Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Anne on December 3, 2013 at 10:30am

not that I'm aware of, but I have this idea: create stickers that can be placed on the windshield at the drivers' eye-level. When you see someone at a stop texting, just peel and stick, there would be a message on the inside what would read "Texting while driving is like driving with an obstructed view".

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by dan brown on December 3, 2013 at 10:43am

i hate texting drivers as much as anyone; but the problem with the above idea is that some people that don't t4ext *while* driving will text, etc. at a red-light or stop sign. I have done it. don't flame me. the car was at a complete stop fYI.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Rich S on December 3, 2013 at 11:12am

Not to flame you Dan because I have texted while stopped at a red light before as well ... but texting while stopped at a light is still distracted driving. You're not paying attention to what's going on around you and not proceeding when the lights turn green can cause the timing sensors to make them go back to red earlier than they're supposed to.

It's frustrating to bikers too when you come to a stop at a stop sign and the driver of the car that has right of way is looking down at their phone oblivious to what's going on around them.  

Anne, I would go through 10 of those per commute riding down Clark every morning! 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-texting-while-stopp...

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by David Altenburg on December 3, 2013 at 11:43am

Why do you think this is ok? It is not. 

Whenever I see someone texting at a stoplight, I assume that they're going to be oblivious to everything around them until the light changes and then hurry to step on the gas without taking the time to see what's happening around them, and I'm usually right. Going out of my way to ensure I'm not near their path has saved me multiple of times. 

 Intersections are complex - cars, pedestrians, and bikes may turning or going straight. That's why most crashes occur in them. Unless you have some superhuman ability to assess complex situations in a split second, keep your phone away. If you are so important that you cannot wait long enough to pull over then hire yourself a chauffeur.

dan brown said:

i hate texting drivers as much as anyone; but the problem with the above idea is that some people that don't t4ext *while* driving will text, etc. at a red-light or stop sign. I have done it. don't flame me. the car was at a complete stop fYI.

• ▶ Reply