Dear Incompetent Motorists...

[Cataholic]

LH fixed 'em...I did cut and paste, nothing was working. Here I was blaming my computer.

Anyhow, I will read them. My point in wanting to know the 'they', and then see what 'they' tested is that studies often have a conclusion not supported by the testing mechanism.

For instance, for the study to test people that drank a twelve pack against people that have a casual conversation on the phone (with a hands free device) probably wouldn't result in a statment that cell phones are as dangerous as drunk drivers.

But, if the test was, say, someone at a .10/BAC vs. a cell user holding an argument over the phone, okay, I could see that.

People should know their limits. Some people shouldn't drive, period. I have had several fender benders in the last 20 years of driving. None of them had anything to do with a cell phone. (nor, drunk driving ). I see absolutely no difference between holding a casual conversation with a front seat passenger and a casual conversation with someone over the phone. Maybe I can handle it? Past experience suggests that I can.

I will, for as long as I live, remember being attacked by this woman for being on a cell phone. I was in my car, in the parking lot of a public library, backing up. Seatbelt on, physically moving in reverse (slowly, as it is a parking lot), on the phone. This idiot adult woman RAN behind my car- from her car to the entrance. I slammed on my brakes. She cursed ME for being on my cell phone. Incredible. I WAS on my cell phone, but, that had nothing to do with what happened. She was completely and totally at fault for running behind a moving vehicle, in a parking lot. Sheesh. Total knee jerk reaction, IMO, when someone sees someone on a cell phone. (I didn't hit her....).

[RedHedd]

When I'm on the phone I want to provide my undivided attention to the person on the other line and expect the same in return when I call others; it's called manners. When I'm driving, my undivided attention should be and is on the road, which is about manners and safety. Seeing drivers backing up, parallel parking, changing lanes or just plain driving down the freeway, or even worse in San Francisco traffic, while on the cell phone is just plain asking for it IMHO. I cut those people a very wide swath if I see them while driving or walking, as I know their undivided attention is not on their driving. I've seen way too many close calls to call this safe behavior.

[Cataholic]

I have deleted my original post. If anyone saw it, especially Redhedd, I apologize. I have a difference of opinion on cell phone usuage while driving, and maintain I can do it safely. I respect that others (even experts!) disagree with me.

To RH- we have a big difference of opinion. But, for me, I don't want it to put a distance between us, you are someone I have great respect for. Look at it this way, there isn't any chance I will harm you with my driving- we live too far apart.

[sparks19]

I just don't understand what call you have to make that could be so important that you MUST do it while driving. I mean it's nice to talk on the phone but why take the risk? To me it just isn't worth it. I can always talk to that person in a few minutes when I am not behind the wheel of a vehicle. I could hold the opinion that I am the be all and end all of great drivers but why do I have to prove it by using a cell phone? There could always be a time when I get into a particularly heated phone conversation and my mind wanders off from the road and suddenly I am in an accident.... now I can say over and over that it wasn't because of the phone but would I really believe it? to me it just is NOT worth that possibility. The world provides enough distractions as it is I don't need to add another to my repetoire.

BUT I hate driving period so I don't. My husband does all of the driving. Driving scares the h*ll out of me so it is best that I do not get behind the wheel.