AAA warns about "Distracted Drivers"

Just remember to obey all the laws about "hands free" driving, that way the right hand is free to play with the entertainment center. And oh yeah, your eyes can wander to what the title of that song is that's playing. What a waste of technology, and you can bet that when the center has problems it will cost big $$$.

But this is just a test for when the car can drive itself and you can play while the AI does the hard work of driving.

Recently I was walking on the sidewalk of a busy road and crossing a side road with a crosswalk and stop sign. A car came up to the crosswalk and stopped. The driver's eyes were fixed straight ahead, both hands on the wheel, and the mouth was moving. The driver was using the bluetooth feature to talk on the cellphone.

Just before I stepped in front of the car, it accelerated to turn onto the main road. The driver never saw me! Did not know I was there. I narrowly avoided being run over.

dobs108

True. Most people cannot multi-task, especially if one of the tasks is talking. That task will override all other brain functions at the time.

My point was that even though the lawmakers want to eliminate distractions while driving the car makers are finding ways to add more distractions.

Now if only the car makers could encapsulate the driver from the rest of the vehicle. Yeah, right, that will solve everything. You can't legislate stupid to be smart.

On longer drives I find my biggest risk factor is boredom and then falling asleep. So appropriate distractions are welcome.

Studies now show that distracted driving accidents have surpassed drunk driving.
I have my annual 3,000 mile trip coming up soon. To keep me alert, I stop every 2 hours or so to stretch my legs and drain the tank.

I also do stupid stuff such as how many Mexican buses I see as far north of the Texas border. How many Greyhound buses I see and what frequency.
I keep my eyes wandering on the scenery around me to relieve eye strain. I count how many Volvo 18 wheelers I see in an hour.
Anything at all to keep my mind going and to keep my brain from falling asleep. Staring straight ahead will put you to sleep.

As a previous poster said, I have to agreee that even using the hands free to the cellphone it totally distracts you. Put those damn things shut off into the trunk !!!!

My Chev has a Mylink radio that has Bluetooth for phone and text. I can answer the phone, with a button on the steering wheel or with voice command.

To listen to a text message, I have to touch the screen and touch "listen". There were voice commands for phone, to select a music station, listen to Cd, etc.

I called GM and ask for the voice command to listen to a text. THERE IS NO VOICE COMMAND. I asked him what was the benefit? As soon as I touch the screen, I'm breaking the law. If I could get my wife (passenger) to push the button to listen, but she could just as easily pickup the phone and read the text to me. Then she could actually respond to the text. So what benefit is the Bluetooth?

There are built in responses, but again, you have access a menu via the screen. So what's the point?

You're absolutely right. The focus is more important.

As long as technology controls our lives, it'll interrupt our driving.

There are so many distractions that can cause accidents.
We all should try to drive in a safe manner to avoid making mistakes that may hurt others as well as yourself.
Saying sorry doesn't help much for those who are injured or deceased.

I've experienced sometimes even a sneeze while traveling on a highway scared the hell out of me due to traffic moving quickly.
It doesn't take long to lose control.