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General discussion

What do you think is the biggest threat to safe driving?

May 30, 2007 4:37AM PDT

- Bad drivers (Tell us why.)
- Car stereos (Tell us why.)
- Cell phones (Tell us why.)
- DVD players (Tell us why.)
- Eating or personal grooming (Tell us why.)
- GPS/navigation systems (Tell us why.)
- Kids (Tell us why.)
- People with road rage (Tell us why.)
- Pets (Tell us why.)
- Other (What is it?)

Discussion is locked

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Bad driving as the norm
May 30, 2007 12:06PM PDT

I live in Miami and have become aware that bad driving habits are accepted as normal in this town. Most people tailgate, speed, constantly change lanes to gain one car length and violate numerous safe driving practices on a regular basis. Thus it does not bother us when at 70 mph a car wedges himself between the chap we are tailgating aand our vehicle with only five feet or so between our front bumper and his rear one. When I travel I constantly have to readjust my driving habits to reflect the locals. Last summer while leaving Seattle heading to Corvallis, Oregon I could not believe that people were driving the speed limit, leaving lots of room between cars and rarely changing lanes. Once I got back home within a day I reverted back to my Miami driving mode.

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Bad Drivers
May 30, 2007 12:07PM PDT

By far, it is the bad (aka STUPID) driver. There are a variety of BAD/STUPID drivers (and I'm not going to go into ethnic/gender stereotypes).

There are the morons who get into the "fast lane" (or the #1 lane, if you prefer) and INSIST on going the speed limit (or worse, BELOW the speed limit) with NO CONCERN that there is a mile of cars stacked up behind them (obviously wanting to drive faster then they).

Then, you've got the morons who think that you need to SLOW DOWN whenever changing lanes (even to a "faster" lane), or who think that they should wait until they are fully in the freeway lanes BEFORE getting up to speed (these also tend to be the ones who slow down to change lanes, or to exit the freeway).

These idiots affect car after car, after car, after car (for however long they are on the road). At least a distracted driver fumbling with his/her electronic device (be it phone, or GPS, or iPod) does so for a SHORT period of time.

Clearly there should be STRICT enforcement of DWD (Driving While Distracted) laws, but I'm opposed to singling out specific devices (because it's politically correct, or easy, to do so).

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The devices are only a sign of a bad driver.
May 30, 2007 12:09PM PDT

Bad, or distracted, drivers are always the problem. Of course one exception is other drivers with road rage. A good driver would not attempt to use a cell phone while driving except in an emergency. Cell phones by themselves are not the problem. If one has to make a call you should pull off the road and make the call then resume driving. GPS would be fine if it gives verbal directions. That is certainly less distracting then a person in the car unfolding maps and trying to find where to go.

The only way a DVD player should be in a vehicle is if it is in the back seat and the viewers are using head phones to listen. The sound alone is a distraction. Stereo and CD players playing music are less of a problem because music does not require close attention.

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Others that are bad drivers
May 30, 2007 12:13PM PDT

Mothers who are too lazy to get up a bit earlier to take their kids to school and then are running late so they think they have the god given right of way on the road and are trying to stop Johnny and Samantha fighting,and lighting a cigarette and answer a cell phone all at the same time

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Cell Phones are a great hazzard
May 30, 2007 12:13PM PDT

Myth Busters TV program demonstrated that cell phone talking while driving was the equivalent to several drinks. Exhibited the same driving errors. They should be banned in moving vehicles.

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Bad Drivers (Tell us Why)
May 30, 2007 12:16PM PDT

Bad drivers are the single biggest problem I see while driving. It's not just bad driving or distracted driving or cell phone use etc. although all of these are certainly bad news on the road.
The Biggest Problem though is that it sure appears that more than half the drivers on the road don't think about where they are going and how they will get there before they get behind the wheel. Hence, the Kooks you see make lane changes from the Left lane to the off-ramp at at 65 mph within 100 feet of the off ramp. And how many times do you see the driver who has to change lanes one direction or another after having stopped at the stoplight and thereby holding up everyone in two lanes behind his/her HUMMER or SUBURBAN. There also seems to be the problem that most people don't seem to know how to drive within their own traffic lane. I Can't believe how many people drive around with one set of wheels in my lane or worse.
Wish I didn't have to drive at all.It isn't going to get any better either.

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What makes a bad driver
May 30, 2007 12:18PM PDT

Driving Instructors, Now days they teach learners HOW TO PASS A TEST NOT TO DRIVE, More em phis should be made to teach a learner how to drive safely not just to pass a test.

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Biggest threat to safe driving ...
May 30, 2007 12:19PM PDT

The answer is, of course, #1 - bad drivers. That said, #1 encompasses, among other things, #3, #5, and #8.

Now that we have the ridiculous part of this question out of the way, we can ask the question again, omitting #1, the alternative that takes all credibility away from this question.

The answer is, of the alternatives 2 through 10, #3, the cell phone. Cell phone talking, of itself, is not much of a hazzard. The problem is, meaningful conversation requires good listening. Good listening means concentrating on what is being said. The problem is, the degree of concentration on listening runs inversely proportional to the degree of concentration on driving. The mind doesn't do two or more things simultaneously, it multiplexes, it switches from one topic to the next, to the next, etc. When the topic of conversation is light, multiplexing is easy with each task, for the most part, getting its proper share of concentration. But when conversation gets deeper, the conversation starts receiving more than its fair share of the driver's concentration. This is what is usually occuring when you see a cell phone talkers weaving or slowing down on the highway. When the topic gets heavier yet, this is when, for instance, the driver might very well run the red traffic light. Crash!!! Terrible, terrible crash (happened to a good friend - She was so deep in conversation, the red light was totally, utterly, and completely missed).

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Other
May 30, 2007 12:20PM PDT

The reason I voted for the OTHER choice involves the fact that none of the choices reflect the true problems that cause unsafe driving. The most unsafe option is not bad drivers, kids, or road rage. It is also not the GPS navi systems that cause unsafe driving, but the lack of a standardized GPS navi system interface, poor input interfaces, and the lack of any windshield heads up display tech.

Today every manufacturer has a different user interface, some are better than others. However, when users operate different car models they have a hard time relearning to program and operate nav systems. The creation of a standard interface would help greatly.

The input methods used to enter address info is also very poor and time consuming. Touch screen, or joystick typing that is used today are worthless compared to using a keyboard system like Treo's or Blackberries. The lack of steering wheel controls is a problem also. If these nav systems allowed the users to plan trips on their computers and save these routes on USB drives so users could plug the flash drive into the car nav system and upload the users routes then the problem of user input would be a great deal less of a hassle.

The lack of a display device in the driver?s field of vision without looking down is a problem that must be dealt with.

The nav systems are not the problem it's the implementation that needs work!

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It is in the catagory of other.
May 30, 2007 12:20PM PDT

Smoking is the biggest risk. I think that is because people who smoke also use a cell phone and are so into getting their next fix they forget they are driving.

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Smoking?
May 30, 2007 12:35PM PDT

Where did you come up with that? When was the last time you saw some one smoke and use a cellphone while driving? I have never seen that combination.

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There's only one Correct Answer
May 30, 2007 12:23PM PDT

Young Drivers: Because even before there was cell phones, insurance for young drivers was/is always high due to them causing the majority of the serious accidents.

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Young drivers
May 30, 2007 3:34PM PDT

I agree. People who have little or no decent training on how to drive with efficiency. They need to be taught more than they are. The schools are not teaching the things that children do think about. They need reality and to see the damage and to hear the word from other children who have been in accidents. Some get in to their cars and take off that is it. Or they drink and drive. Parents who teach their children how to drive pass on bad habits. I am not saying all parents are bad drivers. But if they have to go through an official school for 3 weeks of book training and learning the ins and outs of being on the road it might make a difference.

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Being new plus...
May 31, 2007 6:01AM PDT

I agree that new(not just young) drivers can be a threat. However, many times this shows only when other distractions are present.

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Bad drivers
May 30, 2007 12:30PM PDT

A good driver would realize potential threats and posible distractions and figure out a way to deal with them safely. A good driver understands that once you get behind the wheel, the most important thing is to drive safely and never let any distractions take your concentration from the task of driving.

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All of the above
May 30, 2007 12:33PM PDT

I responded "other" because all of the above are a distraction to the driver of any vehicle. Eating, drinking a beverage, radio, TV, GPS, DVD, loud conversation, arguing, being emotionally upset,etc. are all distracting to the driver. The main purpose of driving is to be in control at all times, all states require that a driver be in control of the vehicle. One cannot do that very well while several things are going on in the car. With some 50 plus years of experience and a safe driving instructor I can attest that any distraction is dangerous.

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All of the above!
May 30, 2007 12:38PM PDT

The more distractions, the worse the driver. Who can pay attention to driving AND fiddle with buttons, etc.

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Statistics on semis' ("18 wheelers")
May 30, 2007 12:41PM PDT

I realize there may be quite a few capable and courteous semi-drivers out there, but to be honest, I have yet to meet one! I would like to know the statistics of how many accidents semi-trucks are involved in, in the course of one day throughout the country. I live near both I70 and I75, and believe me, they have some pretty dangerous driving habits! Many a time I've had to slam on the brakes because a truck driver decided to pull out or over directly in front of me. I guess 'cause they're bigger, they always have the right of way.

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18 wheelers/professional drivers
May 30, 2007 1:22PM PDT

My first thought to your query concerning truck drivers is to ask; when this happened could you see the drivers face in his rear view mirror? If not you were driving in his/her blind spot, that area of a large truck where a vehicle, car or motorcycle , is not visible. I know its hard to remember to check this when in traffic but it will save you or someone else a world of hurt if you do.

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reply to lgscott5053
Jun 2, 2007 8:50AM PDT

I realize there are blind spots for the semi drivers--but there is absolutely no way they can use that excuse when I'm driving down the road, they are sitting at a stop or yield sign, they look both ways (and assuming since I'm only 50 feet away from them, they can see me), then pull directly out in front of me to cross 2 lanes of traffic to get to the other side. Unless they're blind or need glasses, it would be impossible NOT to see me!

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people who simply do not pay approp. attn to their driving.
May 30, 2007 12:43PM PDT

You ask what activities make a threat to safe driving.

Any/all of the items you mention are threats to safe driving. Admittedly road rage easily tops that list. Sadly, it's people who pay too little attention to their driving are the primary agents/instigators of road rage, even though they may in fact be the "victims" of road rage outbursts.

But to me the real threat is just that people are paying more attention to these listed activities than they are their driving.
There's nothing wrong with talking on the cel phone while driving. AS LONG AS THEY'RE PAYING ATTENTION TO THE DRIVING.

And it MUST be an appropriate amount of attention.

I see nothing wrong with someone changing stations on their radio while driving.

AS LONG AS THEY'RE PAYING ATTENTION TO THE DRIVING.

The real issue here to me is that the people who are causing the troubles are not paying attention to the primary activity they are performing--- DRIVING!!!!!

As a former truck driver, I've done a number of things that many consider dangerous, and some have even been outlawed in certain states. However-- I paid more attention to my driving than the secondary tasks/activities I was seeking to accomplish.

Today I just plain try to avoid major roadways when possible because too many people are paying more attention to the conversation occurring amongst the vehicle's occupants, or talking on the cel phone. They pay more attention to ANYTHING OTHER THAN DRIVING!

Hardly anyone uses their turn signals anymore. So much so that where I live the law enforcement agencies no longer ticket for failure to use them, and they themselves have ceased using turn signals.

What people seemingly fail to realize is that turn signals inform others surrounding the driver using the signals that the driver is going to change locations, and they should be aware, slow down, change lanes-- or just plain get out of the way. Forget that it's the law. Just remember that it's a courtesy to let others know your intentions. Oh, and when you're done using them-- check to make sure they are turned off, and turn them off if they didn't automatically do so.

And if you see someone who is using their turn signals-- thank them, let them in, instead of speeding up to prevent them from performing the task of responsibly driving.

It's gotten so dangerous and irritating that I'm about ready to write to automobile manufacturers and request that they cease making cars and trucks with turn signals to emphasize the issue of just how stupidly dangerous it is to not use them.

Sorry for the CAPS. It was to emphasize the point of paying attention to driving, and lessen the attention paid to the other activities.

So, all that said-- if you are among those who pay more attention to anything other than driving, while driving, remember that you're moving down the roadway at velocities that effectively convert your vehicle in to a deadly weapon. I.e., you could easily kill someone with your failure to pay attention to your driving for what... that business call, or the call from your significant other about a gallon of milk? To show off your new car's gadgets?

As long as you're in your vehicle, in the driver's seat, and it's moving, your first and only real responsibility is to maintain control of that vehicle at all times. If you're incapable of paying an appropriate amount of attention to that task, then you should not be performing any other task while driving-- regardless of that task's perceived importance.

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inconsiderate drivers including police!
May 31, 2007 6:02AM PDT

I rarely see law enforcement using turn signals. I was also taught to stay to the left. I enforce these rules on myself but not even the law folks follow these rules. They are more interested in using 'gatcha' then enforcing all the laws. Ill: I was driving on an Interstate where the speed limit is 65 mph. The jeep in the left lane in front of me was driving in tandem with the middle lane going 55mph! I got a ticket for tailgating and the jeerp went merrily on it's way! Boy what a great reinforcement to continue to do the same thing to others that the road hog got!

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Bad Drivers
May 30, 2007 12:47PM PDT

I don't think most people have a clue about the rules of the road. Simple tasks like merging are a major risk, and you literally take your life in your hands at a four-way stop. It's like drivers today get their licenses from a catalog.

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Definitely cell phones!
May 30, 2007 12:49PM PDT

They are the biggest threat because they are so pervasive. Stand on any street corner and watch the passing cars. Chances are 20% are on their cell phones; and those are the ones that don't have headsets!

Cell phone users aren't paying the necessary attention to their driving. If the car ahead of you starts drifting to one side or the other, then jerks back; if it speeds up, then slows down (for no apparent reason); if it makes corners wide, almost drifting into oncoming traffic. All tell-tale signs of a cellphone user (or a drunk, but there aren't that many drunk drivers out on the road). It's the cell phones!

-- Mark Liquorman

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bad drivers
May 30, 2007 12:53PM PDT

My peeve is people driving large vehicles, notably vans and SUVs, who haven't the foggiest notion how to drive them. For instance: while entering a turn you will see them 'belly out' by turning the front wheels in the opposite direction, often over the centre line. They don't seem to realize that their rear wheels do not have time to track over before they enter the turn and so follow the same radius they would have done without the antics - but then they don't have any idea what clearance they really need. This exagerated clearance requirement is also evident when they need to move past another slow-moving vehicle. Often there will be plenty of room, but because they don't feel comfy unless they have a full lane, they refuse to pass and thus hold up everyone behind them.

Another real tick-off are the 'courteous' types who give up the right-of-way to allow somebody to enter traffic - while traffic is moving, they come to a stop. How about the people behind? Don't they have the right to a little courtesy, too? Move through and don't doddle around, then there will be ample opportunity for all.

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Bad Drivers
May 30, 2007 1:06PM PDT

Driving a vehicle should be a single/solitary task,one that requires your complete attention. Driving is not the time to multi-task, no matter how good you are at it.

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cell phones in cars
May 30, 2007 1:10PM PDT

Being a UPS driver, I get a chance to see many things. Cell phones without headsets are by far the worse distraction for a driver. You can't drive well while you are trying to hold the phone to your ear, especially when you are going around curves and turns. Personally, I think headsets should be required. Haven't you all noticed the person in front of you at a stop light. The light turns green and they don't move. Why?! Because they are concentrating talking on their cell! Or, how about the person who is driving down the highway and all of a sudden their speed decreases and you can see them not paying attention to the traffic around them. Why?! Again, the stupid cell phone! Yes, I own a cell phone, BUT with a bluetooth headset.

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Cell phones or any other distraction
May 30, 2007 1:10PM PDT

Bad drivers can usually be spotted and caution can be used, but in San Francisco the cellphone driver has become the number one nemesis. Whether driving my car or riding my bicycle, drivers talking on the phone have become the biggest threat to public safety.

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Bad (poor) driving skills and attention to driving.
May 30, 2007 1:21PM PDT

I believe most bad driving is due to poor driving skills and lack of proper attention to given to the driving environment.

The first is a training problem - people have not learned proper driving techniques.

The second is a behavioral problem - people do not pay attention to the important aspects of the driving environment - actions of other cars/drivers, road conditions, clear vision and distracting noises (people talking, music, road noises, horns, wheather, etc.).

And, no, I do not think that fines help correct either problem. People should be made to learn or behave when they exibit these poor traits.

my message to the wind!
ed

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Biggest threat...BAD drivers...and Alcohol
May 30, 2007 1:29PM PDT

Bad drivers are those who do not pay attention to their responsibilites. However, I don't understand the outrage here. It is the nature of American behavior to not accept responsibility. We have become a nation of blamers...a nation of irresponsible people. It is not a question of reasons...it is a question of reasoning. It is not a question of a cell phone, or GPS, it is a question of taking responsibility and caring for each other as we do ourselves. Although I love this Country for what it stands for, I see it falling from within as a result of individuals not taking responsibility. This is only manifest in behavior we see on our highways...