9m) away.

Those who were distracted by the voice engaging them in conversation took just under a second longer to respond to events, such as a pedestrian stepping off the pavement, an oncoming car on the wrong side of the road or an unexpected vehicle parked at a junction."

[Zacs-Master]

Strangely, Mrs Zacs and I did two 45 minute journeys on Saturday without the radio on. It was strangely relaxing.

[Jackdaw33]

I was once driving to work listening to the radio. I was just approaching a very busy roundabout when Terry Wogan came out with an extremely funny remark. How I didn't cause a major pile-up I don't know.

[hereIam]

Maybe not banning for a first offence, a huge fine and then a ban. I never use the 'phone when driving and all my friends and family respect this.

[ToraToraTora]

nope this needs a 12 month ban minimum, it's the new DD but worse.

[andy-hughes]

Baldric - //You sound like a very inexperienced driver Andy. //

Well maybe, I only passed my test forty-five years ago!