live in chicago - local paper ( i think it's local) called 'red eye' had an article stating that 80% of accidents involve someone on a cell phone

also listed some of the other things people are doing while driving - reading was one

just found that interesting

and the thing that gets me most are those people who like cross their left arm across their body to put the phone on their right ear (or vice versa) and try to turn in that position - like it has just got to screw up their sense of everything

 

Seems high to me. Whether true or not it's obviously an additional challenge our fathers before us didn't have to put up with.

 

I dont believe that number...

 

Reading text messages and sending text messages.

 

I do that all the time while riding. And since discovering my throttle lock I can enjoy my coffee on my morning commute as well. That's my version of "hands free"

 

alright i misread - 80% applied to all multitasking things while driving which includes cell phone and txt msging as well as disciplining kids

here is the full article

Driving and phones don't mix
RedEye
Published November 12 2007
The prevalence of cell-talking and texting while driving has made multitasking in the car a concern, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reporting that distracted drivers account for almost 80 percent of crashes in the U.S.
Many states and cities, including Chicago, have banned using hand-held cell phones while driving, forcing drivers to use hands-free devices. “We are a nation of people with too much to do and too little time. In fact, more than 80 percent of drivers surveyed identified themselves as multitaskers,” Bill Windsor, associate vice president of safety at Nationwide Mutual Insurance, said in a news release in January when the company’s survey results were released.
“However, driving requires significant attention. Multitasking while behind the wheel poses a threat to you and your fellow drivers.
Nationwide conducted a survey in 2006 that asked 1,200 drivers what they did behind the wheel. The survey showed 73 percent said they talk on cell phones. Other survey findings:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Respondents who said they always multitask in the car
35 percent of Gen Y-ers
30 percent of Gen X-ers
21 percent of Baby Boomers
Those who text or IM while driving
37 precent of GenY-ers
17 percent of Gen X-ers
2 percent of Baby Boomers
Types of multitasking behind the wheel
31 percent daydream
23 percent experience road rage
19 percent fix their hair, text or IM
14 percent comfort or discipline children
8 percent drive with a pet in their lap
Other tasks mentioned include
>> Changing seats with passengers
>> Reading a book
>> Watching a movie
>> Writing a grocery list
>> Nursing a baby
>> Putting in contact lenses

 

I live in Chicago also. Its a law that in the city of Chicago it is illegal to use a cell phone while driving unless it is hands free.
Like it matters anyway.
MikeM

 

People just need to get over being so upset about other people talking on a cell phone and address the REAL issue: inattentive driving.

It doesn't matter if you're eating your Big Mac and fries or chatting with your friends trying to stay awake on the drive, inattention causes collisions.

And I think we should all stop using the word "accident" when refering to a collision or wreak, it takes away from the reality that if the person that caused the collision was paying attention then there wouldn't have been an "accident".

It's not the same thing as your 4 year old droping the milk container on the kitchen floor because he/she was trying to be a big boy/girl and make their own breakfast. That is an accident.

/rant off

 

every state should have that law.

 

That unattentive driver is the same one making a left in front of you or lane changing into you. I think it starts with the cell phone, 10 years ago we didn't have them, like we do today, there everywere, people talking loud enough so they seem important. I don't want to here there conversation. Kids driving with a ciggerette and a cell phone. Hasn't everyone seen them. ok I feel better