Cell phones

[Zen]

...and I do not feel that the world is less safe as a result...

That's frightening that someone as intelligent as you truly believes that..
numerous studies cited here
Reminds me of the anecdote of last words being " I wish I had spent more time at the office"

[Mr. Bloom]

That's frightening that someone as intelligent as you truly believes that..

From the first study:

"The study found that when 18- to 25-year-olds were placed in a driving simulator and talked on a cellular phone, they reacted to brake lights from a car in front of them as slowly as 65- to 74-year-olds who were not using a cell phone."

Well, there you go...I'm 45

But, sincerely, I understand your perspective...but this very example is in a controlled, simulated study where the driver is forced to be on the cell phone in simulated conditions. In other words, it places them in a risk situation regardless of whether they would typically operate in those conditions outside the study.

Thanks for acknowledging that I'm intelligent...but because I'm intelligent, I wouldn't be on the phone in difficult or high traffic conditions where I feel pressed. Silver will attest that in really high traffic conditions I either ask the kids or her for silence if I really need to concentrate...it doesn't happen often, but I know when I need to concentrate...

In addition, it's counter-intuitive, but I recall there being bona-fide studies out there that also "prove" that men driving with radar detectors have fewer accidents...Soooo... I just don't buy the "studies" because someone has done them...I only know how I feel about my abilities and limitations...

BTW - I LOVE Click and Clack!

[OakLeaf]

Just try the experiment I posted above. *Then* tell me talking on the phones don't give you tunnel vision.

I admit that, like you, I am one of the 80% of drivers who considers myself an above average driver. But I've done that experiment, I *can* see with my whole eyes when I'm not talking on the phone, and I *don't* talk while driving any more.

And if you consider "someone putting brake lights on in front of you" to be an exceptionally high risk situation, I've got nothing to add.

[onimity]

Exactly, OakLeaf, I think the problem is not so much that people are engaging in behavior that they know is dangerous as it is that we all over-estimate our abilities to do more than one thing well at a time. Like I said, the majority of drivers on cellphones that fail to yield to me on my bike don't even seem to *notice* that I'm there. So I think it's easy to be oblivious to the danger until you actually hurt someone or cause an accident.

A lot of people will tell you that they are absolutely ok to drive safely after a drink or two too.

CA in NC, your employer sounds like a few I have encountered. I worked in the tech industry over the boom years when the rage was to bring in food, games, even beer (!) too keep people at work. It seemed like a nice bonus until you realized that the point was to chain you to your desk. It just isn't worth it. A bigger paycheck is rarely so much bigger as to compensate for lost time, enjoying your family and the like. I hope everything works out well for you, and mostly that you soon find an employer that is closer and knows that a balanced life leads to a happier and more productive employee.

Anne