Driving Habits!

absolutuscchick · #1 07-17-2003, 02:52 AM

Ok, so I just got the new cosmo in the mail and it says "In a national survey of nearly 30,000 drivers, 69% say they eat behind the wheel, 44% gab on cell phones, 12% apply makeup or shave, and 7% read..." As I'm reading this, I'm totally thinking to myself....I do ALL of those...is it just that I am WAY too into multitasking or is this survey seriously have WAY too LOW of percentages? What's everyone's opinion...

MeLikey · #2 07-17-2003, 03:06 AM

I once saw a a woman eating a bagel while talking on her cell while she's driving. It was on my way to a 9am class so I guess she didn't have time to eat breakfast at home before work?! Yeah, when someone calls I tell them I'm not coordinated enough to talk on my cell and drive at the same time and just call the person back later. If I'm driving long distances, say to my college from my hometown, I'll have a bag of chips next to me while I'm driving (but that's mainly so I can stay awake if I'm tired). The only time I'm reading while driving is if I'm trying to read directions to a new place. I can't say I've ever seen anyone shave while driving.

absolutuscchick · #3 07-17-2003, 03:14 AM

Well, Scottsdale does have the most dangerous freeway in the US.....probably because atleast half of the people I see are doing atleast one of these things!

sigmanuzk · #4 07-17-2003, 03:16 AM

I talk on my phone but i have hands-free, I do eat but i wait until i get to a stop light( it's still not that safe but i figure that i'm stopped so maybe it's not so bad), as for shaving never and reading nope.

sigmagrrl · #5 07-17-2003, 09:48 AM

I don't eat in my car (prevents mindless eating), I do talk on the phone, but not long (just to let someone know I'm on the way, running late, or to ask directions). I don't do anything else...I get so mad when I see some ditz talking on the phone and wandering in and out of the lane and slowing my ass up trying to get somewhere...Oh, and always fixing the hair and makeup...PULL YOUR ASS OVER, GISELE!

aephi alum · #6 07-17-2003, 09:51 AM

I occasionally eat behind the wheel, and I'm often sipping my morning coffee on the way to work... but I always have one hand on the wheel.

I do sometimes use my cell phone while I drive, but I have a hands-free unit. The only problem is dialing, but if I need to call someone I try to dial while stopped, or I'll ask a passenger to dial.

No way on the makeup or the reading (with the possible exception of glancing at a map or directions).

I remember seeing a news story a few years back, where they put a camera in a guy's car for a week and filmed his driving habits. Coffee in one hand, bagel in the other, cell phone held to his ear with his shoulder, steering (and changing lanes!) with his knee.

He admitted that if he had to stop short he would probably hit something (car, pedestrian, etc).

I've also heard that they're trying to pass a "driver distraction" law in NJ that would outlaw, among other things, cell phone use (even with hands-free), eating or drinking, listening to the radio, talking to passengers, etc.

ZetaLuvBunny · #7 07-17-2003, 10:05 AM

I must admit, I am guilty of eating, talking on the cell, fixing my hair, etc., while driving. The thing is I always use my best judgement with it if I feel I must.

I am very good at talking on the cell phone while driving except when I'm stuck on the interstate with slow-moving traffic (the worry of lane switching, etc.). As far as eating goes, I just hold the food in one hand and drive with the other, but I rarely ever do this. The only time I ever mess with my hair while driving is if I'm at a red light that is obviously going to last for a few minutes. I always have at least one hand on the wheel, and you won't see me driving with my knees- that's just crazy.

Tennessee tried to pass a law that would ban teenagers from cell phone use while driving. It didn't pass. It wouldn't have affected me obviously, but I do think *some* adults are a lot safer drivers, even while talking on the phone, than teens are.

MoxieGrrl · #8 07-17-2003, 10:13 AM

I turn our cell phone off when I'm driving. The only time I feel it's necessary to be on is maybe when I'm on a long-distance trip, and then chances are Mr. Mox can answer/talk.

texas*princess · #9 07-17-2003, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by absolutuscchick
Ok, so I just got the new cosmo in the mail and it says "In a national survey of nearly 30,000 drivers, 69% say they eat behind the wheel, 44% gab on cell phones, 12% apply makeup or shave, and 7% read..." As I'm reading this, I'm totally thinking to myself....I do ALL of those...is it just that I am WAY too into multitasking or is this survey seriously have WAY too LOW of percentages? What's everyone's opinion...

I would like them to do that study in the DFW region.. then they will get some more realistic figures.

PM_Mama00 · #10 07-17-2003, 10:34 AM

I talk on the phone, but ask any of my friends--- I am the most careful driver ever. Shit, I drive below the speed limit just to be extra careful!

I smoke while I drive. If my phone rings and I have a friend in the car I have them answer the phone, or I'll put my phone on speaker and set it down. I need to get one of those handsfree head pieces. I cannot stand when my friend is smoking and on her phone at the same time while driving. Drives me nuts!

Eirene_DGP · #11 07-17-2003, 11:04 AM

I never think twice about eating in the car and it aggros me when my bf wants to go inside to eat at a fast food restaurant instead of going through the drive-thru. I am guilty of putting make-up on in the car, but had to cut back after I poked myself in the eye with the mascara wand.

AlphaSigOU · #12 07-17-2003, 11:18 AM

Driving habits that really p*ss me off:

Talking on the cell phone and driving - Get a hands-free kit or HANG UP AND DRIVE!

Drivers of SUVs that think they own the road with their intimidating behemoths.

Turn signal? What turn signal? Oh! It's that funny looking lever on the other side of the steering column!

Red light runners. I'm not talking about ones who sneak in at the tail end of yellow, but blatant red light runners; 7291 red light runner tickets were issued in Plano last year... how 'bout the death penalty for 'em! (evil grin).

Punk kid drivers with daddy-bought SUVs and sports cars who think every road is an opportunity to practice for NASCAR.

Crotch rocket motorcycles, for the same reason above.

Tailgaters. Wait until you taste my depleted-uranium reinforced rear bumper with three-foot long unobtanium spikes projecting from 'em... you'll wish you'll never do it again!

sigmagrrl · #13 07-17-2003, 11:36 AM

What is it with people who think they become invisible when they enter their vehicle. I'm not talking about laughing or singing to a song. I'm talking PICKING YOUR NOSE!! I am always in front of or next to some yahoo picking their nose...COMPLETELY going to town...

texas*princess · #14 07-17-2003, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by AlphaSigOU
Driving habits that really p*ss me off:

Talking on the cell phone and driving - Get a hands-free kit or HANG UP AND DRIVE!

Drivers of SUVs that think they own the road with their intimidating behemoths.

Turn signal? What turn signal? Oh! It's that funny looking lever on the other side of the steering column!

Red light runners. I'm not talking about ones who sneak in at the tail end of yellow, but blatant red light runners; 7291 red light runner tickets were issued in Plano last year... how 'bout the death penalty for 'em! (evil grin).

Punk kid drivers with daddy-bought SUVs and sports cars who think every road is an opportunity to practice for NASCAR.

Crotch rocket motorcycles, for the same reason above.

Tailgaters. Wait until you taste my depleted-uranium reinforced rear bumper with three-foot long unobtanium spikes projecting from 'em... you'll wish you'll never do it again!

lol

*NOW* we're talking!!! It's just like I said before.. they need to bring that study to the DFW area to get some REAL statistics!!!

I've seen people eat FOOT-LONG SUBS while driving!!!

Just the other day I almost got side-swiped by some lady who thought she was talented enough to drive and put on lipstick in the rear view mirror at the same time.

AlphaSigOU · #15 07-17-2003, 12:37 PM

Too bad I can't borrow a 20mm Vulcan cannon and mount it on my vehicle... take out a few bad drivers!

(Woulda preferred a 30mm GAU-8 Avenger cannon with depleted uranium ammo but it's just too big!