Mobile Phone While Driving. Why Do People Do It?

Lpegaxs on 29/08/2017 - 23:43
Last edited 30/08/2017 - 09:29 by 1 other user

On the current trend of "why do you/others" topics I have seen lately, ie: overtaking lanes, not parking at drive through, etc etc, I have been wanting to ask this question, if you use your mobile phone while driving, with the punishment being so high, why do you still do it and what would it take for you to give up using the phone while you are driving?

I ask this because, as a motorcycle rider and a truck driver, I get to spend a lot of time being able to easily witness what people do in their cars. While the ladies with their cars full of infinite amounts of rubbish and the blokes not being able to stop scratching their balls, one thing that strikes me is the sheer number of people I witness on a daily basis that are in some way shape or form, totally engaged with their mobile phone, texting, snapchatting, instagramming, facebooking and various iterations of speaking on the phone, to the ear, in front of their face on speaker. As a motorcycle rider, this scares me. I have had so many near accidents or witnessed near accidents that my mind just boggles. Drifting over centre lines, close calls on parked cars or just not seeing pedestrians or riders.

And I may come off to some as sexist here, but 80% of the people I witness using their mobile phones are women. They are the most prolific at the messaging/snap/Insta/facey, where guys I find most of the time are tradies and are speaking on the phone. And holding the phone down below the window sill, it's still very obvious what you're doing…

So, as I said, I am curious. Why, with all the information out there about how dangerous it is and the sheer cost of the fines and points and possible license loss, why? And if there is a limit, what would make you stop? If fines or loss of points aren't enough of a deterrent, what would be?

Or, as a person who does not do it, what do you think should be done to curb mobile phone use while driving, as fines and possible loss of license at the current level seems to have little to no deterrent.

If you did it in the past and have since given it away, what changed your mind? Did you get fined? Got in an accident or a close call? Family member got fined/accident/close call. Maybe even the safety ads on TV worked for some. I'm keen to know.

I'm interested in hearing from both sides of this issue, but please, keep it civil and on topic.

Automotive

Comments

      • Euphemistic on 31/08/2017 - 09:34

        It's a bit hard to use it on a bicycle though.

      • Cletus vandamme on 31/08/2017 - 23:41

        Damn bus/train drivers are allowed on their phones at work. you just let the secret out for all people who text and drive to do so legally!

  • [Deactivated] on 30/08/2017 - 14:01

    Because we are all F1 drivers who believe we have ascended the human experience and should not follow road rules. (according to the massive amount of posts by people who wonder why they are getting traffic infringements on this forum).

  • theredkrawler on 30/08/2017 - 19:07
    +1

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaQHuY7WNec

    And that's about all I have to say about that.

  • pegaxs on 30/08/2017 - 19:13
    +4

    Don't text and drive.

    I found this. Seems fitting…

  • Drifter on 31/08/2017 - 13:47

    It's easy to spot the idiots who use their phones while driving. You can see their heads bobbing up and down. Absolutely reckless.

    • Hirolol on 31/08/2017 - 23:36

      How about 10-20 k's below the speed limit or drifting into other lanes on the freeway….

  • ShortyX on 31/08/2017 - 23:47
    +1

    https://youtu.be/SaQHuY7WNec

  • wheretobuychocettes on 01/09/2017 - 03:11
    +1

    Can't stand seeing drivers around me using their phone in their hands. Mine is in the phone holder at all times, everything I need to do is "Hey Siri" or it can wait until I make a stop.

    Maybe I missed the day where people learned to use their phone and drive at the same time but I honestly don't think I could manage it without some serious problems occurring. Hate it when I'm in the car with someone else driving and they're just going to town with texting.

    A lot of others have said it already but you really can pick it when someone is texting or whatever. Speed varies massively and the darting around in the lane, and the head movements. As a not distracted driver you have plenty of time to make yourself aware of the cars and drivers around you. In peak hour traffic it's really frustrating to miss a set of lights cause the jerk(s) in front of you were selecting the perfect snapchat/instagram filter or finishing that text with the best emoji. Can't help but think a large contributor to the traffic is distracted drivers. Ironic that many people use their phones because they're bored in traffic. Seems like a vicious cycle.

    I've always wanted to just hold down my horn next to a driver who is physically holding their phone either to their ear or in front of their face on loudspeaker. Not sure how effective that might be.

  • Drew Peaballs on 01/09/2017 - 06:53
    +2

    Being a motorcyclist myself and it being my commuter, seeing all the same occurrences happen day after day after day.
    I think the one that peeves me the most now are the sneaky ones that tuck their phone between the car door and steering wheel, so it looks like they're "doing something else" that isn't phone related. Yet their face is lit up like Christmas because their screen brightness is on full!

    I ride with a camera so I pick up all the action on the road. I know it's a grey area, but I'd rather take that risk and have footage to back up my case in the instance something happens to me.

    I once had a woman in her range rover, phone in front of her face for all to see. I look at her, rev the bike to see if that gets her attention (which it does) and I point at my camera. She winds down the window and legit, tells me "I'm not using my phone, I'm on WiFi." I nearly dropped my bike from that comment! Composed myself and just said she can't hold her phone at any time whilst in the control of a vehicle.

    • pegaxs on 01/09/2017 - 08:04
      +2

      "I'm not using my phone, I'm on WiFi."

      Hahaha, priceless… while I'm on the bike, I usually ride up beside them while moving slow in traffic and slap the window, scare the shit out of them and watch them as they drop the phone.

      I have tried the yelling "get off the phone!" line, but 9/10 times the response is "Get F#%KED! You're not the f#%ken' police, c#%t!"

      The truck though. Pull up close behind them at the lights and pull that air horn. BRAAAAAAMP!!! I swear I've seen dents appear in roofs from people jumping that far out of their seat.

      Or, I will toot the horn while the light is still red and watch them drop their phone and almost drive off into the car in front.

  • Gorodemon on 01/09/2017 - 10:03

    I usually watch Youtube or Netflix while driving in highways or slow traffic. That's why they invented Cruise Control - less time doing boring driving and more me time for entertainment.

  • idontalwaysnotlie on 01/09/2017 - 10:13
    +3

    I look forward to the day where self driving cars are the norm, mostly cause there are a lot of people who really shouldn't be in control of multi ton killing machines.

    • apple2016 on 01/09/2017 - 10:41
      -1

      lot of people who really shouldn't be in control of multi ton killing machines.

      Do you think self driving cars will be foolproof and hackers will not able to takeover one & control it remotely? Well I don't think so.

      • idontalwaysnotlie on 01/09/2017 - 10:47
        +4

        Nothing is perfect but it will be a damn sight better once we take the human error out of the equation.

      • ThadtheChad on 02/09/2017 - 01:43
        -1

        Know that some of the best minds in the industry are working on securing the systems controlling the autonomous driving functions (including other computer controlled systems).

        There's also an Aussie on the team as well ;) a chap with prodigal intellect. Rest easy IMHO, the issue would be around legislative acceptance and insurance liabilities, not hackers.

        • ThadtheChad on 03/09/2017 - 13:13

          To the person who negged me, care to post a rebuttal or explanation?

  • ozlab on 01/09/2017 - 10:45

    It can be emergency, for fun, for entertainment, bored, etc,.. the reason is endless. I would try not to worry why other people do this because I can't really control and reason what they do. Even if they give me the reason, I would probably not understand it because they have their own preference and priority.

  • myusername on 01/09/2017 - 11:02
    +1

    because windows don't lick themselves

  • wannagrababargain on 01/09/2017 - 11:26
    +1

    My view is that people have become slaves to their phone. Despite the high penalties and obvious driving ability impairment there is that instinctive urge in modern society to do that automatic reach for a phone whenever it rings or that "new message" sound chimes. It is as if it has become fundamentally wired into our brains.

    In our modern society of external validation there is that rush of dopamine that "New message" chime brings where we can't wait to grab the phone to read what the latest boyfriend / string-along guy / best friend / work colleague is saying about us. All current stimuli are forgotten about in search of that validation.

  • apptrack on 01/09/2017 - 12:37

    Not being sexist but I mainly see young women texting or using their phone while driving, what are other people's observations/thoughts?

    • Euphemistic on 01/09/2017 - 12:45
      -1

      you are being sexist

      • apptrack on 01/09/2017 - 13:07

        How? By stating the gender/age of people I see on their phones the most while driving?

        • pegaxs on 01/09/2017 - 16:20
          +3

          Did you just assume their gender???

          TRIGGERED

          :D

  • donkeydoc on 01/09/2017 - 13:19

    Just installed a bluetooth system, much better for taking phone calls, loud speaker is bad. Definitely recommend getting an aftermarket head unit with microphone.

  • ankor on 01/09/2017 - 19:18

    @pegaxs

    Hey mate, what's a good helmet cam to stick on a full faced helmet?
    I almost got effin run over yesterday morning from a driver who drifted into my lane while they were on their phone, and just now in a cbd after 5pm Friday traffic when some rando tried to cut across two lanes without checking to see that I was in it. I probably was about 30cm away from a collision, and I'm still beside myself from it.

    I've been a super conservative rider for the past 8 years but your thread, and this week has been ridiculous.

  • goraygo on 01/09/2017 - 19:37
    +2

    Humans are stupid. Bring on the self driving cars.

  • cockneylondoner on 01/09/2017 - 19:52
    +1

    Why aren't users of a mobile phone in/on a vehicle treated in the same way as those who drink and drive?

    It's an easy offence to prove by getting the call records from the mobile company!

    • dji1111111 on 03/09/2017 - 08:57

      only applies to people without bluetooth.

      • cockneylondoner on 03/09/2017 - 20:11

        Sorry, but how do you think a bluetooth device connects?

        • dji1111111 on 03/09/2017 - 21:45

          automatically once it's paired? have you no experience with one? lol
          I don't have to do a thing when i get in my car. it automatically connects my phone to the car and I can freely answer calls legally.

        • cockneylondoner on 05/09/2017 - 21:56

          @djc926:

          Sorry for the delay in replying. Ozbargain will only allow me to make up to 5 posts in any 24 hour period and I had reached the limit!
          Unlike listening to a radio/cd/tape/mp3 player etc or a passenger talking, using a bluetooth connection to a mobile phone in a vehicle whilst driving is reckoned to be as distracting as talking on the phone directly, and I'm sure you can see the reasoning behind that.
          Whilst I accept that it may be legal to hold a mobile phone conversation in a vehicle via bluetooth my feelings are that this is due more to pacifying the voter than actually being safer.

  • eneloop on 01/09/2017 - 21:04

    I watch YouTube videos while driving, once I was watching ozziereviews and got a lot of stares at the lights

  • A fish on 01/09/2017 - 21:10

    checking bitcoin price

  • Pinchy on 01/09/2017 - 22:54

    Hard to see people doing it through dark tinted windows.

  • BoomTetrisForJeff on 01/09/2017 - 23:17
    +2

    So you're watching me watching my phone, are you also distracted from the road? Distractception

  • iamagirl1969 on 02/09/2017 - 14:27
    +1

    I live in a small country town, 103km North of Adelaide which has a major highway going straight through the middle of it. Not a day goes by, when I don't see at least one truckie behind the wheel of a road-train (18 wheeler) with a mobile phone in his hand. I have even been tailgated by a truckie (pulling a double trailer behind him, filled with rubble) whilst he was texting on his mobile phone at the same time!!! Another time I watched a truckie do a right hand turn with one hand on the wheel and another on his mobile phone. I get sweaty when I see any driver with a mobile in their hand on stuck to the side of their head, but truckies with mobiles makes me particularly nervous.

    • pegaxs on 02/09/2017 - 22:47

      Yep. Sadly I have to agree. It seems to be an interstate trucker thing. I guess 16 hours a day attending to a steering wheel can get a bit monotonous, but it's still no excuse. I guess the interstate guys disappoint me the most, being professional drivers and the fact their their job depends on their license that they would be a bit more respectful of the road rules.

  • bubbly on 02/09/2017 - 18:15
    +1

    I know someone who uses their phone to get around using google maps…sometimes the voice is still fairly quiet despite numerous attempts to make the volume louder. They've tried using a mount but it keeps falling off. That's probably the only first hand experience I've seen.

    • freemoneyhunter on 02/09/2017 - 18:35

      That's a problem, some people are too dumb to navigate using the street directory, need a smart phone to tell them where to drive.

      • FatBlanket on 02/09/2017 - 21:26
        +1

        What kind of a (profanity) needs a street directory.

        • pegaxs on 02/09/2017 - 22:49

          Because a Melways/Sydways/Gregory's etc etc is so much safer than a navigation app… :D

        • rhino015 on 08/09/2017 - 13:43

          @pegaxs:

          Legally you're probably fine thumbing through a Gregory's the whole time you drive, but tapping a screen occasionally is legally considered more dangerous.

  • Clementt on 02/09/2017 - 19:46

    Because "we can"

    • fruit on 03/09/2017 - 10:27
      +1

      The law saws otherwise

  • FatBlanket on 02/09/2017 - 21:24

    I'm going to guess it's because many are forced to commute long distances to work shitty jobs.

  • dylanando on 02/09/2017 - 23:26

    I brought this same question up at work and I had this old lady tell me she played candy crush at the lights and i was actually shocked, I said you're not allowed to do that you know? and she replied, Oh I didnt know with a few other woman agreeing with this other lady. I find people eating food a lot while driving lol, It's genius time saving but people need to watch the road at the same time!!

  • ipiok on 03/09/2017 - 06:48

    Cause straya mate, stop looking in me window.

  • rhino015 on 08/09/2017 - 13:42

    Because people drive boring automatics these days and it's mind numbing and they need some mental stimulation.
    Getting an exhilarating manual car that requires constant driver involvement really cuts down texting and driving.

  • Euphemistic on 08/09/2017 - 15:09
    +1

    apparently because ozbargain. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/328422

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