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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 Drivers:
May 31, 2007 1:30AM PDT

It is the drivers that create all the rest of the problems. Gadgets are just objects, it's the driver who decides to play while driving. Some people can't even talk in person without using both hands for expression, how would even a implant help them?

The biggest addation the Auto companys could put in a vehichle that would help, would be a "Back Seat Monkey" that would slap the driver behing the head when they were not paying attention, and that wouldn't completly work. "Some would have to turn around and argue".

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Road Rage- unpredictable
May 31, 2007 1:42AM PDT

GPS is a tremendous help. Cell Phones when used properly are OK, but not in heavy traffic congestion, too many things going on at once. Use common sense. Road rage turns a driver into a demon, completely unpredictable hurtful actions.

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Bad drivers
May 31, 2007 1:45AM PDT

'Bad drivers' is the only possible answer. All the subsequent items in your list allow drivers to become distracted. And drivers who willingly allow themselves to be distracted are bad drivers. It's that simple.

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Bad drivers !
May 31, 2007 1:46AM PDT

Bad drivers are folks from all the other category's that can not drive when doing them. The trouble is, most of them or us, don't know they or we can't.

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slow drivers in the fast lane
May 31, 2007 1:56AM PDT

slow drivers who (1) get to a corner before hitting their turn signal--and then, all but STOP--and then turn at 1 mile/hr; (2)'practice' causing accidents by constantly hitting their brakes--despite a clear and open road before them; (3) who, especially during rush hours, hit their brakes ALL THE WAY DOWN a turning lane (anticipating a future YELLOW??) then go thru the yellow--and trap everyone behind them; (4) wait until no cars are in SIGHT -- before turning or merging; (5) .etc. I find 'Road Rage' is largely justifiable...and those of us who drive fast, do so because we actually know both how to drive...and the rules of the road--not to mention the desire to avoid the accidents usually caused by those 'others'....

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Bad Drivers covers EVERYTHING
May 31, 2007 2:03AM PDT

A bad driver covers all other reasons. A good driver will not create an environment which is unsafe or too distracting for THAT driver. I hate seeing personal freedoms removed and takenen away to protect us from the worse driver on the road. Do I use cell phone yes - but only with handsfree headset. Do I eat - yes - but only things that are easy to eat (ie no tacos).

People need to take personal responsibility.

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Common Sense and Education Lacking
May 31, 2007 2:10AM PDT

First, people don't use their heads when driving. Maintaining proper following distance, easing off the gas rather than always hitting the brakes to slow your car, not looking 10-12 seconds down the road to identify and predict problems, being polite, etc., reduce travel time and stress for all. When I was taught to drive, we were taught IPDE. Identify/Predict/Decide/Execute. More recently, I understand it was changed to SIPDE to include Scan. The idea is that you should constantly scan your mirrors and the road looking for problems so you can react proactively and not have to act abruptly.

Many drivers don't pay enough attention to the road because they are looking at devices, mirrors, etc. Eating while driving or shaving isn't necessarily a problem. I do both -- not at the same time -- and still manage to avoid accidents quite nicely because I continue to watch the road.

Finally, driver's education is apparently lacking and there is no required followup on a periodic basis, so too few drivers understand even basic rules of the road. The driver's test in my current state focus on how much alcohol one can drink and not be considered under the influence rather than when vehicles come to a four way stop, who goes first, etc.

If drivers were properly educated, rational, polite, and careful, we wouldn't have to worry about which gadgets should be allowed or not. Those drivers would simply avoid doing unsafe things!

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Bad drivers
May 31, 2007 2:56AM PDT

Bad driving is bad driving. Anyone who gets distracted (directly or indirectly) easily, anyone who goes 10kmh or more below the speed limit, anyone who doesn't know how to make a proper lane change ie. cutting people off, anyone who doesn't know the meaning of "passing lane", anyone who has no respect for other drivers, and anyone who thinks they are being safe by being OVERLY cautious, anyone of these is a sure sign of a BAD DRIVER.

I've talked on my cell while driving, I have a GPS that I use every now and then. But the one difference for me as to others I've seen on the road doing the same thing, is that my driving is priority. So if it means me having to pull over to figure out my GPS, or to cut someone off in mid-sentence (or hang up all together) so I can concentrate on trying to avoid the "dumb ***" talking on his phone and driving in the middle of two lanes, then that is what I'll do.

People fail to realize that there is more than themselves driving on the road. I always keep my phone conversations to bare minimum. Quick and simple. If the conversation is that important, then it's obviously more important than driving... pull over and talk till your hearts content. If getting to your destination is more important, then hang-up and call them back when you get to where your going. It's such a simple and logical thing to be doing. But then again most people can't comprehend anything that isn't 2 feet in front of them, with bells, lights, and whistles going off.

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It's the driver. What else is there?
May 31, 2007 2:56AM PDT

The driver is the only one capable of operating the car safely - and yes, even in today's crazy world, not driving is ALWAYS an option. Skip the party, call in sick, quit. Don't answer the phone (don't turn it on!), don't yell at the kids, don't read the map. The driver makes the decision to do something besides just driving - and they need to consider the consequences.

My Dad always told me (and I told my kids) "Drive like you paid for the car, not for the road."

Happy Motoring! :o)

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Bad Drivers
May 31, 2007 3:11AM PDT

I drive for a living. Bad drivers are the problem. If you are a good driver, all the other items don't become an issue because you realize attention to the road and surroundings is primary. If you are a mental midget and think a phone call to your significant other, changing a CD or DVD, eating a "Whopper", or scolding your kid or pet is more important than attention to the road, stay at home and off the road. Driving is a privilege NOT a right.

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Causes of accidents
May 31, 2007 3:16AM PDT

The top two are right on. Bad drivers should not have licenses. You wonder how some of them pass the state tests.
Most cell phones I have seen people using don't have an external speaker, thus, one hand is off the wheel.
Most of everything else on this list is distracting to the driver. Any loud sounds from radio, dvd can cause a reaction which could be fatal.
As for the GPS I do not think there should be a problem with this and can't understand why it even was on this list. After all you set it before you leave to take you to a certain destination and all you have to do is sit there and listen to this voice telling you when to make a turn. You have complete concentration on the road unlike with a map when you have to take your eyes off the road. I have both a GPS and an external speaker for cell phone. Even with this speaker there are times when I do not feel confident to take a call and I definitely would not place a call while driving. That needs to be done when you pull over off the road and come to a stop. Drivers need to use common sense.
Young drivers are another cause of many accidents which are not included on this list. This is due to kids being in the car and all talking and fooling around.
The solutions would be more driver education, making driver tests harder to pass, and restrictions for younger drivers as to how many other young passengers they can transport, mandatory driver instruction renewal classes.

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Tougher driving tests.
May 31, 2007 8:33AM PDT

I agree. I think road tests should be more difficult. Instead of a course, or back streets, drivers should taken out on real life situations. Even in rush hour traffic. This will definitely help in weeding out bad drivers. And instructors should take more points off for driving too slow, improper lane changes, using up the passing lane, and how long it takes a person to make a right turn (especially when the way is clear). Maybe even talk to them while they're driving, to see how much they get distracted.

In my 20 years of driving, I have to say I've come across far more bad drivers than good ones. And the craziest thing is, they don't believe they do anything wrong. That's down right scary.

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Speed is the most dangerous coupled with any distraction
May 31, 2007 3:20AM PDT

By far speed is the most dangerous factor in a crash. At 55 mph, a car travels 80 feet a second. The average stopping distance for a car at 55 mph, on a dry road ith good brakes, is 330-385 feet, factoring in perception of the problem, reaction and actual braking. At 75 mph stopping distance is close to 500 feet. For every other distraction add another second, or 80 feet at 55 mph, over 100 feet at 75mph. )The undersigned is a defensive driving instructor.)

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Bad Drivers are caused by Cell Phones too
May 31, 2007 7:17AM PDT

I have been on the Hwy when someone is so busy yaking that they cross the line and all the other drivers have to screech to a halt and hope not to be hit from behind. Most folks cannot talk on a phone without their hands even if they have the headset on. Cell phones have gotten to be a very pesty thing. Cashiers are on cell phones while you wait in line, diners are talking and sometimes loud while you eat, try going to the bathroom when someone is talking in the next stall. Now if they are this lively then imagine having them on the phone while driving! NJ passed a law about cell phones and driving but the cops still don't stop them. What did these people do before cell phones were invented? How did we ever all survive? And Yes, I do have one. It is Off unless I need it for an emergency.
Now if you are dialing, your eyes are not on the road. Hands moving not on the wheel, making a business deal; none of the above plus writing while driving. PULL OVER if you have to talk.

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Safe Driving
May 31, 2007 3:24AM PDT

I investigated auto accidents for over 30 yrs.

I found that drivers ignore what the driver's manual says and make up their own rules because the manual, apparently, doesn't apply to them!

Let's list: speeding, improper lane changes, failure to yield, running/pausing at stop signs, improper lookout, etc. I can go on and on!! It makes you wonder what manual they read to get their license in the first place!!

Plus the 'protective' parents. They put their 16 yr old "children" behind the wheel of a killing machine, and then fail to let a professional speak to them? What's with that?

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for the 20 yr.veteran of ?
May 31, 2007 6:30AM PDT

You sound like my professors in college. "If you would just learn the entire topic you could recite all the rules like me!" Let's be honest, don't you think that the practical issues are that people have to use common sense with the rules? Like many have said, if everyone is going 70mph on an interstate, is it safe for someone to drive 60 or 65mph in the left lane, even though the speed limit says 65? What about those law officers who preach all the stuff you do, but break even the snallest of rules?

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human nature
May 31, 2007 3:29AM PDT

recognize yourself?

the guy ahead is going too slow. maybe if i drive real close to him he'll pull over.

i like driving in the left lane. the road is always empty ahead of me.

i think everyone is going too slow so i'll just weave in and out of the lanes.

hey! someone wants to get ahead of me! i'll pull up real close to the guy in front so he can't.

look at that! the guy ahead of me has left too much room between him and the next car! i'll just zip ahead of him and show him the proper following distance.

i wonder what's going on in that apartment! i can look in the window for a while.

i cant waste my time by just driving. i'll just (fill in the blank). i can do more than one thing at a time.

i'm nervous about getting on the highway. i'd better wait until i can't see any cars coming. ok, i'm going now. oops, i see a car coming i'd better jam on the brake.

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Absolutely not
Jun 1, 2007 5:03AM PDT

I drive the way I feel is convenient and safe. I always allow cars to pass. I actually call them 'Bear Bait' If I feel someone speeds up because they just don't want me to go by them because they feel they were first, then I do not let them back in because they will just hold me back again. Is that You?

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drivers eating or drinking
May 31, 2007 3:32AM PDT

I think "grooming" is more prevalent than eating/drinking, but IMHO the eating is more dangerous. This is because whoever is attempting to scarf down something while in traffic doesn't stop to think ahead of time about the fact that there might be a spill...I've had sauce drip out of hamburgers time and again. And since you weren't prepared for that, immediately you're going to panic about a stain on your clothing, look down, attempt to grab a napkin, set the rest of the food aside to clean up, etc.
Obviously, the other poorly thought through distractions/lousy driving are terrible, but I just thought that this would be one problem that most people wouldn't think about and share in written form.

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Bad Drivers
May 31, 2007 3:37AM PDT

Any distraction while driving is only as bad as the driver handling them. Personally, I am able to adjust my radio, or dial a cell phone, or adjust the GPS by feel, without turning my attention from driving.

Bad Drivers, on the other hand, will focus 100% off the road and swerve, while doing the same functions, I find trivial.

Bad bad drivers.

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Bad drivers etc.
May 31, 2007 3:54AM PDT

Get those #%@&**^#* off their phones and put down those coffee cups. I have been dinged and dented three times in the past two months by these characters and I am tired of it, Where are the rules of the road ? When I learned to drive it was mandatory to have both hands on the wheel at all times except when signaling to make a turn. (remember hand signals)

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Other- Slow drivers
May 31, 2007 3:56AM PDT

The biggest threat to safe driving is that overly cautious person that is going 45mph when everyone else is going 65mph.

These people disrupt the flow of traffic, cause a distraction (as everyone that passes them looks over at them to cast them a dirty look), and are often unpredictable in their driving habits.

Not to mention, it is incredibly difficult to judge how slow these people are going until you get right to them, creating the unnecessary braking that so often causes chain reaction accidents.

So the moral of the story is, go with the flow, its safer to speed that be the speed bump!

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Slow drivers
May 31, 2007 4:01AM PDT

Yes... those folks driving at a significantly reduced rate of speed are a serious hazard on the road. Not to mention that too is against the law.

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Bad drivers trump other problems
May 31, 2007 4:02AM PDT

In a nutshell, a good driver can overcome any problems of distarctions from phones, etc. simply by managing attention allocation. A bad driver, on the other hand, will be a problem no matter what the distraction.
Dan,
Drivers.com

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Bad drivers trump other problems
May 31, 2007 4:30AM PDT

That's like saying I'm a good driver so I can talk on the phone, do my nails, eat a hamburger and smoke a cigarette at the same time. (i've seen it). I can even drink some beer if I'm real careful because I'm a good driver. That's the problem, until it affects someone else it doesn't matter what I do. But when it happens to me oh my gosh, we're going to sue someone. A co worker came into the office sometime ago telling me that some customers where smoking pot in their work truck thinking it was funny. I asked my co worker who was a brand new brother to a new sister what if your mother and new sister were coming down the road and these two rocket scientist had hit them head on and killed them, how funny would it be then? Ain't it something when it happens to someone else?

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Bad drivers
May 31, 2007 5:46AM PDT

bad drivers are the biggest threat. Someone who cannot control their vehicle or is impared should not be on the road.

Navigation systems are possibly the least threating. A driver that knows where they are going will be able to pay more attention to the road than someone who doesn't know.

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Road range
May 31, 2007 6:20AM PDT

Sorry, when I told the tailgate story, I still was upset about the Feep going 55 in the left lane. I was taught to always stay to the right, not left!

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Cell phones ar a major threat!
May 31, 2007 6:32AM PDT

As a firefighter I've been to more and more accidents caused by people more concerned about yapping that driving their vehicle.
I see them when I travel down the highway too.
When I travel in a car pool we watch for how many are on the phone and you would be amazed!

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Cell phones without a doubt
May 31, 2007 6:41AM PDT

One handed drivers and NO handed drivers - the smokers and/or coffee drinkers. Must be steering with their feet!

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Driven to distraction
May 31, 2007 9:21AM PDT

Most people today are drunk with their own self importance running red lights, not allowing old people or children to cross at a cross walk. I regularly drive over 00MPH, not in a rush, not because i am late or angry, I happen to race dirt bikes as a hobby and speed is 2nd nature to me. Always fast always courteous and use signals for eveyr lane change. Happy Doesn't make me an angel but I think about the next guy first.

I have seen so many be arrogant and rude and rush past pedestrians only to end up at the next...RED LIGHT.

Chill out people.
MJ