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KingOtter67 · 06-08-2005, 09:00 AM

I like the 'situational awareness' answer the best. But, there is also plenty of room for courtesy. I take a lot of pride in letting people in front of me, respecting other people's blinkers, and hurrying myself up a bit if people behind me are waiting. But you certainly shouldn't hurry up past the point where you feel safe.

Generally if you asked anyone on the street they'd say they are a good driver. I think I'm a decent driver, when I'm paying attention, but like others I get bored rather easily.

The cellphone thing is a bit of a pet peeve of mine, but not in the way you'd expect. I think the danger cellphones represent is overstated.

There are many things that take attention away from the actual driving. Radios, retrieiving CD's, other car occupants, etc. But about 80% of driving needs very little attention (depending on your environment, of course). Cellphones are being villainized at the moment, but they're no worse than any other distraction.

Sure, people need to be able to say, 'Hang on, I'm making a left hand turn' and set the phone down for a minute or two while the complete whatever maneuver that needs the attention. The same way they wait to switch CDs, or swat the kids in the back seat.

But that goes back to the 'situational awareness' part. If you're in a situation where a cellphone is bad, then set it down. I don't think there is anything inherently evil in talking on a cellphone while driving.

The WORST part is I think because of the over-coverage of cellphone-while-driving threat, people look upon it as a horrendous thing, and that causes more rage than there otherwise would be.

06-08-2005, 09:00 AM	#36 (permalink)
KingOtter67 Upright	I like the 'situational awareness' answer the best. But, there is also plenty of room for courtesy. I take a lot of pride in letting people in front of me, respecting other people's blinkers, and hurrying myself up a bit if people behind me are waiting. But you certainly shouldn't hurry up past the point where you feel safe. Generally if you asked anyone on the street they'd say they are a good driver. I think I'm a decent driver, when I'm paying attention, but like others I get bored rather easily. The cellphone thing is a bit of a pet peeve of mine, but not in the way you'd expect. I think the danger cellphones represent is overstated. There are many things that take attention away from the actual driving. Radios, retrieiving CD's, other car occupants, etc. But about 80% of driving needs very little attention (depending on your environment, of course). Cellphones are being villainized at the moment, but they're no worse than any other distraction. Sure, people need to be able to say, 'Hang on, I'm making a left hand turn' and set the phone down for a minute or two while the complete whatever maneuver that needs the attention. The same way they wait to switch CDs, or swat the kids in the back seat. But that goes back to the 'situational awareness' part. If you're in a situation where a cellphone is bad, then set it down. I don't think there is anything inherently evil in talking on a cellphone while driving. The WORST part is I think because of the over-coverage of cellphone-while-driving threat, people look upon it as a horrendous thing, and that causes more rage than there otherwise would be. __________________ KingOtter You can't push on a rope.