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PredaKhaine wrote:
Texting isn't the be all of accidents though. There are plenty of other ways people will try to kill you in cars. Never underestimate the ability of people to be stupid.

On the road TRUST NO ONE.

Exactly. In fact, Ohio is enjoying a very rare 60 degree weather, and as I was doing part 2 of my daily drive (hour to work, hour back), a guy, who wasn't on his cellphone, because I could clearly see into his front seat nearly ran into my car as he tried to change lanes without checking his blind spot (though I was in his mirror's field of vision), and if I hadn't seen him start to move, I couldn't have moved over enough to avoid being hit. Texting and driving doesn't make one a bad driver, it just makes one prone to more mistakes.

Yea, changing/tuning your radio station used to be the big no no, and more accidents happen when you're eating in the car.

However more kids who are less experienced driving are also texting, because they got their shiny new phone and car. This is where the problem lies really.

It's illegal here.

ANY mobile phone use without a hands-free device is, and even with HF, use should be minimised. If you have to make a call, then pull over.

Doesn't stop a lot of people, though. The police do blitzes on it and get a few hundred over a weekend (around 300 for the fine and a penalty of 3 demerit points - fully licensed drivers can accrue 12 demerits before their licence is suspended on the 13th point).

We have a bluetooth handsfree in the car - the wife's phone is usually in her bag, in the boot.

Wife only realised on the past weekend that she can talk to her phone when it gets an sms, and have it read the message to her (works through the HF, too).

PredaKhaine wrote:Texting isn't the be all of accidents though. There are plenty of other ways people will try to kill you in cars.


In the snow we just had - I was driving too fast for the conditions really, but that didn't matter because there was an idiot behind me, trying to park in my boot.

My preferred way of dealing with tailgaters is to slow down. If they won't obey the two second rule at our current speed I'll reduce it until its safer. If everyone keeps a reasonable distance then we can all get where we need to go a bit faster.

I'm guilty as hell for reading Dakka forums at stop lights.

 Wyrmalla wrote:

 Hordini wrote:

Steve steveson wrote:

 Hordini wrote:

You really get charged for causing unnecessary pollution if your engine is on while parked? What if it's winter and you're letting your vehicle warm up, or trying to keep your vehicle warm while waiting for someone? That seems a little bit excessive to me.

No, I don't know where he got that from. Possibly he did his driving test in the last 5-6 years when they started doing "Eco driving" and telling you silly things like that.

Alright, I was wondering. It sounded a bit overboard (especially in the winter).

Because apparently I just spout random hogwash. =P

Ah, you got it from the daily mail. You may not spout random hogwash, but they do. I bet no one has ever been fined for defrosting there windows and never will be. It is a rule intended, and used, where busses and taxies sit for ages with there engines running for no good reason. Go to any major tourist site, look at the buildings next to any of the coach drop off sites and you will see what I mean.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Necroshea wrote:


I nearly swiped a guy on a motorcycle once. I looked over and the lane looked clear, then as I start to edge over he shoots beside me making practically no noise. It wasn't a loud stereo that masked him because I had friends with me at the time and they weren't in to my particular music tastes (I don't listen to rap so we just rode in silence). At the next red light while on an overpass while surrounded by cars he wants to get off his bike and start banging on my window as the light turned green. Crazy bastard.

You didn't look properly and almost kill the guy? Sounds quite reasonable reason to be angry to me.

I actually sincerely dislike people that do it.

They are, and I hope this word is strong enough, idiots.

Steve steveson wrote:

 Necroshea wrote:


I nearly swiped a guy on a motorcycle once. I looked over and the lane looked clear, then as I start to edge over he shoots beside me making practically no noise. It wasn't a loud stereo that masked him because I had friends with me at the time and they weren't in to my particular music tastes (I don't listen to rap so we just rode in silence). At the next red light while on an overpass while surrounded by cars he wants to get off his bike and start banging on my window as the light turned green. Crazy bastard.

You didn't look properly and almost kill the guy? Sounds quite reasonable reason to be angry to me.

Second line explains: he did look, and the road was clear. Quiet bike zipped in. It just happened to come down to poor timing, not poor driving.


And as I mentioned earlier, I talk on the phone all the time. I put down way too many miles just to listen to the radio. But I have a headset, and only have to swipe my finger across the phone to answer it-headphones are always in. I don't think I should minimize my talking, as it keeps me active and paying attention. Anyone who drives for a living, or spends most of their time in a vehicle will likely say the same thing.