drivingwhiletexting posts

Texting and Talking Tow Truck Driver Crashes Into Pool

by Terrence O'Brien (RSS feed) — Jul 31st 2009 at 10:28AM

You should all be well aware by now that driving and texting is dangerous. In fact, so is talking on the phone while behind the wheel. So what exactly possessed Nicholas Sparks, a 25-year-old tow truck driver from Burt, NY, to do both at the same time?

The mind-bogglingly reckless (and inept) multitasker was allegedly texting and talking while towing two cars -- he also had two motorcycles in the bed of his truck. The distracted driver then rear-ended the car of 68-year-old Lily White, careened through a yard, side-swiped a house, before finally dunking his flatbed and vehicular cargo into the in-ground pool of Brad Kanel.

Tags: driving, driving while talking, driving while texting, DrivingWhileTalking, DrivingWhileTexting, dwt, top

Cell Phones

Public Knows Not to Drive and Talk, Does It Anyway

by Warren Riddle (RSS feed) — Jul 24th 2009 at 7:27AM

A recent Harris Interactive poll reveals that the overwhelming majority of U.S. cell phone users have, at some point, witnessed inappropriate public cell phone use. Nearly none of them, however, seem ready to admit that they are guilty themselves.

According to Matt Richtel's investigative piece for the New York Times, that same hypocritical obliviousness especially applies to texting and talking while driving. The Times says, "New studies show that drivers overestimate their ability to safely multitask, even as they worry about the dangers of others doing it."

Tags: driving while talking, driving while texting, DrivingWhileTalking, DrivingWhileTexting, dwt, law, legislation, top

Cell Phones

'Death by Cell Phone' Ad Campaign Launches in Florida

by Caleb Johnson (RSS feed) — Jul 9th 2009 at 9:21AM

Everyday, people drive with their ears stuck to cell phones or their eyes glancing between text messages and the road. Most never even give their DWT (driving while texting/talking) a second thought. The team behind a new ad campaign hopes to change that.

The not-for-profit National Safety Council just launched a Florida billboard campaign called 'Death by Cell Phone.' According to Fort Myers-based News-Press.com, the billboards (pictured above) feature images of a 61-year-old woman and a 12-year-old boy, both of whom died in accidents caused by drivers on cell phones. Eventually, the campaign will span 67 markets in 37 states. The NSC says that people who are chatting on cell phones are four times more likely to crash than those who aren't. According to the organization, such DWTs cause 636,000 accidents and 2,600 deaths every year. The NSC hopes the billboards, which will be seen by about 56,000 folks each day in Florida alone, will encourage drivers to put down the phones and focus on the road.

Tags: cell phone, CellPhone, death, driving, driving while talking, driving while texting, DrivingWhileTalking, DrivingWhileTexting, dwt, national safety council, NationalSafetyCouncil, texting, top

Cell Phones

Drunk Driving Safer than Driving and Texting, Study Suggests

by Terrence O'Brien (RSS feed) — Jun 28th 2009 at 8:39AM

Car And Driver Puts DWT Vs. DWI to the Test

How many more times do we have to be told that driving while texting is dangerous? We know! Please stop doing studies and surveys.

What's that you say, Car And Driver? You've got a video where you put real people behind the wheel of real vehicles, and make them read and fire off messages? Then, you get them them hammered to find out if DWT (driving while texting) is actually as bad as driving while intoxicated. Okay, we cave...

Tell us more.

Tags: driving while impaired, driving while texting, DrivingWhileImpaired, DrivingWhileTexting, dwi, dwt, top

Cell Phones, Celebrities

Octomom Pulled Over for Driving While on the Phone

by Terrence O'Brien (RSS feed) — Jun 4th 2009 at 6:06AM

As if the public needed another reason to disapprove of Octomom (because having 14 kids while living in her mother's basement and collecting public assistance wasn't enough), the super-fertile Californian has now become the latest casualty of what seems to be a nationwide crackdown on driving while talking on the phone.

Octomom (the subject of the next installment of 'X-Men Origins') was pulled over by police in La Habra, California for driving with her ear glued to her mobile phone, no doubt arranging babysitters for her small army of offspring.

Octomom (whose secret identity is Nadya Suleman) will have the choice of paying a fine, or fighting the ticket in court. Seeing as recent studies compare driving while using your cell phone to drunk driving, and seeing as she had one of her myriad children with her, we wouldn't expect too much sympathy from a judge. [From: US Magazine]

Tags: drivingwhiletalking, drivingwhiletexting, expire-images:2010-6-4, law, octomom, top

Cell Phones

Girl Skips School, Texts While Driving, Crashes Into Cop Car

by Evan Shamoon (RSS feed) — May 25th 2009 at 9:31AM

In a scene we're 95-percent sure was ripped out of a movie made in the 1980s starring some combination of Matthew Broderick, Emilio Estevez, and Christina Applegate, a Tampa high school senior went for quite a ride last week.

ABC Action News reports that the girl, Katelyn Blaylock, never showed up at school last Wednesday morning. Instead, she was cruising around Tampa in her car and doing a little texting -- a combination that we've heard (over and over) is a wee bit dangerous. Of course, she wasn't in school, so how could she have known? She must have been surprised then when she slammed into the back of a freaking police car.

Miss Blaylock was cited for careless driving, and has to pony up about $3,000 for the damage to both vehicles. And she is sooooo getting grounded when her parents find out. [ABC Action News, Tampa]

Remember when "being bad" meant eating too many Sour Patch Kids? [From: ABC Action News]

Tags: crime, drivingwhiletexting, DWT, teens, texting, texting while driving, TextingWhileDriving, top

Car Tech, Cell Phones

Study: 60% of Teens Drive While Texting, Despite Knowing Dangers

by Terrence O'Brien (RSS feed) — May 23rd 2009 at 3:27PM

Another day, another study -- it seems like every time we turn around, there's another body of research revealing that, even though they know it's dangerous, stupid, and should be illegal, teens still text-message while driving.

The latest study paints a slightly rosier picture than the last one we saw (which said that 85-percent of teenage girls and almost 60 percent of boys were guilty of driving-while-texting).The survey -- conducted by research firm Toluna on behalf of voice-recognition company Vlingo -- found that 60-percent of teens admitted to texting at the wheel. It's not just kids that are guilty, though, since 26-percent of all users surveyed said that they do it too.

83-percent of respondents agreed that driving-while-texting (or, DWT, as many people are calling it) should be illegal. Whether it's legal or not, DWT is obviously very dangerous. Sadly, if these studies are any indication, it's clear that people probably wont stop tapping out messages while they're switching lanes. Maybe we'll start taking the train to work. [From: Live Science]

Tags: driving while texting, DrivingWhileTexting, dwt, studies, study, teens, text-messaging, texting, texting while driving, TextingWhileDriving, textmessaging, top, trends

Cell Phones

Bus Driver Crashes While Texting, Caught on Camera

by Terrence O'Brien (RSS feed) — May 1st 2009 at 4:12PM

We really shouldn't have to be saying this anymore, but texting while driving is a bad idea.

Texting on the road has been blamed for several deaths, and compared to the danger of driving drunk. It's actually illegal in many states, and yet, here we have a video of a Texas bus driver pulling a cell phone out of his pocket and promptly slamming into the back of a car. As if it couldn't be worse, the car is full of disabled passengers. Oh, and there are several cameras on the bus. This bus driver is, in a word, busted.

It appears that nobody was harmed in the incident, but the driver lost his job (obviously). We know sometimes it's hard to ignore your phone, but try, because as we've noted many, many times -- texting + driving = bad. [From: CNN]

Tags: accidents, driving, driving while texting, DrivingWhileTexting, dumb, text messaging, texting, texting while driving, TextingWhileDriving, TextMessaging, top

Cell Phones

Growing Support for Total Ban on Cell Phones While Driving

by Terrence O'Brien (RSS feed) — Jan 13th 2009 at 8:01PM

The National Safety Council (NSC) is pushing state and local governments to enact a new rule banning the use of cell phones, even with hands-free devices, while driving.

The organization has been touting studies that show driving while using a Bluetooth headset is just as dangerous as it is when talking on a traditional handset. NSC spokespeople also point to a recent survey, by Nationwide Insurance, that shows 40 percent of drivers have been hit or almost hit by another driver who was talking on the phone. They liken the push for the new blanket ban to that of the battle for child-safety seats and seat belts.

Many have called such a ban unenforceable, but that hasn't stopped the Council from moving forward. They're encouraging businesses to forbid their employees from talking and driving while on the job. ExxonMobil has instituted just such a ban, and a spokesman for the company defended it, saying, "We didn't want people to have to make a choice between safety and business. We will make that choice for them."

We've gotten used to being able to use our Bluetooth headsets while driving around, and it would certainly take a lot to break the habit. We understand the logic behind an all-out ban, but we'd like to see the current bans in places like New York, New Jersey and California enforced a bit better before state governments try to expand the laws. [From: ABC News, Via: Propeller]

Gallery: Cell Phone Bans Across the U.S.A.

Cellphones

Distracted Cell Phone Users Aren't a New Phenomenon

by Tim Stevens (RSS feed) — Dec 13th 2008 at 8:10AM

Distracted Cell Phone Users Aren't a New Phoenomenon

We have plenty of distractions these days, not the least of which being our cell phones. The things can do just about anything your home computer can, and so they can be rather engrossing. We've seen how they've caused car accidents, and even resulted in multiple people walking into the paths of oncoming trains. But, according to a University of Virginia professor, the practice is certainly nothing new.

Peter Norton is the author of 'Fighting Traffic: The Dawn of the Motor Age in the American City.' He indicates that the so-called "textlemmings" are just the most recent version of people getting lost thanks to some form of modern distraction:

Every time you introduce a new technology, we have to figure out how it fits into the existing technological structure ... Today it's texting. A century ago it was reading books while crossing the street in traffic. Norton has several cartoons that illustrate that very subject - pedestrians with noses buried in books stepping in front of angry motorists.

However, while this practice may not be new, it's still dangerous. So, make sure you at least put down the cell phone when crossing the street -- and don't forget to look both ways! [From: textually.org]

Tags: cell phones, CellPhones, driving while texting, DrivingWhileTexting, text, texting, textlemming

Car Tech, Cell Phones

Chatty Passengers Less Distracting Than Cell Phones, Study Finds

by Tim Stevens (RSS feed) — Dec 1st 2008 at 8:48AM

We've already covered the dangers of cell phone use while driving, and the legal motions many states have put in place in an attempt to stop the practice, but just in case you needed yet another bit of warning to put down the handset while behind the wheel, we've got that too. A new study shows that people talking on cell phones are more distracted than people talking to passengers in the car.

The study, posted in the 'Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied,' was conducted at the University of Utah and used 96 drivers aged 18 to 49. It found that people were more likely to drive badly and miss exits on the highway while on the phone compared to when they were talking with passengers, largely because passengers were also in the car and were thus aware of traffic conditions. Passengers tended to know when to shut up when things got busy, and could even help the driver by pointing out impending trouble -- something a disembodied voice on the other end of a call can't do. [From: Reuters]

Tags: cell phone use, CellPhoneUse, driving while texting, DrivingWhileTexting, safety, studies, study, talking while driving, TalkingWhileDriving

Cell Phones

First-Ever Driving While Texting Ticket Issued

by Tim Stevens (RSS feed) — Nov 20th 2007 at 10:39AM

First Driving While Texting Ticket Issued in Phoenix

Driving while texting is dangerous and illegal in many places. It can even land you in jail. Though not exactly behind bars, an unlucky driver caught sending a message in Phoenix was issued the state's first citation for driving while texting, thanks to a new law, set in place in September, that makes the practice illegal.

Much like speeding and other moving violations, driving while texting is one of those offenses that asks police officers to use their judgment. In general, police have indicated warnings will be given in most cases, with citations going out to those caught texting in heavy traffic or anyone causing an accident.

It's unknown exactly what happened on November 5th when that first citation was given out, but we do know that the driver will be facing fines of between $184 and $460 depending on the severity of the offense.

That's a lot of cash for a text message.

From azcentral.com and azfamily.com

Related Links:

Tags: breaking+news, cell phones, CellPhones, driving while texting, DrivingWhileTexting, top

Cell Phones

Texting While Driving Banned for CA Teens

by Tim Stevens (RSS feed) — Aug 29th 2007 at 9:34AM

California Bans Teens from Driving While Texting

The state of California has taken an interesting move to attempt to reduce the number of accidents caused by its least experienced drivers, banning anyone under the age of 18 from using laptop computers, cell phones, pagers and any other text messaging device while driving. This was surely done in response to incidents like the June 28 death of 17-year-old Bailey Goodman and the four passengers in her SUV, a crash that may have been at least partially caused by Goodman sending and receiving numerous text messages and participating in phone conversations while driving.

However, whether people will obey by this law remains to be seen. Goodman's death occurred in the state of NY, where cell phone calling while driving is already banned. Additionally, and perhaps more disconcertingly, the new California law effectively states that it is perfectly legal for anyone over the age of 18 to go cruising down the freeway with a notebook computer sitting on his or her lap. That's not exactly the sort of message you want to send to drivers in a state with as much gridlock and road rage as California.

From textually.org

Related Links:

Tags: breaking+news, cell phones, CellPhones, driving while texting, DrivingWhileTexting, top

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'Black Friday' Deals to Watch For

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Black Friday' Deals to Watch For

Traditionalists might balk, but the holiday shopping season is already underway. Skeptical? Head to your local department store and you'll be inundated by Christmas trees and ornaments. Bargain hunters, though, know that the real deals are more than a month away.

Black Friday, traditionally, is when retailers truly slash prices. Early birds can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars off of their holiday bills. Switched.com checked with a few elves, who gave a sneak peek at what you can expect deal-wise this year.

Blu-ray Players and Movies: Blu-ray is shaping up to be the biggest door buster of this year's Black Friday. de Grandpre expects at least one retailer will offer a Blu-ray player for just $49. Look for bargains on Blu-ray films as well, with last year's hit titles (such as "Iron Man") to fall as low as $5.

Laptops: With the proliferation of Netbooks this year, it's never been easier to find affordable portable computing, but Dan de Grandpre, CEO of DealNews.com says it will get even cheaper on Black Friday. Look for well-equipped Netbooks to sell for $199 – and basic 15" laptops to go for as little as $249.

HDTVs (Pretty big): The holidays are typically the best time to buy a new TV – and Black Friday is the time to do it. If you're looking for a normal sized set, you're in luck. Piper Jaffrey analyst Mitch Kaiser says he expects to see 32-inch LCD sets for as low as $299. GottaDeal.com is estimating 37-inch plasma and LCD sets will fall to $399 or less.

HDTVs (Really big): Need something bigger? How about a 46-47 inch LCD set for $599 – a 25 percent savings? Or a 52-inch LCD for $999? Dealnews says you can expect both. Plasma deals will be a little harder to come by, but a 50-inch set should run roughly $899.

HD Camcorders: You've wanted to shoot your child's school play in HD for a while, but haven't been able to spring for the pricey camcorder. This might be the year. Low-end, flash-based 720p models could drop as low as $60 (though you won't be able to zoom with those). Expect a high quality 1080p HD camcorder for $349.

GPS: While navigation systems have dramatically expanded their reach this year – even making it onto the iPhone – there's still a market for car-based systems. Dealnews predicts you'll be able to find a no-name entry-level system for $49, while a Garmin or Tom-Tom brand will be as low as $69.

Digital Picture Frames: Showcasing your digital pictures consistently gets cheaper. This year, skip the 7-inch screens and focus on the 8- or 9-inch ones, which should be available on Black Friday for as little as $30.

Monitors: Computer monitors might not be the sexiest of gifts, but they're usually welcomed with open arms – and they'll be cheap this year. Name brand 22-inch LCD models may go for as low as $99, while 24-inch models will drop below $150.

Memory: Don't know anyone who needs a monitor? External hard drives are always popular, since they're an easy way to back-up data. Dealnews expects a 1TB drive to fall as low as $49 this year. Gottadeal is looking for 8GB flash drives to hit $15.

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