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As a man thinks, so he is. Some people are never. Recent Posts
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CarSpace Alternate RouteTurn off the nav system, crumple up that MapQuest printout, and let's find out where the next random turn may take us! Oct 14, 2009 - Be Forewarned
Now understand that I'm coming off an experience yesterday of dealing with what had to be the world's stupidest appliance installation guy, (Dub may deal with that this weekend) so my tolerance for stupidity is at zero at the moment, but I'm going to make this wish list anyway. When that first snow hits the ground, you do have to be careful, but for the love of Pete, please remember that you remember how to drive in the snow. I'm just constantly amazed at the folks who have been living here forever who seem to forget how to drive when conditions are slippery. To the 4x4's and SUVs out there... your vehicle doesn't make you invulnerable, nor does it mean you don't have to worry about road conditions. But fear not, I'll have plenty of time to explain it to you down in the ditch when I stop to see if your OK after you run it off the road. And for those mental giants who absolutely have to use their cell phones or text while driving... those stopping distances are going to get longer. Almost rear-ending me at the traffic light this summer because you couldn't tear yourself away from that riveting text message, is going to end differently once the snow is on the ground and it's not going to be pretty for you. I know this is all futile, but I had to try, right?
Sep 30, 2009 - Hang Up And Drive
Just a couple of observations about cell phones I've made over the years. Cell phones are neat bit of technology but... The guy I saw in the airport with a cell phone pressed to each ear was a perfect example. NOBODY needs to be THAT connected. I've done spot checks sitting at traffic lights as the cross traffic goes past. If 6 or 7 out of the first ten cars that pass don't have a driver on a cell phone it's now unusual. Despite what a lot of people think, a phone call is a LOT different than singing along with your radio or talking with your passenger. Something about a phone call demands your attention. Listen to any morning talk show guy on the radio who's trying to do something in the studio while he handles a phone call on the air. He has to stop talking for a moment to get done what he needs to get done. And the problem is going to get worse with younger drivers coming into the ranks. I know three of my daughter's schoolmates who log over 15,000 text messages per month. if you care to do the math, that's one every 2 minutes 52.8 seconds 24/7. So I've come to the conclusion that cell phones are not technology, they're either an addiction or mental illness, and it really doesn't matter which it is where driving a car is concerned - (Judgemental statement alert) - if you use a cell phone while you're driving a vehicle, you are an idiot. In case you wondered, I do have a cell phone (a Tracfone) strictly as an emergency device for the car in case we have a problem on the road. It's pretty much never turned on and in the almost two years I've had it I may have made a half dozen calls.
Sep 24, 2009 - Revelation
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers said Wednesday that using a hand-held device to text or make phone calls while driving represents a safety risk and it supports the ban. The group represents 11 automakers, including General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co., Toyota Motor Corp. and others. Industry officials said they support allowing hands-free devices in cars to make phone calls and urged the government to develop policies that will encourage drivers to keep their eyes on the road. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood plans a two-day summit next week to review problems with distracted driving. Imagine that. It's going to take two days to discuss this. Here's a thought that might save some time at the "summit"... when you're driving your car... drive your car!
Mar 2, 2009 - Next Generation
Oct 18, 2007 - Tower of Terror
A phone conversation commands your attention. The reason you're on the phone is because you want to talk to that person or that person wants to talk to you. In either case, no matter how inane the conversation might be, your ability to notice things around you is diminished. You see countless examples of this. People on cell phones walking into doors, bumping into people, walking out in front of traffic, talking too loud on the phone in restaurants, and generally being oblivious to the world around them. What in the world makes people think that it's safe to operate any kind of vehicle while on the phone? That's why I'm not surprised by the news item out of South Carolina. A woman had been to visit a friend after work, and was on her way to another friend's house when she got lost and stopped to call for directions. She said she didn't realize that she had turned onto railroad tracks. A police officer spotted her sitting on the tracks, and it took him nearly a minute and a half to convince her to get out of the car, 17 seconds before the train plowed through her car. She said she wasn't familiar with the area. Apparently she couldn't be bothered to even look outside at her immediate surroundings either as there are clearly stop signs and railroad crossing lights that she somehow missed as well as she parked her car on the railroad tracks. Police said the use of the cell phone was clearly a contributing factor in the crash. Go figure. Got to stay in touch Read more and see the police video ot the incident at NBC10.com
Oct 17, 2007 - There Ought To Be A Law
I guess we've reached a point where people can't think for themselves so we have to enact legislation to try and get them to behave as if they have any common sense. As reported in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee held an extensive hearing on Monday on four new bills that fall under the heading of "preventing distracted driving." State Rep. Josh Shapiro, D-Montgomery, is pushing House Bill 1827, to outlaw the use of hand-held cell phones by motorists. Rep. Eugene DePasquale, D-York, wants to prohibit drivers, especially teenagers, from sending text messages on their cell phones or Blackberries while driving. His bill is House Bill 1506. Rep. Bill Kortz, D-Dravosburg, has introduced House Bill 1549, which would affect school bus drivers. They would be forbidden to eat, drink or use a cell phone while driving their buses. The broadest attack on "distracted driving" is being waged by Rep. Christopher Ross, R-Chester. His House Bill 698 would make it an offense for a motorist to become distracted as a result of using an "electronic, electrical or mechanical device, personal grooming devices, food, drink, a book or printed material." I guess the responsibility for controlling a piece of machinery hurtling down the road and keeping it from colliding with the other machines hurtling down the road isn't enough. Then again, some of us out there had no idea that McDonald's coffee was hot. Maybe manufacturers should be required to put warning labels on the steering wheel that say: Hands must be placed here to control vehicle. I'm sure that will work. When driving your car (Figure out the answer to the rebus yet?)
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