What is really in question is the mental workload of the driver. By that, I mean in simple terms, how much attention is needed. Think of your brain as a computer with I/O devices (eyes, ears, mouth) and also realize that some of these devices are exclusive single-use(i.e. when you're the phone it is unlikely you will notice a beep from the SID unless it's really loud, etc).

So, you have at least three critical resources. The CPU (brain) that needs to process enough of the information to keep the car where it's supposed to, and at the same time carry on a conversation. The eyes, which are not really used in a conversation, and the ears (see earlier). For kicks, add the hands (hold phone versus shift the Aero).

Finally, add an individual's capability to 'multi-task' (easily measured, try to do one simple thing like track a circle with your mouse while counting backwards, or with even more complex means. Individuals differ, and as people age it gets a lot worse (i.e. a 30 year old may ace the above test, the 60 year old likely will not)

Bottom line, you can't dictate what is safe or not. A handsfree device is a very good idea to avoid the phone stuck in ear mode. As the newer, smaller cell phones get even smaller, their speakers are tiny, and that pretty much requires a head set full time (Siemens :-)). Carrying on a conversation with your mother in law while driving thru Montana is quite different than doing same thru NYC.





posted by 65.186.202...

• Cell phones and driving. OK--who does it??, Noel, Thu, 7 Apr 2005 14:51:55
  • Re: Cell phones and driving. OK--who does it??, steveC, Fri, 8 Apr 2005 17:41:06
  • Why you shouldn`t do it, from a collision reconstr.., CrNiFe , Fri, 8 Apr 2005 13:30:37
    • Banning phone use is RIDICULOUS!, Sieglo, Sun, 10 Apr 2005 19:41:51
  • Use your horn on inattentive cell-using drivers., JJ Jax, Fri, 8 Apr 2005 10:55:32
  • I do, but I hate to..., MO, Fri, 8 Apr 2005 10:35:23
  • Re: Cell phones and driving. OK--who does it??, Dean, Fri, 8 Apr 2005 08:32:00
  • No..., Don L, Fri, 8 Apr 2005 07:34:42
  • Hands free only & not often n/m, JTMav, Fri, 8 Apr 2005 07:17:41
  • Re: Cell phones and driving. OK--who does it??, Brett, Fri, 8 Apr 2005 06:52:27
  • Unless it is an emergency, I do mean emergency....., TKC, Fri, 8 Apr 2005 06:05:55
  • Not this guy!, Eric Law, Fri, 8 Apr 2005 06:00:52
    • What did we ever do without cell phones?, Urby, Fri, 8 Apr 2005 09:03:38
      • I won't answer the work phone while driving, saw, Fri, 8 Apr 2005 17:05:05
  • I do it, but always feel guilty..., sonique, Fri, 8 Apr 2005 05:46:18
  • Automobile Multitasking is an art form, NickR, Fri, 8 Apr 2005 05:09:35
    • Re: Automobile Multitasking is an art form, Spiros Trianta, Sun, 10 Apr 2005 07:26:52 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Hands free or not - same thing, jimtimkim, Fri, 8 Apr 2005 05:04:37
  • big fines here if you get caught.... nm, sab, Fri, 8 Apr 2005 03:52:39
  • I do it all the time, t_mokes, Thu, 7 Apr 2005 21:35:04
  • Very rarely..., carlotta, Thu, 7 Apr 2005 20:02:57
  • Not I. 5yr old killed locally last week., EricG, Thu, 7 Apr 2005 19:37:14
  • Some people can do it, others should be banned >>>, BobD, Thu, 7 Apr 2005 19:23:08
    • Holy crap!, Sieglo, Sun, 10 Apr 2005 19:37:29
  • Everybody. ..., Rafe, Thu, 7 Apr 2005 18:45:19
  • Re: Cell phones and driving. OK--who does it??, dboone, Thu, 7 Apr 2005 18:42:19
  • Almost never...the 5sp keeps me busy..., KB900psi, Thu, 7 Apr 2005 16:36:26
  • I use a Jabra Headset, Trev, Thu, 7 Apr 2005 16:22:22
  • Use hands free, AdamB , Thu, 7 Apr 2005 15:46:40
  • I'll admit to it.....all the time..., turrbo , Thu, 7 Apr 2005 15:17:59
    • Re: I'll admit to it.....all the time..., SWEDECAR , Thu, 7 Apr 2005 15:54:14
      • Heh heh heh..., Eric, Fri, 8 Apr 2005 07:53:23
      • Taxi driver, huh?, Ivan, Thu, 7 Apr 2005 17:03:11

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