I'm going to start carrying a big freakin' shovel...

[Skywalker]

Alright, this one is for you tired, lazy, stupid and cheap meatheads.....

I have the notion to start carrying a big freakin' shovel so I can beat some sense into these idiot's heads. I am talking about MORONS who have to talk on their cellphones while they drive....but are too damn CHEAP to get a hands-free headset so they can actually concentrate on driving!!

Folks, if you drive and hold your cellphone in your left hand....YOU CANNOT SEE YOUR LEFT MIRROR WORTH "SQUAT"!! Get that through your pointy little heads!

Several times in the last few days...I have been going down the road....passing someone who is yapping on their cellphone, holding it up with their left hand, completely obscuring their vision of their left mirror....and they move out to pass....and neither use turn signals or even bother to look!!!~!!! :hellno::pissedoff::hellno::pissedoff:

Its bad enough that morons in 4 wheelers have to engage in marathon conversations the minute they start the car, or have to text every other idiot they know..... But I am talking about so called PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS!!!

Statistics show that over 6000 people are killed in collisions where one of the people was using their cellphone!! That is more than the number of people who are killed in collisions with CMV's!!

IF YOU ARE TOO DAMNED CHEAP TO GET A "BLUETOOTH" OR EVEN A CORDED HEADSET.......SHUT THE "F" UP AND PARK THE DAMN TRUCK!!!:pissedoff::pissedoff::pissedoff::pissedof f:

Also, this is for you pointy headed shcmucks....if you can't engage in a conversation without erratically driving and slowing down blocking traffic......SHUT UP or PARK IT!!!!

?Get the message?

[Jay B]

So do you get their truck number and report them to their companies, or are you just going to yell at the wrong people all day instead of actually taking some kind of action that might help correct the problem?

[Rev.Vassago]

Folks, if you drive and hold your cellphone in your left hand....YOU CANNOT SEE YOUR LEFT MIRROR WORTH "SQUAT"!! Get that through your pointy little heads!


That makes no sense whatsoever. My eyes are not in my hand or my ear, and I don't place the phone over my eyes when I talk. Elaborate please.

[jagerbomber3.0]

That makes no sense whatsoever. My eyes are not in my hand or my ear, and I don't place the phone over my eyes when I talk. Elaborate please.

Rev,I was thinking the same thing. I dont really condone talking on the phone like that but MOST of us have done it at some point and I cant recall a time ever when I did this that the view of my mirror was obscured. I really dont see how you figure your whole entire view of the mirror is blocked. You would have to be scooted up all the way in your seat all the way to the steering wheel leaning forward and sticking your elbow way out in front of your face to completely block your view of your left mirror when having a phone to your ear. again,please note i am not saying its cool to yak on the phone while you are driving but most of the types of accidents are not due to mirrors being obscured they are due to inattention to whats going on and not an obstructed view of your left hand mirror. Thats just my take on it though.

[Kevin0915]

I understand what you're saying, but it makes no sense.

If you are doing ANYTHING and i mean ANYTHING in the cab of your truck other than driving, you are distracted. Wether thats talking on a cell phone, hands free or not, eating your fast food, picking your nose, whatever....you are driving distracted. PERIOD. hands free dont allow you to concentrate any more on the road....you're still thinking about conversation....

[ssoutlaw]

That makes no sense whatsoever. My eyes are not in my hand or my ear, and I don't place the phone over my eyes when I talk. Elaborate please.


Well said Rev....lol sure would look funny with my eyes on the side of my head. I say the people who cant drive with 1 hand need to be off the road!!!!!! When I use my phone im in the slow lane and at the speed limit!!!

[chuck3507]

I think cell phones are just the whipping boy for people that can't drive to start with.

[VitoCorleone99]

I find a complete lack of speed control to be more of an issue with the cell phone holders.

1) Dial or answer --> slow down

2) Realize you're going slowly and people are passing you --> floor it

3) Realize you're speeding --> slow down

4) Get involved in your conversation --> slow down more

Repeat steps 2 through 4 until the call has ended and then swerve out of your lane while trying to put the phone back wherever you keep it.

[DaveP]

I find a complete lack of speed control to be more of an issue with the cell phone holders.

1) Dial or answer --> slow down

2) Realize you're going slowly and people are passing you --> floor it

3) Realize you're speeding --> slow down

4) Get involved in your conversation --> slow down more

Repeat steps 2 through 4 until the call has ended and then swerve out of your lane while trying to put the phone back wherever you keep it.

You got it Vito!

It's gotten to the point I can tell when someone answers their phone when I'm following them...without actually SEEING them in their mirror.

BUT...another thing.

Handsfree or not....I also believe it's the CONVERSATION thats distracting. I've seen many who drive eratically (sp?) even when wearing a headset.

You know the old saying...."can't walk and chew gum at the same time."

[kc0iv]

Using hands-free is not the answer. One study I read says "The scientists also found previously that chatty motorists are less adept than drunken drivers with blood alcohol levels exceeding 0.08."

You might want to read Drivers on Cell Phones Kill Thousands, Snarl Traffic | LiveScience (http://www.livescience.com/technology/050201_cell_danger.html)

kc0iv

[Kevin0915]

I find a complete lack of speed control to be more of an issue with the cell phone holders.

1) Dial or answer --> slow down

2) Realize you're going slowly and people are passing you --> floor it

3) Realize you're speeding --> slow down

4) Get involved in your conversation --> slow down more

Repeat steps 2 through 4 until the call has ended and then swerve out of your lane while trying to put the phone back wherever you keep it.

Here is what i do....everytime i see a 4-wheeler yackin away on a cell and passing me with one hand on the wheel (maybe) i give them a few blows with my horn. if i see someone passing me and texting AND i see them looking down, i really lay on the horn. love it when they pass me and they have their windows down. screw em.

[Mr. Ford95]

Here is what i do....everytime i see a 4-wheeler yackin away on a cell and passing me with one hand on the wheel (maybe) i give them a few blows with my horn. if i see someone passing me and texting AND i see them looking down, i really lay on the horn. love it when they pass me and they have their windows down. screw em.

So what are you getting by doing that, hoping they wreck right into you? They probably don't pay you no daggone attention or they flip you the bird, I'd call in on you for being an aggressive driver. Yeah it bugs me when they do what Vito said in front of me but if I get to the point that I'm doing what your doing, it's time to park it and take a chill pill.

[freebirdrfd]

As an emergency medical technician, people talking/ texting while driving helps keep me working.

[RostyC]

Calm down Skywalker, your going to give yourself heart attack already.

[ssoutlaw]

I guess CB radios should be thrown out with the cellphones!!!!

[mike3fan]

Here is what i do....everytime i see a 4-wheeler yackin away on a cell and passing me with one hand on the wheel (maybe) i give them a few blows with my horn. if i see someone passing me and texting AND i see them looking down, i really lay on the horn. love it when they pass me and they have their windows down. screw em.

Always amazed at this guy....

[Skywalker]

Calm down Skywalker, your going to give yourself heart attack already.


:D I am calm...takes a lot to get me "excited"!! :D

The problem that I have noticed, and well some of you here may be 11' tall, have xray vision and swear to not have ever seen what I am referring to...or are bs'ing in your own defense....

The simple fact is....anyone who holds their cell hone in their left hand while driving... is a "jackass" and a stupid one to boot. Unless the cretin holding the cellphone in their left hand makes an "actual effort" to turn their head, simultaneously banging their elbow into the window to "actually look"....they cannot see jack****.

The dip**** Fedex driver certainly didn't.....but then again...he didn't bother with turn signals either...

There have been others as well lately. Do I make phone-calls? :lol2: Oh, something else that pisses me off..... the jackasses at "Covenant" won't answer the phone.....they use a "recorder"..... to record your complaints......impressive huh?

I have come to find out...actually quite a while back....if any driver near you in any direction is on their phone....beware. If its held in their left hand.....BEWARE!!

Beyond that....my points, which could be argued until pigs fly, and a new breed of chickens is developed with lips.... is even though it is generally hazardous to even use a cellphone while driving.....its even more so when held in your hand...and even more so in the left hand..... but a bluetooth or wired headset or speaker phone has an additionally margin of safety.........

VITO also hit the nail square on the head!!

I know some of us are perfect.....some more than others....:micro::lol2:

[Rev.Vassago]

The simple fact is....anyone who holds their cell hone in their left hand while driving... is a "jackass" and a stupid one to boot. Unless the cretin holding the cellphone in their left hand makes an "actual effort" to turn their head, simultaneously banging their elbow into the window to "actually look"....they cannot see jack****.

Once again, I disagree. I can hold my phone in my hand and turn my head both left and right without moving my arms at all. In fact, I just tested this theory, and you can too. Put your elbow on the arm rest thingy that is by your driver's side door, and lean your left ear on your hand. Now turn your head without moving your elbow from that stationary position. Can you see your mirror? I know I can, as it barely takes any head movement whatsoever to see my mirror (turning my head 10 degrees, at most).

If someone is banging their elbow against the window to look at their mirror, they either have their seat pushed up too far, or are in some sort of neck brace preventing them from turning their head without moving their body.

Whether or not driving while talking on the phone is dangerous is something else altogether. But your "left arm" theory just doesn't hold water.

BTW, if I hold my phone in my right hand while I drive, does that mean I'm a safe driver? :lol:

[Kranky]

BTW, if I hold my phone in my right hand while I drive, does that mean I'm a safe driver? :lol:

That just means you can't see your right mirror.:lol:

[Skywalker]

Once again, I disagree. I can hold my phone in my hand and turn my head both left and right without moving my arms at all. In fact, I just tested this theory, and you can too. Put your elbow on the arm rest thingy that is by your driver's side door, and lean your left ear on your hand. Now turn your head without moving your elbow from that stationary position. Can you see your mirror? I know I can, as it barely takes any head movement whatsoever to see my mirror (turning my head 10 degrees, at most).

If someone is banging their elbow against the window to look at their mirror, they either have their seat pushed up too far, or are in some sort of neck brace preventing them from turning their head without moving their body.

Whether or not driving while talking on the phone is dangerous is something else altogether. But your "left arm" theory just doesn't hold water.

Rev.... the theory isn't a theory.....its simple fact. But hey....if it weren't, then why are so many fools changing lanes on top of other people? Roughly 6000 fatalities per year attributed to cell phones in traffic kind of makes the point.

BTW, if I hold my phone in my right hand while I drive, does that mean I'm a safe driver? :lol:

:lol: YOU tell me! :lol:

[Rev.Vassago]

Rev.... the theory isn't a theory.....its simple fact. But hey....if it weren't, then why are so many fools changing lanes on top of other people? Roughly 6000 fatalities per year attributed to cell phones in traffic kind of makes the point.

No, it doesn't. You're blaming someone holding their phone up to their ear for something completely unrelated. The real fact of the matter is, people don't think beyond the hood of their car. You assume that these people are perfectly attentive drivers until you put a phone in their hand. The fact is, most of them aren't.

If you want to go even further, we could look at the total amount of vehicle deaths over the past 14 years:

FARS Encyclopedia (http://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/Main/index.aspx)

You'll notice that there were less traffic fatalities in 2008 than there were in 1994. And that's with more vehicles on the road today than there were back then. Your "cell phones are the cause of all inattentive driving accidents" argument isn't holding up very well, considering cell phones in vehicles were virtually nonexistent back in 1994. In fact, it's quite shocking how even the data is every year. With all the distractions available to the driver today (digital and satellite radios, cell phones, GPS, etc.) combined with the fact that there are a lot more vehicles on the road today (and those vehicles are travelling greater distances), one would think that traffic fatalities would be greater today than they were 14 years ago.

But they aren't.:)

[Skywalker]

No, it doesn't. You're blaming someone holding their phone up to their ear for something completely unrelated. The real fact of the matter is, people don't think beyond the hood of their car. You assume that these people are perfectly attentive drivers until you put a phone in their hand. The fact is, most of them aren't.

If you want to go even further, we could look at the total amount of vehicle deaths over the past 14 years:

FARS Encyclopedia (http://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/Main/index.aspx)

You'll notice that there were less traffic fatalities in 2008 than there were in 1994. And that's with more vehicles on the road today than there were back then. Your "cell phones are the cause of all inattentive driving accidents" argument isn't holding up very well, considering cell phones in vehicles were virtually nonexistent back in 1994. In fact, it's quite shocking how even the data is every year. With all the distractions available to the driver today (digital and satellite radios, cell phones, GPS, etc.) combined with the fact that there are a lot more vehicles on the road today (and those vehicles are travelling greater distances), one would think that traffic fatalities would be greater today than they were 14 years ago.

But they aren't.:)

I am well aware of the statistics....and I am aware of the statistics concerning cell phones and fatalities.

All I know is that recently I have had more than just a couple of drivers who have been holding their phones in their LEFT hands come down ramps, or change lanes on top of me.

Maybe you can see, but apparently THEY couldn't. I attribute their stupid actions to the fact that they could not see their mirrors...or maybe they didn't care.... Like its often been said: You can't fix STUPID!! If someone wants to end their life in traffic....I would really appreciate it if they would leave me out of their bid for suicide by vehicle.

Pay a little more attention to people on cell phones, and that includes "Professional Drivers" and you will see exactly what I am referring to. Hopefully you won't one day discover someone under your trailer after you move left....while holding your cell phone up with your left hand....blocking your view of your mirrors. Have a lovely day.... :D

[Skywalker]

No, it doesn't. You're blaming someone holding their phone up to their ear for something completely unrelated. The real fact of the matter is, people don't think beyond the hood of their car. You assume that these people are perfectly attentive drivers until you put a phone in their hand. The fact is, most of them aren't.

I am well aware of the fact that the average motorist is much like a "lemming" rushing toward the cliff....and most people have the attention span of "cockroach"..... But I am assuming nothing. Check out the links, and you will see what I am directly referring to:

Highway deaths cell phones - Google Search (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&channel=s&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=Ac3&ei=0SPSSvkH1q-3B_-KzfwD&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&ved=0CAkQBSgA&q=Highway+deaths+cell+phones&spell=1&cts=1255286335371)

[Rev.Vassago]

I am well aware of the fact that the average motorist is much like a "lemming" rushing toward the cliff....and most people have the attention span of "cockroach"..... But I am assuming nothing. Check out the links, and you will see what I am directly referring to:


Linking me to a Google search shows nothing. I'm well aware that cell phones contribute to distracted driving. I'm not arguing that one bit. What I am arguing is the notion that someone with a cell phone to their ear is incapable of seeing their mirror if they choose to look at it, and that these people would otherwise use their mirrors if they were not on their cell phone.

You've provided nothing to back up either of these claims, and I've disproven the first one pretty thoroughly with a real-world test, and have discredited the second one by showing that accident rates have remained fairly steady from before cell phones were commonly used until now, and have even lowered overall when the increase in vehicles is taken into consideration.

I'll now take it even one step further by providing photographic evidence that it is possible to see your mirror while having a cell phone to your left ear. The following picture was taking while resting my arm on my door ledge with my left hand to my ear. The camera is held directly in front of my eyes:
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f7/revvassago/phone1.jpg


This next picture was taken after turning my head 10 degrees to the left; again, my arm has not moved, my hand is still to my left ear, and the camera is still directly in front of my eyes:
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f7/revvassago/phone2.jpg



Please tell me again how my view of my mirror is blocked by having a cellular phone to my left ear.

[Mr. Ford95]

You'll notice that there were less traffic fatalities in 2008 than there were in 1994. And that's with more vehicles on the road today than there were back then. Your "cell phones are the cause of all inattentive driving accidents" argument isn't holding up very well, considering cell phones in vehicles were virtually nonexistent back in 1994. In fact, it's quite shocking how even the data is every year. With all the distractions available to the driver today (digital and satellite radios, cell phones, GPS, etc.) combined with the fact that there are a lot more vehicles on the road today (and those vehicles are travelling greater distances), one would think that traffic fatalities would be greater today than they were 14 years ago.


Actually, vehicles are built much safer today than they were in 94, that has a lot to do with fatalities going down. Manufacturers have figured out how to design vehicles so they crush a certain way to keep the occupants safe, they've figured out a sudden stop is bad on the body. You want to slow the crash down even if it's in thousands of a second it makes a big difference. We also have airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags and styrofoam built into vehicles that absorb crash impact's and divert the energy from occupants.

[Rev.Vassago]

Actually, vehicles are built much safer today than they were in 94, that has a lot to do with fatalities going down. Manufacturers have figured out how to design vehicles so they crush a certain way to keep the occupants safe, they've figured out a sudden stop is bad on the body. You want to slow the crash down even if it's in thousands of a second it makes a big difference. We also have airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags and styrofoam built into vehicles that absorb crash impact's and divert the energy from occupants.
Of course. There are lots of factors that affect crashes, and cell phones are one small part of them. But that doesn't make his "left mirror blocked" statement any less false.

[jagerbomber3.0]

I cant even believe it myself but there is a first time for everything and this is the first time i have agreed with every single post The Rev has made in a thread. And the pics you posted up should be end of story. Right from the very beginning of this thread i thought the same thing as you are saying. The issue of cell phones being unsafe while driving is a different subject but the whole not being able to see your mirror is just a flawed idea as far as I am concerned.

[Rev.Vassago]

And for the record, my view of the left mirror was completely blocked by my cell phone camera while taking those pics (as was my view of everything else, for that matter). I will now go start a thread railing against drivers who put their cell phone cameras in front of their eyes while driving down the road. :lol:

[Hawkjr]

as me being a young pup driving this truck for the past year and change, i usually talk on the phone and drive if i'm going down a straight shot interstate I.E. 95 from North Carolina Line to Richmond or 64 From The Newport News Area back towards Richmond.. i've never had an problem seeing out any of my mirrors going down the road and i've never had an instance where i all most came over on an car or truck...

There have been times where i'm going down the road slower while talking on the phone but not any way or form has it blocked my vision of my mirrors or looking straight ahead, yes i do realize i'm little distracted going down the highway but not to the point where im putting others in immediate danger...

I talk on the phone in heavy traffic, curvy roads, hills, or going somewhere i've never been before... I will say this much i've had a couple of incidents where a driver have pulled into a truck stop to wide or recklessly while talking on the phone!! but there's *******s like that everywhere..

[jonp]

No, it doesn't. You're blaming someone holding their phone up to their ear for something completely unrelated. The real fact of the matter is, people don't think beyond the hood of their car. You assume that these people are perfectly attentive drivers until you put a phone in their hand. The fact is, most of them aren't.

If you want to go even further, we could look at the total amount of vehicle deaths over the past 14 years:

FARS Encyclopedia (http://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/Main/index.aspx)

You'll notice that there were less traffic fatalities in 2008 than there were in 1994. And that's with more vehicles on the road today than there were back then. Your "cell phones are the cause of all inattentive driving accidents" argument isn't holding up very well, considering cell phones in vehicles were virtually nonexistent back in 1994. In fact, it's quite shocking how even the data is every year. With all the distractions available to the driver today (digital and satellite radios, cell phones, GPS, etc.) combined with the fact that there are a lot more vehicles on the road today (and those vehicles are travelling greater distances), one would think that traffic fatalities would be greater today than they were 14 years ago.

But they aren't.:)

That has more to do with the vehicles on the road being safer in crashes with older vehicles being retired and the newer ones having better safety features. Also with more states instituting mandatory seatbelt laws and cracking down on drunk drivers.

[wanderingson]

I understand Skywalkers frustration, but that is not really a professional attitude, if you ask me. So you wanna whack someone with a shovel who is driving carelessly? Ok, whatever you say driver.

As professional drivers, we have to deal with this sort of thing everyday. I was taught to be "better" than the general motoring public, by not letting the road rage factor get to me. This is the mark of a true pro driver, in my opinion. (among other things)

I have to agree that driving with the cell in the left hand/ear doesn't hinder a driver from seeing their mirrors AT ALL.

Just sayin

[GMAN]

I think that it isn't as safe due to not concentrating on what you are doing rather than what you see. Some people become so involved in their cell phone conversation that they don't concentrate on driving. I believe that is the main issue, not visibility.

[Roadaholic]

Once again, I disagree. I can hold my phone in my hand and turn my head both left and right without moving my arms at all. In fact, I just tested this theory, and you can too. Put your elbow on the arm rest thingy that is by your driver's side door, and lean your left ear on your hand. Now turn your head without moving your elbow from that stationary position. Can you see your mirror? I know I can, as it barely takes any head movement whatsoever to see my mirror (turning my head 10 degrees, at most).

Hey Rev., I heard oatmeal is good... ...are you kidding!! The only thing that makes absolute sense in this thread, is the first entry! I can relate. No one driving anything with a bunch of wheels, should be distracting themselves into oblivion. How can I relate? A driver and I rounding the bend downtown Birmingham. He passes me like I'm sitting at a standstill, drives too close to my tractor and knocked the mirror completely forward. Another incident; Dumb and Dumber in one of those nice purple trucks on I-80 halfway thru Pennsylvania. Both dumb*****e$ had a phone hanging on their ear. He passed me, and before the half the trailer passes me, he turns right! He never saw me. I had to stop and mop up.

Please! Help educate driver's on this board, Mr. Administrator. You've got newbies watching and reading what their peers do, and 'things' just keep getting worse. You of all people can make a difference.

[Rev.Vassago]

Hey Rev., I heard oatmeal is good... ...are you kidding!! The only thing that makes absolute sense in this thread, is the first entry! I can relate. No one driving anything with a bunch of wheels, should be distracting themselves into oblivion. How can I relate? A driver and I rounding the bend downtown Birmingham. He passes me like I'm sitting at a standstill, drives too close to my tractor and knocked the mirror completely forward. Another incident; Dumb and Dumber in one of those nice purple trucks on I-80 halfway thru Pennsylvania. Both dumb*****e$ had a phone hanging on their ear. He passed me, and before the half the trailer passes me, he turns right! He never saw me. I had to stop and mop up.

Please! Help educate driver's on this board, Mr. Administrator. You've got newbies watching and reading what their peers do, and 'things' just keep getting worse. You of all people can make a difference.

*Sigh*

Apparently reading the entire thread was too much work for you. As I've said several times already, I am not disputing the effects of cell phone usage and accidents/distracted driving. I am only disputing the notion that one is incapable of seeing their left mirror while holding a cell phone. There is a huge difference between not bothering to look at a mirror (which happens whether there is a cell phone in peoples' hands or not) and not being able to see the mirror.

The OP made an absurd statement about how it is physically impossible to see the mirror, and that somehow your arm prevents you from doing so. It was a dumb statement with no basis in reality, and only serves to take away from the main point about distracted driving, which is a perfectly valid concern. His insistence upon arguing it even further only weakens his argument even more.

[golfhobo]

I find a complete lack of speed control to be more of an issue with the cell phone holders.

1) Dial or answer --> slow down

2) Realize you're going slowly and people are passing you --> floor it

3) Realize you're speeding --> slow down

4) Get involved in your conversation --> slow down more

Repeat steps 2 through 4 until the call has ended and then swerve out of your lane while trying to put the phone back wherever you keep it.

Possibly the first time I have ever agreed ENTIRELY with everything Vito had to say in one post!

[golfhobo]

That has more to do with the vehicles on the road being safer in crashes with older vehicles being retired and the newer ones having better safety features. Also with more states instituting mandatory seatbelt laws and cracking down on drunk drivers.

I was going to make this same point.... and one more:

The stats quoted by the Rev are for 2008. Wasn't that the year that fuel/gas prices went through the roof.... and Americans drove BILLIONS of miles less than in previous years? (Truck miles were down, too!)

Don't want to get into a "stat" war.... but, everything I've heard says that crashes and fatalities are UP due to cellphone use, whether handheld or not. TEXTING is worse that talking, handheld worse than "hands-free."

As for holding the phone in the left hand..... I agree with Skywalker that it tends to inhibit attention to the left mirror. It may only be psychological/"motor responsive" rather than actual impediment.... but, the Rev's pictures are not "exculpatory." For ONE thing.... his angle dispersion is more like 45%, not 10%.

So..... those of you who think it is okay to hold the phone in your RIGHT hand.... you NEVER have to shift gears?

This is a SERIOUS problem, folks! And TEXTING is even a BIGGER problem! The younger the "class" of drivers out there (both PROFESSIONAL/CDL... AND.... 4wheeler,) the worse this problem will become. [that is ONLY based on the cultural statistical occurrence of "immediate interaction" in all forms by the tekkie-age.]

You know? It's not even ABOUT the mirrors! It's about paying attention to traffic on ALL sides of you, at ALL times! I can tell you that almost everytime I have to pass someone who SHOULD be maintaining a speed and a position OUT OF MY WAY.... that I will see that driver holding a cellphone to HIS LEFT EAR as I finally go by his sorry AZZ! :hellno:

Once again, the REV has used his considerable argumentative talents to "obscure" the message that might have been learned by a newer driver reading this board, in favor of "scoring points" with his faithful followers. BARELY defensible by feigning concern for the problem overall, he manages to split hairs with the FACTS presented by a concerned poster, while dismissing the existence of any "spirit" to his concerns.

[Rev.Vassago]

I was going to make this same point.... and one more:

The stats quoted by the Rev are for 2008.

Reading comprehension is not your strong suit today. I provided a link that had statistics for every year from 1994 through 2008. If you'd have bothered to look at them, you would have seen that vehicle deaths have remained relatively steady, and have even dropped slightly. More dramatic is the fact that every year, the number of miles traveled has increased, and yet the vehicle deaths have remained very constant. Statistically speaking, our highways become safer every single year.

Don't want to get into a "stat" war.... but, everything I've heard says that crashes and fatalities are UP due to cellphone use, whether handheld or not. TEXTING is worse that talking, handheld worse than "hands-free."

So prove it. I've shown that deaths have remained constant.

As for holding the phone in the left hand..... I agree with Skywalker that it tends to inhibit attention to the left mirror. It may only be psychological/"motor responsive" rather than actual impediment.... but, the Rev's pictures are not "exculpatory." For ONE thing.... his angle dispersion is more like 45%, not 10%.

Whatever. Sorry I left my drafting compass at home.


You know? It's not even ABOUT the mirrors!

No ****, Sherlock. But you'll notice that the OP made it about the mirrors, and threw asinine reasoning behind it. My elbow is going to hit the window and prevent me from turning my head? Give me a break. That's just ******ed.

Once again, the REV has used his considerable argumentative talents to "obscure" the message that might have been learned by a newer driver reading this board, in favor of "scoring points" with his faithful followers. BARELY defensible by feigning concern for the problem overall, he manages to split hairs with the FACTS presented by a concerned poster, while dismissing the existence of any "spirit" to his concerns.

Blah blah blah.

The entire original post was devoted to the fact that he claimed people were incapable of seeing their mirrors while on the phone, and the results of that action. The argument was flawed from the beginning. I requested clarification, and he dug the hole deeper.

Maybe next time you'll bother to actually read the thread before you whine about me.

[Rev.Vassago]

Also, if you would have bothered to read the statistics I provided, you would see that total miles traveled last year was barely down from the year before.

[golfhobo]

Also, if you would have bothered to read the statistics I provided, you would see that total miles traveled last year was barely down from the year before.

Barely down? I guess I'll have to check your "stats," cuz all I've heard since last summer.... on ALL major news networks.... has been how the price of fuel came DOWN "partly if not mostly" due to the BILLIONS of miles that Americans decided NOT TO DRIVE because fuel was too expensive!

[Rev.Vassago]

Barely down? I guess I'll have to check your "stats," cuz all I've heard since last summer.... on ALL major news networks.... has been how the price of fuel came DOWN "partly if not mostly" due to the BILLIONS of miles that Americans decided NOT TO DRIVE because fuel was too expensive!
Thanks for admitting that you never bothered to even look prior to commenting on them. Guess it shows that you were more interested whining about me than actually providing something of value to the thread.

[golfhobo]

Thanks for admitting that you never bothered to even look prior to commenting on them. Guess it shows that you were more interested whining about me than actually providing something of value to the thread.

Okay.... just checked them out. They CONFIRMED everything I believe about the "trends" of fatal accidents in recent years. They SUPPORT my contentions. I "SEE" the numerical "trends" that you are basing your argument on. I have OFFSET them with figures ALSO found on this site... that shows that certain population and age trends are implied in these stats.

[This is EXACTLY why I didn't "waste my time" to begin with. I DO appreciate the research and links. But.... I KNEW exactly what the stats would say.}

But, I REALLY like seeing the numbers in a chart like that! I'll find SOME way to incorporate ALL that stuff into a RANT someday.... one that you will surely attack. But, I implore you to save that battle for another day. I "TIRE" of you for now! :lol2:

In short.... the roads are more dangerous today, based on fatalities per "x" number of drivers, when figuring in the illegal alien drivers who are NOT in some of these "stats," but DO cause many accidents due, if NOT to their DRUNKENESS.... AND to their misunderstanding of our FREEWAY SIGNS because they are in ENGLISH!!! But, the FACT remains.....

There are MORE drivers on our roads today than in whatever year in the 90's SOME of you IDIOTS want to "reference." MORE of those drivers are "undocumented and unlicensed,"

DON'T appear in MOST "statistical" studies relied on by REPUBLICANS... and, at any rate..... contribute to a HIGHER rate of accidents due to "cellphone activity" or combination of drunkenness and lack of knowledge of the language (signs.)

Had more to say, but need to move forward to another post....

[Rev.Vassago]

Blah blah blah. More rant with nothing to back it up.

Now it's because of illegal aliens and Republicans. Whatever.

[Skywalker]

No ****, Sherlock. But you'll notice that the OP made it about the mirrors, and threw asinine reasoning behind it. My elbow is going to hit the window and prevent me from turning my head? Give me a break. That's just ******ed.

Yes, we know that you are "perfect in every way".... but there was zero asinine reasoning behind my first post on this thread. I related "precisely" what happened....and whether you agree or not...is immaterial. The jackasses that were holding their cellphones to their left ears...had their left arms up and their elbows way too high to see their mirrors... I can't help if they aren't "graduates" of the Rev. Vassago School of Cellphone Handling and Super-Trucking. Maybe you truly are the "real exception", but applying your twisted logic and claims to the issue is no more valid than my claims.

Blah blah blah.

Yes...you have done much of that, and proven nothing except that you sanction stupidity and unsafe driving. Oh well.....

The entire original post was devoted to the fact that he claimed people were incapable of seeing their mirrors while on the phone, and the results of that action. The argument was flawed from the beginning. I requested clarification, and he dug the hole deeper.

There was no "claim" it was simply statement of facts based on my observations and experiences on the road. I didn't dig anything deeper, you merely shoveled more **** on the pile to justify your foolish use of a handheld cellphone while operating a CMV. Afterall, any "MORON" can pose or setup a picture to prove "anything" with the right amount of contortions..... Simple fact of the matter is...you're wrong, and just aren't big enough or maybe "mature" enough to admit it. So be it. Again, I sincerely hope that you are not ever involved in an accident where you move over into another vehicle during a lane change...and witnesses claim you were busy on the cellphone and had your arm up in the way....and take the heat and burn that goes with the tickets and litigation.

Maybe next time you'll bother to actually read the thread before you whine about me.

Perhaps it would be possible for you to actually bother to put your brain in gear before putting mouth or fingers into motion to "justify" doing something "unsafe" behind the wheel. The google search was valuable in that it proved the attribution of cellphone usage in the involvement of 6000+ fatalities per annum in this country. Sorry you missed the significance....

Open your eyes and pay attention to some of the idiots, not only in cars, but in trucks as well that can't see their mirrors....simply because they are using a cellphone and have it in their left hands and their elbow is up and their left arm is in the way, and they cannot see their mirrors on the left side....

Once again...we know you are "special".....:bow: but all the same, one would expect a big time "owna-operatuh" to be a leader in promoting safety, not justifying stupidity and unsafe actions. I guess maybe the bans imposed on the use of handheld cellphones in 6 states and DC....are just silly fluff, and all the other bans regarding texting and whatnot are fluff as well.... State Cell Phone Driving Laws (http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html) And you damn well can't say that you haven't seen idiots in cars who are so wrapped in their dramas on the phone with their left arm up where they can't see ****....and yet try to merge onto the interstate to the same physical space you occupy....and if you do try to say that....you are either a liar, or a couch-potato posing as a "driver". Sorry sport, it happens all day, every day.....and we all know it. The fact that "professional drivers" do the same stupid things...is no "justification" for stupidity.

My position remains the same..... If you are going to talk on a cellphone while driving, get a headset or a bluetooth so both your hands are free and you can see your mirrors. Ego is no reason to kill someone in a stupid and totally preventable accident, nor is it a reason to mislead novices who come here for advice and guidance.

Your position is about the same as one espoused by some gomer-assed moron who says... "laws are meant to be broken"....in justification for speeding and reckless lane changing..... :moon: Like Forrest said..... "Stupid is as Stupid does".....:moon:

[Skywalker]

Blah blah blah. More rant with nothing to back it up.

Now it's because of illegal aliens and Republicans. Whatever.

Maybe you should really put "braing in gear before mouth/fingers in motion.....:moon:

Impacts of Illegal Immigration: Traffic Accidents (http://www.usillegalaliens.com/impacts_of_illegal_immigration_traffic_accidents.h tml)

The Visible Hand - WSJ.com (http://www.opinionjournal.com/columnists/rminiter/?id=95001095)

The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR): Unlicensed to Kill (http://www.fairus.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=16857&security=1601&news_iv_ctrl=1007)

American Chronicle | Politicians Must Take a Stand Against Illegal Immigrants (http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/23827)

and a whole bunch more here:

Illegal aliens driving accidents fatalities - Google Search (http://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&channel=s&hl=en&source=hp&q=Illegal+aliens+driving+accidents+fatalities&btnG=Google+Search)

And the "Republicans"? Welllll nowwww. Didn't Bush (Jr) say that there would be no immigration reform as long as "Big business needed cheap labor?? After all, the dunce said it on live TV!!! Yeah, its another "google" search.... but it goes to prove by way of many links that "Republicans" are somewhat "responsible" in that their principal concern was solely "profits and the bottom line" and to hell with all else.....

Bush says big business needs cheap labor - Google Search (http://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&channel=s&hl=en&source=hp&q=Bush+says+big+business+needs+cheap+labor&btnG=Google+Search)

Sucks to be "wrong" doesn't it? :moon: Pssst, "Rushbo, Beck, Coulter, and Hannity are not really reliable sources of information....no more than the defunct Russian propaganda organ "Pravda"...... Again: :moon:

[Orangetxguy]

Ya'all be hammering on my man Rob pretty hard here !!! Fer Shame Fer Shame!!


I understand his complaint.

I cannot begin to count, the numbers of truck drivers I see rolling along, talking on their cell phone, with their left elbow pointed at the top of the door, their back firmly ensconced against the driver-door window, blithely oblivious to traffic conditions around them, while their cell phone is planted firmly against their left ear. They may not be acting dangerously to some. But...if I can move one more lane left while I pass these type Bozos, I usually do.


I have even seen some of these "Truckin Bozos" with their left foot up on the dash, between the steering wheel and the door frame. All the time deep into conversation with "someone".


Gives you a warm fuzzy feeling when you see something like that. :hellno:


Of course....cell phones are just one of the current distraction methods. I see drivers zipping along, their laptops open, surfing the net. 4-wheeler and 18-wheeler alike. I see the busy driver who needs his laptop open, his Qualcomm panel on his steering wheel, and his bowl of cereal in his hands. I see the drivers whom just have to stay current, with the newest release of "Honey does Hollywood" or whichever movie is the fav of the moment.


Ya'all quit giving my man Rob a hard time now ya hear?? He be gittin old and deserves time to rant!!!


:bigthumbsup:

[Rev.Vassago]

While Skywalker was busying himself looking into other drivers' trucks, I would argue he was distracted driving.:smokin:

[Orangetxguy]

While Skywalker was busying himself looking into other drivers' trucks, I would argue he was distracted driving.:smokin:


Aaaaaaaaaah well! We does what we does!!!

[freebirdrfd]

I don't understand how i can drive with my phone in my left hand, yet I can see my left mirror with NO obstruction. Rev and i must be doing something unique.

[Rev.Vassago]

I don't understand how i can drive with my phone in my left hand, yet I can see my left mirror with NO obstruction. Rev and i must be doing something unique.
I actually tried to recreate the scenario that the OP claims he saw while he was distracted looking in other peoples' trucks. I was able to do it, but it caused pain in my arm, and was so awkward and uncomfortable that I had to immediately stop. But while I was contorting my arm into inhuman positions, I will attest to the fact that I could not see my mirror.:thumbsup:

[RostyC]

when figuring in the illegal alien drivers who are NOT in some of these "stats," but DO cause many accidents due, if NOT to their DRUNKENESS....

:rofl: Gotta love it. All illegal aliens are drunken bums that go out and kill other people with a car. Car was probably stolen too I guess. Damn thieving, drunken illegals!!

DON'T appear in MOST "statistical" studies relied on by REPUBLICANS.

Wow!! :rofl::rofl::rofl: OMG!! :rofl::rofl: Entertainment at it's finest folks!

We're having a Nor'easter here in Maryland this weekend and it's the "REBUPLICANS" fault. :rofl::rofl:

[Kranky]

:rofl: Gotta love it. All illegal aliens are drunken bums that go out and kill other people with a car. Car was probably stolen too I guess. Damn thieving, drunken illegals!!

Actually, if they're illegal aliens, they shouldn't be here in the first place, and if they weren't here it would be impossible for them to cause an accident here.

.

[Kurbski]

LOL, I need the Rev to make me a new avatar........

Illegal Alien Halloween costume: funny or mean? (http://www.inquisitr.com/43175/illegal-alien-halloween-costume-funny-or-mean/)

[golfhobo]

:rofl: Gotta love it. All illegal aliens are drunken bums that go out and kill other people with a car. Car was probably stolen too I guess. Damn thieving, drunken illegals!!



Wow!! :rofl::rofl::rofl: OMG!! :rofl::rofl: Entertainment at it's finest folks!

We're having a Nor'easter here in Maryland this weekend and it's the "REBUPLICANS" fault. :rofl::rofl:

Apparently, you went to the same school of English Comrehension that the REV did. Although, I'll admit (as I said in that post,) I was in a hurry that night and didn't state my case as clearly as I understood it.... even a "half-wit" should be able to tell that I was NOT intimating what YOU took my comments to mean.

Nevertheless.... I don't feel like explaining it to you. Read the first link in Skywalker's post about illegal aliens, and perhaps you'll understand.

(You also might note that that article is strongly supported by cases here in North Carolina. I've heard of most of them on the news. The "trend" is unmistakable to someone who has lived here as long as I have.)

[golfhobo]

Thanks for admitting that you never bothered to even look prior to commenting on them. Guess it shows that you were more interested whining about me than actually providing something of value to the thread.

Okay, REV.... having MORE time today.... I looked deeper into the FARS encyclopedia. I doubt you will be surprised that I am now claiming MAJOR flaws in that data.

Don't care to go into ALL of it.... but, check this one chart out:

FARS Encyclopedia: Trends - General (http://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/Trends/TrendsGeneral.aspx)

Look at the years 1999 and 2000. I'm sure you remember that we conduct a CENSUS every ten years, and the last one was the year 2000. Now.... according to this chart, they were "estimating" population growth (and many other stats) for the decade before the year 2000, then input actual figures for that year. Note that the population jumped by 10 million that year vs. the "estimates" of about 3 million per year for all other years.

Note that, even though the national population jumped by 10 million that year, the "estimated" number of licensed drivers, vehicle registrations, and vehicle miles traveled did NOT change from the "predictable" estimates one gets from comparing figures for each year across ALL categories.

So, according to this table, a mere 3 million jump in population in OTHER years, represented the same increase in licenses, registrations and vehicle miles traveled each year as a TEN MILLION jump in population represents for the year 2000 in all categories.

If YOU "buy that," then I won't even waste anymore of my time on THIS discussion.... because there obviously is no "intelligent life" on here to talk to!

Perhaps YOU should bother reading your own "stats" before relying on them to prove a point. :hellno:

(oh btw.... I found a discrepancy of some 4,000 fatalities, I think it was, between TWO of the charts on the FARS site for the years 2007 and 2008. Not sure HOW they ****ed THAT up.... since most of those charts are just filled out using a matrix based on a small subset of data.)

[Rev.Vassago]

What does any of that have to do with the silly assertion that one is incapable of seeing their mirror while holding a phone?

[golfhobo]

What does any of that have to do with the silly assertion that one is incapable of seeing their mirror while holding a phone?

You would have to answer that YOURSELF.... since YOU used those stats to back up YOUR opinion of what Skywalker was saying.

[Rev.Vassago]

No, I used photographic evidence to back up my facts.

[golfhobo]

What "I" really want to know is.... how does the guy in the stall next to me wipe his AZZ while talking on his cellphone? And does the person on the other end of the line mind if I flush while they're talking? :lol:

[Skywalker]

No, I used photographic evidence to back up my facts.

Would that be more properly worded" .....carefully staged photographic ?evidence? made while sitting still"?

Question Rev: Have you been spending time on "trucknet" getting "hints" on how to do this forum thing?

Naturally, you are free to feel that my "assertion" is silly.....but hey, thats OK by me.... But I can well imagine that your feelings will change when you have happen to you what happened to me.......

[Fredog]

what I want to know is when are Rev and Golfhobo going to get married?

[Rev.Vassago]

Would that be more properly worded" .....carefully staged photographic ?evidence? made while sitting still"?

Yes and for good reason. Doing it while moving would have likely had me running off the road, as I had a FRIGGIN CAMERA PHONE IN FRONT OF MY EYES.


Naturally, you are free to feel that my "assertion" is silly.....but hey, thats OK by me.... But I can well imagine that your feelings will change when you have happen to you what happened to me.......

No, I will properly attribute it to a driver who isn't paying attention, and not try to blame it on some dumb physics issue.

[Skywalker]

Yes and for good reason. Doing it while moving would have likely had me running off the road, as I had a FRIGGIN CAMERA PHONE IN FRONT OF MY EYES.

OK, whatever....... :smokin:


No, I will properly attribute it to a driver who isn't paying attention, and not try to blame it on some dumb physics issue.

OK, whatever........ :smokin: