SERIOUS - Texting drivers

[Lord Derosso]

Just watched that TV3 item re what its like to text and drive. The expert said its like a airplane pilot trying to land whilst adding up sums on a hand held calulator. Three drivers confirmed killed this year texting and driving. Government not keen to make it illegal just yet BUT what worrys me is the fact that we cant do it but fact the risk of been wasted by a cager doing it. The 'expert' did a reactment of how far a cage goes in one second to show how far a texter would travel before possibly looking up again and also he made the point that the act of texting requiring the eyes to be looking further down then if just normal incar actions such as CD changing etc. What worrys me is that having NEVER owned a cellphone it constantly amazes me how much time people are attached to them. Imagine sitting at the traffic lights on the Hutt highway and having some texter run into your back at 90kph because of texting? I spend most of my time trying to survive but this is just adding to the hassles and YES its not what some of us old timers didnt have to worry about. I recommend ervery member to look around at the next traffic light stop and just see how many cagers are actually doing this. Be careful out there folks.

[James Deuce]

I got one yesterday.

I have a hint for you texting car drivers. Don't do it in a convertible and don't get smart back when asked to stop, OK?

[Wasp]

i've noticed alot more cellphones since i've been walking

mythbusters did a test about talking on a cellphone vs being over the legal alcohol limit, cellphones came off worse i think

[Hellraiser]

You should try txting while riding ...........

now that takes skill

[James Deuce]

And a pair of Sixpackback's modified gloves.

[Hellraiser]

And a pair of Sixpackback's modified gloves.


i got on of those helmets that has the to can holders with a straw running inside.

Works a treat .......

ya get a bit of spillage if you don't take a couple of good mouthfulls when said cans are first installed but you soon work stuff like that out.

[Crisis management]

Be nice to see something done about cell phone usage and driving, it amazes me that people think they can multi task like that, I certainly can't (yeah, I know i'm male..).
It just looks like common sense to me, how can you focus on the road and carry out any conversation, audio / video or txt, and give the appropriate attention to both tasks.
Driving / riding takes all my concentration avoiding death at every corner.
Phone conversations take all my concentration to avoid lying to clients cocking up instructions to sub contractors or remembering the correct excuse for the high commander.
I can't text to save myself, I need my glasses and 10 minutes to achieve anything.

Now i know I am old, technically incontinent (according to my off spring) and male but if I can't do that then there must be at least 50% of the others on the road in the same condition.

So why no law change? It can't be too tricky?

In the mean time I will resort to filtering and hiding behind trucks and driving the SUV to beat the dangerous bastards. :dodge:

[Lord Derosso]

i got on of those helmets that has the to can holders with a straw running inside.

Works a treat .......

ya get a bit of spillage if you don't take a couple of good mouthfulls when said cans are first installed but you soon work stuff like that out.

Now you guys aren't taking this issue serious at all. ! You reallly PISS me off. I mean what sort of stupid would use a hat so the cops can see you when you weld a partment into your petrol tank and feed the booze from there. ? DOH DOH DOH.

[Finn]

The expert said its like a airplane pilot trying to land whilst adding up sums on a hand held calulator. Three drivers confirmed killed this year texting and driving.

Did you hear about the teenager that got killed in her car while she was texting her mate in the carpark of a shopping centre? Yeah, a plane hit her. Apparently the pilot was texting...

[Lord Derosso]

Did you hear about the teenager that got killed in her car while she was texting her mate in the carpark of a shopping centre? Yeah, a plane hit her. Apparently the pilot was texting...


Yes. and thats not a joke. I actually DID hear about that story but I am on my way to get some Monteiths and listen to the sounds so can't be worried about The Far Side anymore.

[Finn]

Yes. and thats not a joke. I actually DID hear about that story but I am on my way to get some Monteiths and listen to the sounds so can't be worried about The Far Side anymore.

Text me while you're riding home from the pub. We'll catch up and discuss.

[Morepower]

Just watched that TV3 item re what its like to text and drive. The expert said its like a airplane pilot trying to land whilst adding up sums on a hand held calulator. Three drivers confirmed killed this year texting and driving. Government not keen to make it illegal just yet BUT what worrys me is the fact that we cant do it but fact the risk of been wasted by a cager doing it. The 'expert' did a reactment of how far a cage goes in one second to show how far a texter would travel before possibly looking up again and also he made the point that the act of texting requiring the eyes to be looking further down then if just normal incar actions such as CD changing etc. What worrys me is that having NEVER owned a cellphone it constantly amazes me how much time people are attached to them. Imagine sitting at the traffic lights on the Hutt highway and having some texter run into your back at 90kph because of texting? I spend most of my time trying to survive but this is just adding to the hassles and YES its not what some of us old timers didnt have to worry about. I recommend ervery member to look around at the next traffic light stop and just see how many cagers are actually doing this. Be careful out there folks.

Back to the serious side of this , You are so right , I think Texting or what ever you call it is antisocial at the best of times but I am amazed its tolerated for drivers , Should be a dangerous driving charge minimum in my opinion .
Everytime I see a driver struggling to stay in a straight line or going from 80kmh to 110 then to 70 then to 90 etc etc , I think they must be drunk but then its most often (and I am sorry to say this) a woman either on the phone or texting. Surely the social calender can wait for 15 minutes. Men are probably no better but I have not noticed it so much.
Even hands free is not that great but at least you can keep an eye on the road. I use it but as soon as the conversation turns from a simple message to something needing some thought I either tell the caller I will get back to them or pull over. Its impossible to write notes while keeping my drink upright and my pie from dripping on my shirt while steering with my knee! :gob:

[Motu]

I think cars should be single occupant too - I've seen drivers talking to their passengers.Like,WTF? Keep your eyes on the road and your mind on the job....single occupant cars only on motorways.

[James Deuce]

No Motu, you're completely wrong. Single TRACK, single occupant vehicles.

[Clivoris]

Did anyone else see the retarded bitch in the grey Nissan Skyline push into the middle of the bike convoy escorting LooseBruce to Akatarawa? All the while, too fucking busy texting to pay too much attention to our safety.

[ferretface]

I think cars should be single occupant too - I've seen drivers talking to their passengers.Like,WTF? Keep your eyes on the road and your mind on the job....single occupant cars only on motorways.

Yah - why don't ya tell the Greenparty your idea - I'm sure they'll love it! :gob:

I was guilty of texting while driving a cage a few years back - kerbed my week old mags as wasn't paying enough attention to a bend. It sorta put me off doing it again...

[Ixion]

well, the "having to look down " thing is a bit of a red herring. You don't have to look at the phone to text . You can do it with one hand without looking, If I can do it , then anyone can.

But I don't do it driving, or (obviously) riding. I don't approve of it, but you don't need to look to do it.

And I really HATE old women who are nattering away to other old women int he car. They never pay any attention at all to the road, they're always looking at the other old biddies, quite oblivious to the road. Old women shouldn't be allowed to drive cars, if they need transport they can have a motorbike or scooter.

[Motu]

There's an old guy in Huntly who drives a blue Pajero covered in lights,and he wears a hat.The back windows and bumper have stickers everwhere - Fly,Acerbis,Answer,Castrol and stuff like that,and a couple of big ''Look out for Motorcycles'' stickers on the rear bumper.I find that stuff very distracting - do you think this sort of thing should be allowd? I really don't trust him...he didn't even shave his mustache in november.

[Ixion]

Yeah , but his "looking out for motorcycles" is in the same way as a fisherman "looking out for fish". Searching for prey. Those sprotsbike sillouhettes on the front wing aren't just decoration.

[scracha]

Just watched that TV3 item re what its like to text and drive. The expert said its like a airplane pilot trying to land whilst adding up sums on a hand held calulator. Three drivers confirmed killed this year texting and driving. Government not keen to make it illegal just yet BUT

You mean this isn't already illegal? Stupid kiwi government. Can anyone think of a single reason NOT to make it illegal for a driver to be texting whilst moving?

[Finn]

What about nose pickers taking a cursory glance at their payload while driving? Then while they roll the catch before the flick (or feast), they've only got one hand on the steering wheel. Surely nose picking should be made illegal too.

[Lou Girardin]

Anyone who's seen a driver texting on the move is left in no doubt how stupid and dangerous it is. So, I guess LTNZ wonks and Pollies don't get out much.
I wonder how our cops feel when they hear that Harry Duynhoven says that they wouldn't be as competent in dealing with the problem as those in the UK?

[What?]

There's an old guy in Huntly .... I really don't trust him...

Don't blame you. Sounds like a right undesirable :scooter:
Ya gotta watch out for a loony in a red Mazda ute round these parts, too.

[Edbear]

You mean this isn't already illegal? Stupid kiwi government. Can anyone think of a single reason NOT to make it illegal for a driver to be texting whilst moving?



If they want, the Police can charge with careless or dangerous use of a motor vehicle, surely?

[Insanity_rules]

Did anyone else see the retarded bitch in the grey Nissan Skyline push into the middle of the bike convoy escorting LooseBruce to Akatarawa? All the while, too fucking busy texting to pay too much attention to our safety.

Sure did, we should have blocked her car in and given her a lesson in manners. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes I wouldn't have believed just how stupid a driver could be.

Did anyone tell that crazy biarch off?

[jetboy]

I must admit I was guilty of this...until an old school mate of mine was killed when he crashed while texting. Have not done it since because of this reason, and I am not known for my multi-tasking skills....

I was stuck behind some tart in a Mazda MX5 while she was texting last night on the way home, and she was "overtaking" a freightliner on the motorway at about 2km faster than the truck, swerving all over the place. Its no wonder people get hurt like this aye.

[Hellraiser]

Ban Cages altogether ...........

Allow only Motorcycles (Trucks too)

Now thats Akl's prob solved now on to sorting out the treaty claims .....

[scracha]

If they want, the Police can charge with careless or dangerous use of a motor vehicle, surely?

Was the same in the UK. I think they brought in the specific offence (the ban there includes talking on non-handsfree phones whilst driving) as it's much easier for the cops to "fine" someone for using the phone as opposed to the hours of paperwork involved in a careless driving charge.

[Kwaka14]

It's the putting on of makeup while talking on the phone in rush hour traffic that bugs me.......

[Finn]

It's the putting on of makeup while talking on the phone in rush hour traffic that bugs me.......

What till you get to work before putting on your makeup then.

[Lord Derosso]

Text me while you're riding home from the pub. We'll catch up and discuss.


I have never owned a cellphone. I don't want my brains fried or cancer in the ear or whatever. Heck booze is a much more fun way to do it. And I only live 1 minute away from the centre of Newtown and the supermarlet so I have it made.

[Lord Derosso]

Saw a lady in a car trying to drink a huge portable cup of coffee in one hand while trying to drive in the mad house traffic this morning due to an accident around from the Basin Reverse.

[ManDownUnder]

What about nose pickers taking a cursory glance at their payload while driving? Then while they roll the catch before the flick (or feast), they've only got one hand on the steering wheel. Surely nose picking should be made illegal too.


What about us arse scratchers then? I mean - every now and then you get a good DEEEP scratch and sniffing the fingers is a must mate.

You trying to rule us out too?

As for using my calculator while landing a plane - are you mad??? Have you seen my flying? Last time I tried I ended up in some fucken carparks and took out a bunch of teens.

Cost me hundreds to get the blood off the plane

[Squeak the Rat]

Surely you cannot be serious.

[idb]

Texting while driving?!
What's wrong with a good old-fashioned pen and paper....write a letter!!!!

[madandy]

Texting while driving?!
What's wrong with a good old-fashioned pen and paper....write a letter!!!!

While driving? That'd require the airbag to be replaced with an airliner style fold down writing desk and suitable damping device to ensure legible characters were written while crashing through potholes.

I once spotted my fiance driving her MX5 in traffic, talkin on the phone, sipping a coffee, shifting gears and rolling a ciggarette like it was the natural thing to do:gob:

[Squeak the Rat]

I once rode past a car and saw a woman flicking the bean while driving in traffic..... Now THAT was dangerous, I almost rear ended the car in front of me....

[Lord Derosso]

I once spotted my fiance driving her MX5 in traffic, talkin on the phone, sipping a coffee, shifting gears and rolling a ciggarette like it was the natural thing to do:gob:


I certainly hope you kept her. My dirty mind boggles with the uses for such a multi tasker.

[Hellraiser]

I once rode past a car and saw a woman flicking the bean while driving in traffic..... Now THAT was dangerous, I almost rear ended the car in front of me....

I'll see that and raise you double ended dong .........

Saw her on SH2 just before Ngatea it was either double ended or in backwards, almost caused me to crash .......... lol

It's also not unusual to see guys get blowen while driving either ..... talk about being in a happy place while crashing

[imdying]

Even speaking on a cell phone isn't a good look. They're often easy to spot... travelling at 40km/h, hugging the centre line. I've noticed that as often as not it's a business man. Lean your bar end on their door at the lights whilst you look at them.

[madandy]

I certainly hope you kept her. My dirty mind boggles with the uses for such a multi tasker.

Damn right:yes: So far, as a pillion she's only at the hold on with one hand & slap me around the helmet with the other hand stage...

[Clivoris]

Sure did, we should have blocked her car in and given her a lesson in manners. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes I wouldn't have believed just how stupid a driver could be.

Did anyone tell that crazy biarch off?

I thought about going postal but decided that it would reduce the mana of what we were doing at the time. Who knows how she might have reacted in that much traffic too? It just wasn't worth it and I'm working on developing a sense of superiority whenever I don't let Mr Angry take control. I did memorise her plate details and was going to make a complaint but I figure that anyone that ignorant will be struggling with enough in her life as it is. Again, probably not worth it.

[Grumpy Gnomb]

Texting while driving = crashing = getting rid of dumb gene

[What?]

Texting while driving = crashing = getting rid of dumb gene

Unfortunately, not always the case.
A few months back a milk tanker driver died after some female drove head-on into him whilst texting. Said female lived to text another day.

[Edbear]

Anyone see the news last night about the 62 year-old "medical professional" reading her new book while driving out of Chch? $400 fine for careless use. Reckoned it was such a good book she just couldn't put it down...!

[Lord Derosso]

It didnt surprise me but I thought this thread has revealed how bad some drivers really are. I love the report on the lady playing with herself. Perhaps bikers arent entirely blameless. after all you do realise what R really stands for dont you??

R for Rogerable tank

Mines a F for F'ing Fun

[Unforgiven]

Anyone see the news last night about the 62 year-old "medical professional" reading her new book while driving out of Chch? $400 fine for careless use. Reckoned it was such a good book she just couldn't put it down...!

So you should be able to get the same for reading/whiting a txt.


As for the news, it depends whats a hot topic when its written as to where they point blame. A few months back during all the 'boy racer' bashing a kid down south driving a type R integra killed himself going round a tight corner at 150+km/h, while txting his mate.
The news blamed the car, not the dumass behind the wheel!! They tried to say that it was far to powerfull for a teenager to be driving, thats why he died?

Lets face it, the NZ government isnt going to do anything about it any time soon. And the police wont either, even if they get power to fine people for cellphone use while driving it will only be another little power trip for many of them, just like the street racing laws, get pulled over, nothing to fine you for, have a ticket for txting while driving, try to prove you wernt.

[SPman]

You should try txting while riding ...........

now that takes skill
Done that - piece of piss with a tankbag......and a straight bit of road with no traffic helps, as well.

[SPman]

There's an old guy in Huntly who drives a blue Pajero covered in lights,and he wears a hat.The back windows and bumper have stickers everwhere - Fly,Acerbis,Answer,Castrol and stuff like that,and a couple of big ''Look out for Motorcycles'' stickers on the rear bumper.I find that stuff very distracting - do you think this sort of thing should be allowd? I really don't trust him...he didn't even shave his mustache in november.
He drives up to Mt Roskill every day????

[scumdog]

Text me while you're riding home from the pub. We'll catch up and discuss.

Well even the supposedly well edumacated are READING while driving, so texting is not new. Have you any good books?? CB

[Ghost_Bullet]

I get so pissed when following some car and it is going left and right all over the show, and all ya see through the back window is a head looking up and down at thier phone.

Though I have to admit to sitting at lights after it has turned green not realising it had turn while punching out a txt. And then I get pissed at me self

[Madness]

Yeah, I do it. I also talk on the phone, work on my tablet, pick my nose/ears/arse (not all at once) and eat mince pies, all whilst driving my cage.

I've never had a problem, Probably I think because I'm such a good driver. You might even say I'm an expert driver, bloody brilliant in fact.

[knight rider]

I gota admit I haven't noticed a cage driver texting yet but have noticed lots of cage drivers talking on their phone. Because the fu*#wits pull out in front of me & cut me off. I just wait for some space & pull along side them pull in the clutch & give the bike some gas. all while right next to them that way they can't hear on the phone & they turn & look at me & I give the the middle finger :) then let the clutch out & fly away :)