# "Sure I text while driving. \*#@% you if you don't like it!" **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [February 5, 2016, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-i-text-while-driving-you-if-you-dont-like-it/745271 "2016-02-05T21:07:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2016, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-i-text-while-driving-you-if-you-dont-like-it/745271/101 "2016-02-06T20:00:36Z")
If you are a marine, all it demonstrates is that marines can lie. ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2016, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-i-text-while-driving-you-if-you-dont-like-it/745271/102 "2016-02-06T20:02:38Z")
I’m thinking about those engineers (driving trains) who have had accidents with fatalities because they were multi tasking with their cell phones. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2016, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-i-text-while-driving-you-if-you-dont-like-it/745271/103 "2016-02-06T20:03:18Z")
> [@andros](#): > > I have texted while driving. I have done so safety–as least in the sense that I have never been in an accident as a result of it. > > But I don’t try to pretend that it’s a safe thing to do, or that even a quick glance at my phone doesn’t distract me from the road. It does. > > **Bullitt** , which is _safer_: Glancing quickly at your phone and popping out a quick “OK”…or _not_ doing that and instead remaining focused on your driving? > > Even if you’re the very safest driver in the world–and you are not–one practice is clearly _safer_. And I reckon you know that. I agree here. It is not the safe thing to do. Not texting is of course safer. However, there are times you can do it while still being reasonably and effectively safe. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2016, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-i-text-while-driving-you-if-you-dont-like-it/745271/104 "2016-02-06T20:05:58Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > I’m thinking about those engineers (driving trains) who have had accidents with fatalities because they were multi tasking with their cell phones. And they didn’t have to _steer!_ ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2016, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-i-text-while-driving-you-if-you-dont-like-it/745271/105 "2016-02-06T20:08:44Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > I have been known, on a stretch of controlled-access road where I can see clearly for 20 seconds downfield, so to speak, AND IT IS SAFE TO DO SO, to type in a quick OK and hit Send. > > It is safe to do this. [EMT hat on] Despite what you think, generally speaking, it is NOT safe to do this. I’ve had to locate many, many cellphones while on-scene at an accident. I’d wager that at least 40%-45% of them had some sort of half-finished messages being written, and that’s to say nothing about the messages that were being read. It can be a straight shot where you can see 200 feet in front of you. IT’S STILL NOT SAFE. I’ve had to pick up dead people from the middle of the street after they’ve wiped out for whatever reason. I had to pick up a kid in his early 20’s, spinal cord injury. Probably never recover sensation below his shoulders because his friend was texting and driving. On a straight shot, residential area, when a deer started across the road. His buddy looked up, jerked, and rolled his pick-up. He was wearing a seatbelt, too. Just because you think it’s safe doesn’t make it so. That’s one of the main reasons why it’s NOT safe; people tend to get too lazy behind the wheel, and they let their guard down, even if they don’t think they do. [/EMT hat off] ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2016, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-i-text-while-driving-you-if-you-dont-like-it/745271/106 "2016-02-06T20:10:22Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > What about you, **cochrane** , would you agree with any or none or both of these: > > A) There are times when a driver can safely take their eyes off the road, for any reason? > > B) If you drive, you have taken your eyes off of the road for any reason, and have done so safely? It takes more than a second to read and respond to a text. I was taught in driving school to quickly look at the gauges, look back to the road, and glance back and forth so I don’t take my focus off the road for more than a faction of a second. I’m so familiar with my car, I can adjust the music volume or adjust the temperature without taking my eyes off the road. I can reach the appropriate control without looking. And it doesn’t matter what I say, you troll in every thread you take part in and you’re going to keep trolling in this one. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2016, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-i-text-while-driving-you-if-you-dont-like-it/745271/107 "2016-02-06T20:15:56Z")
> [@Rigamarole](#): > > I have to wonder what the Texting Nazis think about sending a text (or doing whatever else with a phone) completely within the span of a red stoplight and being done prior to it turning green. Still a mortal sin? > [@Morgenstern](#): > > I’m thinking you’re one of the few here who could give a factual, first-hand answer to this [question.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=783148) Hi-five @ **Morgenstern.** 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2016, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-i-text-while-driving-you-if-you-dont-like-it/745271/108 "2016-02-06T20:17:31Z")
> [@Superdude](#): > > [EMT hat on] > > Despite what you think, generally speaking, it is NOT safe to do this. I’ve had to locate many, many cellphones while on-scene at an accident. I’d wager that at least 40%-45% of them had some sort of half-finished messages being written, and that’s to say nothing about the messages that were being read. It can be a straight shot where you can see 200 feet in front of you. IT’S STILL NOT SAFE. I’ve had to pick up dead people from the middle of the street after they’ve wiped out for whatever reason. > > I had to pick up a kid in his early 20’s, spinal cord injury. Probably never recover sensation below his shoulders because his friend was texting and driving. On a straight shot, residential area, when a deer started across the road. His buddy looked up, jerked, and rolled his pick-up. He was wearing a seatbelt, too. > > Just because you think it’s safe doesn’t make it so. That’s one of the main reasons why it’s NOT safe; people tend to get too lazy behind the wheel, and they let their guard down, even if they don’t think they do. > > [/EMT hat off] Thank you for pointing out the reality of texting and driving. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2016, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-i-text-while-driving-you-if-you-dont-like-it/745271/109 "2016-02-06T20:24:08Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > I agree here. It is not the safe thing to do. Not texting is of course safer. However, there are times you can do it while still being reasonably and effectively safe. I agree with your first three sentences. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2016, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-i-text-while-driving-you-if-you-dont-like-it/745271/110 "2016-02-06T20:33:35Z")
> [@cochrane](#): > > I agree with your first three sentences. Right. And when you use your phone to play music, you are not focusing on your driving and are being unsafe. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2016, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-i-text-while-driving-you-if-you-dont-like-it/745271/111 "2016-02-06T20:45:57Z")
At this point, I suggest the polite choice would be to stop kicking dirt on Bullitt while he’s busily digging his own grave. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2016, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-i-text-while-driving-you-if-you-dont-like-it/745271/112 "2016-02-06T20:51:39Z")
I will bow out. My purpose was to share how texting can be done while being safe enough. If you don’t agree, fine, I wasn’t trying to convince you to change what you do. Is it illegal? Yes. Can it be done safely? Yes. Anyone here who denies they drive without ever taking their eyes off the road for any reason whatsoever is kidding themselves. See y’all on the road. **Bullitt** , out. ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2016, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-i-text-while-driving-you-if-you-dont-like-it/745271/113 "2016-02-06T21:10:31Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > … > > See y’all on the road. > > **Bullitt** , out. Hopefully before you hit us while texting. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2016, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-i-text-while-driving-you-if-you-dont-like-it/745271/114 "2016-02-06T21:30:13Z")
But he’d hit us _safely._ ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2016, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-i-text-while-driving-you-if-you-dont-like-it/745271/115 "2016-02-06T21:36:24Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > Right. And when you use your phone to play music, you are not focusing on your driving and are being unsafe. By merely listening to it? I set it up to play before I get the car moving and don’t touch the phone for the duration of my drive. Unlike you, who thinks it’s “safe” to look at your phone for just a second. :rolleyes: > [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > At this point, I suggest the polite choice would be to stop kicking dirt on Bullitt while he’s busily digging his own grave. But…but kicking dirt on him is so much fun! ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2016, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-i-text-while-driving-you-if-you-dont-like-it/745271/116 "2016-02-06T21:38:02Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > I will bow out. > > My purpose was to share how texting can be done while being safe enough. If you don’t agree, fine, I wasn’t trying to convince you to change what you do. Is it illegal? Yes. Can it be done safely? Yes. > > Anyone here who denies they drive without ever taking their eyes off the road for any reason whatsoever is kidding themselves. > > See y’all on the road. > > **Bullitt** , out. Ah, Bullitt… you’re such a \*#@%ing putz. ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2016, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-i-text-while-driving-you-if-you-dont-like-it/745271/117 "2016-02-06T21:45:21Z")
[Germane to this discussion](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbjSWDwJILs). Also hilarious. I used to make my living as a delivery courier. Back in the day I could always tell you EXACTLY when someone answered a cell phone call, because their car would swerve slightly and they’d drop about 15mph in speed. Texters are even worse than that. So to those who text and drive, as an experienced professional driver, all I have to say to the lot of you is that I hope when you crash and burn you don’t take anyone else with you. Assholes. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2016, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-i-text-while-driving-you-if-you-dont-like-it/745271/118 "2016-02-06T22:01:21Z")
> [@SmartAleq](#): > > [Germane to this discussion](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbjSWDwJILs). Also hilarious. It makes me mildly curious how much practice one would need to _really_ be able to text and drive (as Bullitt put it, “multitask”) with no significant loss in safety. A hundred hours? Two hundred? And also if the United States Marine Corps is putting their recruits through this training. Hooah! ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2016, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-i-text-while-driving-you-if-you-dont-like-it/745271/119 "2016-02-06T22:05:44Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > It makes me mildly curious how much practice one would need to _really_ be able to text and drive (as Bullitt put it, “multitask”) with no significant loss in safety. A hundred hours? Two hundred? > > And also if the United States Marine Corps is putting their recruits through this training. Hooah! Well, I’ve driven well over a million miles in my life and I won’t text while the car is moving–then again, I’m not a super smooth texter. My BFF is a whizbang texter and she won’t text while the car is moving either. And we both know how to use the voice rec software in our phones so it’s a handsfree operation. Still won’t do it, takes too much attention from driving. ---
**Author:** ![Rigamarole](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/77aa72/32.png) [@Rigamarole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rigamarole)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2016, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-i-text-while-driving-you-if-you-dont-like-it/745271/120 "2016-02-06T23:21:08Z")
> [@cochrane](#): > > Hi-five @ **Morgenstern.** 🆒 Ah, the Dipwad Duo in true form. Can’t even come up with any sort of coherent rational response (because then you’d be admitting that in fact there are instances where it’s OK to use a phone while driving) , and instead resort to your only fallback insults that amount to “yeah, well you’re a big doodoo-head”. Classic. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-i-text-while-driving-you-if-you-dont-like-it/745271.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sure-i-text-while-driving-you-if-you-dont-like-it/745271.md?page=7)