Laws banning cellphone use while driving have no effect: study

[deez]

Hi folks!

A recent study in the U.S. has found that banning the use of mobile phones while driving has had no effect on reducing the number of crashes. See Laws banning cellphone use while driving have no effect: study - International Business Times -

So do you think that similar bans in Australian states is really for safety reasons, or just another revenue raiser?

[_R_J_K_]

So do you think that similar bans in Australian states is really for safety reasons, or just another revenue raiser?

Two hands on the wheel = better than one.

100% concentration on the road = better than 99% concentration on the road (hands free etc...) or whatever while you're having your conversation.

[minux]

What a load of crap, ther eis a myriad of studies that show that the use of a phone while driving = bad. Just look at any moron on a mobile driving along, always drifting around their lane, no use of indicators, fail to give way so many times, list goes on. Mobile phones should be banned period.

These studies are always flawed, as how do they know a person was using a phone while driving when in an accident, fairly certain no one will admit to it if they dont have to...

[Julie]

Well it is quite feasible that these laws have no effect. I do firmly believe using phone when driving causes lack of attention = accidents. The reason I think it is feasible that the laws have no effect is because the laws are only any good if people follow them and I think you will find an awful lot of drivers have no regard for these laws. Well thats been my experience anyway, its not unusual to see half the drivers I pass gasbagging away on a mobile phone.

[deez]

agree with minux - i suspect that fewer people admitted they were on the phone when involved in an accident which explains the following observation:

"Despite those laws, monthly fluctuations in crash rates didn't change after bans were enacted, all though there were less people using devices while driving."

The worst piece of driving I have ever seen is a guy typing on his pda with both hands while steering with his forearms - madness.

[vx aiden]

i still think your better offer answering a call then texting while driving.

[edals]

I Know even with a hands free kit, still have 2 hands on the wheel, i know my concentration goes out the window still.

[STEALTHY™]

What a load of crap, ther eis a myriad of studies that show that the use of a phone while driving = bad. Just look at any moron on a mobile driving along, always drifting around their lane, no use of indicators, fail to give way so many times, list goes on. Mobile phones should be banned period.

Dont agree or disagree with the study, but i seee all those things you mentioned when people arent on the phone aswell.......

[jellycalais]

Interesting viewing

[greenfoam]

When I was in the states I saw two fatal accidents in about 2 weeks, they have plenty to learn about safe driving

[edals]

Interesting viewing

Very Good demonstration. Same as Eating and driving too i guess. Yes its also a fine caught eating and driving, mrs almost got done for it.

[starkeyholden]

Dont agree or disagree with the study, but i seee all those things you mentioned when people arent on the phone aswell.......

Heh, When ever we see see that while out and about, me and the missuss both say "thank @#$& they're not on the phone as well!"

[minux]

Dont agree or disagree with the study, but i seee all those things you mentioned when people arent on the phone aswell.......

I do not doubt it, now equip them with a phone...I rest my case.

[STEALTHY™]

I do not doubt it, now equip them with a phone...I rest my case.

So

Good driver + phone = bad driver
Bad driver + phone = really bad driver?

What about awesome drivers like you and i?

[minux]

So

Good driver + phone = bad driver
Bad driver + phone = really bad driver?

What about awesome drivers like you and i?

Ina ll seriousness, I'd love to see mobiles banned from the planet, hate the things with a passion. Maybe Kevin Rudd could start a war on mobiles?

[STEALTHY™]

Ina ll seriousness, I'd love to see mobiles banned from the planet, hate the things with a passion. Maybe Kevin Rudd could start a war on mobiles?

I disagree. They are a handy thing to have.
So you don't own a mobile? What about the wifey?

[minux]

I disagree. They are a handy thing to have.
So you don't own a mobile? What about the wifey?

I own one(well technically I don't, as work pays for it), I have no choice for work. Wifey loves the bloody things.

[edals]

I hate phones, Swear every second person i see has one against there ear lol. I do own one, just in case the mrs needs to ring or i need road side assist. Handy if needed. Just a tool to me, not my life like a lot of people.

[Kikki]

I do own one, just in case the mrs needs to ring or i need road side assist.

Oh dear, what on earth did people do before mobile phones? I think doing "anything" else while driving is a huge risk, I have noticed even talking or telling off the kids distracts me at times because I'm not 100% concentrating on the road. Call while I'm driving you'll get message bank. Mobile bans worth it, should be eating bans and I would love "kid" bans too lol.

[deez]

and then there are so-called smartphones with email, facebook, twitter... = more distractions.

[Tim Smtih]

The fact that this study came out of the U.S makes me less inclined to pay any attention to it. I am quite happy with the truth as opposed to some study funded more than likely by those with a financial gain to be had from a favourable study.

[06vzcalais]

Two hands on the wheel = better than one.

100% concentration on the road = better than 99% concentration on the road (hands free etc...) or whatever while you're having your conversation.

hands free should also be banned period F*** the phones pull off the road if you really must answer it.........

[soop]

How is talking on the phone worse then talking to the person beside you?

[Julie]

In my experience, the person sitting beside me talking usually knows when to stfu. Like when you are just cruising along but when it gets to the more complicated stuff like navigating a busy intersection they have the sense to shut up.

[NOT.BT1]

i have a bluetooth head unit in my car comes in handy for the fact it cancels out the music or radio station im listening to and i can hear it ringing through the car stereo. but i still pull over to answer and talk. i have in the past answered while driving and that is when it ocurred to me how much it does infact affect driving. as for talking to people in the car while your driving i dont think there is much difference other then the fact the passenger is there and knows what is going on around the car where as the person on the other end of the phone is more then likely sitting around in there home, office etc so they dont know where you are or what is going on around you.