I had a sobering experience a couple years ago on my morning commute. I-25
southbound in Albuquerque has three or four lanes of traffic and full width
shoulders for emergencies. As I was proceeding south at about 70 MPH , which
is 5 MPH over the speed limit. I was in the left lane, but I was overtaken by
what could only have been VIP at about 80 MPH on my left, that is in the
shoulder area. As he came along side in his new Lexus SUV I saw that he was
conversing intently on his hand held cell phone. At about the same time I
noticed a Chevy or Ford 3/4 ton dually stalled on the shoulder about a quarter
mile ahead. I figured that Leadfoot must have seen it too because he dropped
back. A few seconds later I discovered that my surmise was in error as I
watched the guy plow straight into the rear of the pickup at highway speed in
my rear view mirror. I don't know what his hurry was, but I can guarantee he
missed his first appointment that day and voided the warranty on his truck. I
hope his air bags worked.
Bill Lawrence
> Date: Wed, 5 Aug 2009 11:34:17 -0400
> From: kentmclean@comcast.net
> To: healeys@autox.team.net
> Subject: Re: [Healeys] Great Bluetooth Headphone for the Healey
>
> Heard wrote:
> > Well, I've been reading this thread and have a question. Aside from the
> > process of dialing or answering a cell phone while driving, what exactly
> > is the difference between talking to someone on a cell phone and talking
> > to someone sitting in the car?
>
> Situational awareness. The passenger can usually see an upcoming situation
> (such as someone cutting you off) and interrupt their end of the
conversation
> until the emergency is over. The person on the other end of the phone will
> not only continue to distract the driver, but may even become upset and
scream
> at the driver that the driver isn't listening to them.
>
> And yes, some passengers are oblivious and some phoners are aware of the
> needs of the driver.
>
> Studies have also shown that, even with hands-free headsets, a phone
> conversation is just as much a distraction as to be dangerous.
> <http://www.ergoweb.com/news/detail.cfm?id=2364>
>
> --
> Kent McLean
> '56 100 BN2
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