Would you consider distracted driving to be the new "Drunk Driving?"

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 09:35:07 -0400

Distracted driving injures more than 1,200 people and kills more than 15 people per day. What distracts you? Do you think distracted driving is the new drunk driving?
Texting is one example, can you think of others?

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Apr 7 at 2015 1:45 PM

MSgt Michael Durkee — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 13:45:39 -0400

Yes, I would consider it comparable. What makes it especially dangerous is that most don't think they're doing it. Eating, putting on makeup, fidgeting with the radio, etc. may not be at the same level as texting while driving - but it is still distracted driving.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Apr 7 at 2015 1:57 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 13:57:26 -0400

Have you ever known someone that couldn't chew gum and walk at the same time?
I've ridden in vehicles where the driver was overly distracted complaining about another driver that was driving and texting.....to the point where they themselves were distracted driving!

Someone could be singing their favorite song and be distracted while others may have a better presence of mind and have the ability to drive and chew gum at the same time!

Not the same thing as drunk driving however in a broad definition, it has the potential to cause havoc as well.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 2:32 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 14:32:46 -0400

Daydreaming is a big one for me. I try and clear my thoughts, wind down, and try to distress on the drive home. The down side, it is the same drive I make every day I seem to be on auto pilot. Complacency.
Just thought I'd get your thoughts going this fine Tuesday.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 2:55 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 14:55:23 -0400

What's your definition of distracted?? If you mean by checking RallyPoint while driving... then yes, maybe just a little. TeeHee

And the picture is just funny!!

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 3:03 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 15:03:28 -0400

The law against distracted driving is already on the books. It's called reckless driving. No need to create more laws just to make people feel good. Enforce the laws we already have.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Apr 7 at 2015 3:45 PM

TSgt David Holman — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 15:45:32 -0400

It can be worse in my opinion. Honestly, when you are driving a vehicle, the only thing you should be doing is driving. People who say "Well, I'm just better at multitasking"... no, your not. Science has shown that each task takes a portion of your attention away from the primary (and the way some people treat there phones, you have to wonder which is indeed the primary). They need to make it a primary offense (something an officer can pull you over for by itself) and it needs to be treated like intoxicated driving.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 1:23 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 01:23:54 -0400

Yes!!!!! So I ride, and our biggest fear is not downing the bike, its other drivers. I have had a few near experiences and when I see there face look up in shock at me because they were texting, I just shake my head.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 1:35 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 01:35:28 -0400

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 1:39 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 01:39:59 -0400

That is a good question and the answer of course, is yes. The only thing I warn about is harassing drivers who may not be doing anything as a way of increasing revenues. If you are doing it, shame on you driver. You are the kind that does it everywhere, whether at the checkout line or in the line at your local bank.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Apr 8 at 2015 11:49 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 11:49:10 -0400

I am a motorcyclist. I enjoy riding. I hate seeing people talking/texting on cell phones ESPECIALLY when I am riding the bike (car/truck I am still not happy, but I know I am a little bit more protected). Here in Montana, we have problems. I feel that Drunk driving is still a huge issue here....as is Texting. Drunk driving is still #1 in my book.... here is a choice example of the kinds of issues I get to deal with (keep in mind that this is #7 for her... which is a FAR CRY from the 10-15 repeat offenses for some people that we see in the news in Montana....). http://www.krtv.com/story/28734121/woman-charged-with-7th-dui-in-billings

Woman charged with 7th DUI in Billings

Prosecutors say that she had two DUI convictions in 1994, and one each in 1996, 1997, 2005 and 2008.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 8:05 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 08:05:27 -0400

Statistics show that texting and driving is now killing more people than drinking and driving.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Apr 24 at 2015 8:27 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 08:27:55 -0400

Our irresponsibility with technology has created this problem and only technology will solve it. Self-driving cars, deliver us from this scourge of our own making!