3 ms·

While I believe that is technically illegal in many jurisdictions, I agree a quick peek is fine. What I routinely see, though, is folks with their heads solidl

by 3JPLW 7y ago

While I believe that is technically illegal in many jurisdictions, I agree a quick peek is fine. What I routinely see, though, is folks with their heads solidly down and noses buried in their phone. Just in the past week I've seen two folks _watching video_ on their phones while I was bike commuting. This is terrifying. And sure, not everyone peeking at their phones at full stops will also be looking while they're moving. But folks who look at their phones while moving will definitely be looking at full stops, too.

skookumchuck 7y ago
Long before the iphone, I'd occasionally see a driver on the freeway reading a newspaper draped over the steering wheel.
- souprock 7y ago
  Yep, that is an unjustified risk. On the other hand, people would also hold a map draped over the steering wheel or beside them. That relates directly to the operation of the vehicle and is in fact needed to operate the vehicle, so it is justified. The same distinction should apply with phones. Browsing the news and playing games is not OK. The risk is unjustified because it is not necessary to operate the vehicle. Running a map program is justified. The alternative would be something awful, such as parking right on the freeway to look for directions.
  - bobthepanda 7y ago
    It also depends on how you're operating the phone for necessary operation. Looking at your phone propped in front of you on a windshield or dash-mounted holder is fine. Looking down at your phone in the center cupholder while still driving is not fine, and I've had the unfortunate experience of almost being in accidents because the rideshare driver is doing something that dangerous.
steveax 7y ago
For a while due to a bike trail closure, I pedaled across the Sellwood bridge. Because reasons, I took the south sidewalk and had a great view of oncoming eastbound drivers. I saw many drivers holding/operating their phones, by my limited data it was around 1 in 10. Terrifying.

by 3JPLW 7y ago

skookumchuck 7y ago

Long before the iphone, I'd occasionally see a driver on the freeway reading a newspaper draped over the steering wheel.

souprock 7y ago
Yep, that is an unjustified risk. On the other hand, people would also hold a map draped over the steering wheel or beside them. That relates directly to the operation of the vehicle and is in fact needed to operate the vehicle, so it is justified. The same distinction should apply with phones. Browsing the news and playing games is not OK. The risk is unjustified because it is not necessary to operate the vehicle. Running a map program is justified. The alternative would be something awful, such as parking right on the freeway to look for directions.
- bobthepanda 7y ago
  It also depends on how you're operating the phone for necessary operation. Looking at your phone propped in front of you on a windshield or dash-mounted holder is fine. Looking down at your phone in the center cupholder while still driving is not fine, and I've had the unfortunate experience of almost being in accidents because the rideshare driver is doing something that dangerous.

steveax 7y ago

For a while due to a bike trail closure, I pedaled across the Sellwood bridge. Because reasons, I took the south sidewalk and had a great view of oncoming eastbound drivers. I saw many drivers holding/operating their phones, by my limited data it was around 1 in 10. Terrifying.