Morning commute rant

[BadBoy]

I commute to work about 20 miles, 15 of which is on a busy interstate. I do this on a motorcycle when its not raining. Today I decided to count the number of drivers that were texting or doing something other than placing full concentration on driving.

22 texters
1 woman reading a novel, yes a novel.
2 men shaving
4 women putting make up on

I didn't even bother to count those that were talking on the phone.

Keep in mind that texting while driving is illegal here (as in a lot of places). I don't care if you are the best "LOL" texter out there, if you take your eyes off the road for even a fraction of a second you can cost someone their life.

Here's a thought to ponder. If you decide to text "LOL" to Biff or Jane and rear end the car in front of you doing 20 or so, no harm, no foul. Sure, there's some damage, but no one is hurt. Do that with a motorcycle rider in front of you, congrats, you just crippled or killed them. We all do extra stuff while driving, but keep in mind that you share the road with riders who aren't protected by a cage full of metal.

[/end rant]

 

[Panacea]

The amount of people who suck at life on the road is astounding, I agree. No consideration.
I've always been super cautious around people on bikes, because I've heard it's pretty troubling to have a car idle in traffic super close, and it is so dangerous, but for everyone I give space, there's a dickhead on a crotch rocket cutting me off, driving between the lanes, down the rumble strips, going 3 times the speed limit.

People just don't get how dangerous driving is, I think. We just take it for granted.

 

[BadBoy]

I know there are plenty of jerks on bikes as well. I just noticed you are in Michigan. Are you near the Detroit area? I grew up there.

 

[Panacea]

I know there are plenty of jerks on bikes as well. I just noticed you are in Michigan. Are you near the Detroit area? I grew up there.

Yep, I guess it would be the Detroit suburbs, about 30 miles outside it. You're lucky you escaped!

 

[BadBoy]

I grew up in Madison Heights. I'm very glad I escaped. I did just visit a few weeks ago though!

 

[purpledove]

In CA, there was a loophole found with the law against texting while driving. Lots of motorists caught doing so were able to get away with it. Now, the new law encompasses when a phone is on one's hand whatever one is doing and caught they are fined automatically $159. Of course, It still doesn't stop drivers from doing so esp when there are no police around

 

[Panacea]

Interestingly enough, one of the first violations given when our texting and driving law took effect last year was to an on-duty police officer lol! (So said the news, who made a story about it)

 

[purpledove]

Interestingly enough, one of the first violations given when our texting and driving law took effect last year was to an on-duty police officer lol! (So said the news, who made a story about it)

:24: :24:

I guess it's true what they say: Law makers ( enforcers) , law breakers

 

[AUDRAA]

Im guilty of texting when Im driving but I dont when there is traffic around me. Whats weird here is its illegal here also but not to read your messages. How messed up is that?! It does scare me though for people on bikes because so many people I love ride them ( I have my license also, but havent rode in forever) and if something happened to them Id be pissed.

 

[BadBoy]

Im guilty of texting when Im driving but I dont when there is traffic around me. Whats weird here is its illegal here also but not to read your messages. How messed up is that?! It does scare me though for people on bikes because so many people I love ride them ( I have my license also, but havent rode in forever) and if something happened to them Id be pissed.

I scare people when I text and ride. It freaks everyone out and I don't know why.

:sarcasm

 

[AUFred]

I try to never text or talk on the phone while driving. I hate distracted drivers.

 

[Natasha]

Interestingly enough, one of the first violations given when our texting and driving law took effect last year was to an on-duty police officer lol! (So said the news, who made a story about it)

Hmmmmmm...that doesn't sound very realistic. It'd take a special kind of a-hole officer to write a fellow ON DUTY officer a ticket. Here in Georgia the state code says that any public safety official (police/fire/EMS) can violate traffic laws while on duty as long as they do so w/ due regard.

 

[Panacea]

Hmmmmmm...that doesn't sound very realistic. It'd take a special kind of a-hole officer to write a fellow ON DUTY officer a ticket. Here in Georgia the state code says that any public safety official (police/fire/EMS) can violate traffic laws while on duty as long as they do so w/ due regard.

I meant to say off-duty
Cops can drive drunk around here, no one gives two shits. :willy_nilly:

 

[Peter Parka]

Nearly had some stupid girl texting and driving, drive headfirst into me and kill me, once. Dickheads who do that should lose their license and get prison sentences as far as I'm concerned, the're just as bad as drink drivers.

 

[Panacea]

Nearly had some stupid girl texting and driving, drive headfirst into me and kill me, once. Dickheads who do that should lose their license and get prison sentences as far as I'm concerned, the're just as bad as drink drivers.

Science supports you! Apparently it is nearly as bad as being blasted drunk. Really a problem.