How is talking on a cell phone while driving any more dangerous than talking to a passenger?

Question

I drive alone frequently and don't understand why I cannot enjoy lively conversation to keep me awake on long drives just as those people with passengers do. I do not have friends who can last minute spend half a day just to be my passenger. Are passengers safer because they'll reach over and put their foot on the brake pedal if I get distracted? Will they grab the steering wheel in an unsafe situation? What if their eyes aren't on the road? What if they are 8 years old? What if they are looking down at a book? What if they are blind?

What I read and hear about people talking on cell phones while driving has far more to do with the act of talking than actually holding the phone to their ear. I like and use headsets but have heard negative comments even on this act.

I never turn around and reach into the back seat to attend to my infant/toddler while I am driving. Seems like that is very dangerous.

I really don't understand.

Answer 1

Driving with a cell phone is dangerous because one of your hands is occupied. And if you hold it with ur shoulder, you limit your vision and head movement...

Ultimately, when it comes to the split second decision, having a cell phone is just another factor to decide over...

besides, Passangers have eyes and they can see what your seeing

Answer 2

Understandable that you don't understand. Really, it is.

However, the simple reason behind it is: they are there. When you are on the phone with someone, you can get sidetracked into the conversation and lose complete conscious over your driving situation. Although many say this is not true, it will affect everyone even a little bit. That is why you hear of many accidents where the driver was on a cell phone. The person on the phone is not there with you, therefore will not be able to suddenly yell, "watch out" if the driver is in a situation where they could get into an accident.

In short, a passenger is there and can help the situation while the person on the phone does not know the driving situation.

I hope I helped!

Answer 3

Distractions account for about 43% of all accidents.

Distractions include things such as cell phones, radios, food, passengers and external distractions. Passengers are the number one cause of distracted accidents.

Answer 4

one of ur hands is occupied its not that dangerous if u can drive and talk im not that good at it so i dont do it but some ppl can drive just as well

Answer 5

Well unless you have a hands-free cell that has a voice call feature that moment when you look down to call can cause the accident.

While driving & not having both hands free for the steering wheel can make a difference when an accident does occur.

Using a headset (unless it is a bluetooth) can be distracting.By using both ear pieces you cannot hear things around you (eg: horns, brakes, or emergency vehicles trying to get around you).By only using one ear piece you are essentially being off balance (think of something very slightly on your shoulder leaning on you) as you want to listen to what you are listening to from the ear piece & not what is going around you.

Having a distraction such as this can be as dangerous as turning around & tending to what is in the back seat. Most people do not take talking into a cell phone into the consideration as a danger because it is just for a second.

Answer 6

Your question says it all but you lost me beyond that... here's my answer:  I agree.  There is no difference and no one answered with a valid reason.  Talking in person, on speaker, headset or earpiece is no different as is shifiting, using other controls with your hand like a radio, etc...  However, for some reason, the average person while driving and using their cell phone will focus more on the cell phone rather than driving because they don't realize that they don't care  enough about driving in the first place and are hazards to those of us that do care and can handle all of the above and even more, hence seat belt laws, hence, dui laws, etc..  how about having basic driving laws more important, isnt that what we're talking about in the first place?  Why is it  always not you can't drive law instead of what were you doing, wearing, or anything else while you can't drive law?  It's the phone, because the driver passed the very difficult basic driving laws and  it's the 3 glasses of wine he drank, or the car's don't have enough airbags  wake up and teach how to drive or revoke bad DRIVING PERIOD!

Answer 7

What you are finding out is that driving a motor vehicle is not s**y, or exciting or 'zoom-zoom.'..Instead it is tedious, monotonous and often so boring, it will put one to sleep...So, we just have to have something to keep ourselves awake - like music, something to talk to us such as a cell phone, a passenger or GPS...Otherwise, we will just absolutely out of our friggin' minds.

Driving a motor vehicle demands 100% of our mental focus...Anything that detracts our attention from what is going on in front of us is potentially lethal - that means cell phone, changing a CD or adjusting the temperature...If it takes our mind off the road, we're in trouble...If I feel drowsy and can't keep my eyes open (been there, done that), then I better get off the road pronto and get 5 winks...The old adage of taking a break every hour or so of driving is more valid today than ever before...When I get behind the wheel, the phone is off...There is nothing that can't wait til I reach my destination...If the kids make a fuss, then I will pull out of traffic and deal with them.

It all comes down to discipline...How well am I prepared to do something that will bore me to tears and if I don't do it right, I can kill myself or someone else and otherwise ruin my life?

Answer 8

You state the biggest objection in your middle paragraph,  the need to physically hold the phone.    Persons using a hand to hold the phone up are less likely to turn heads to check mirrors and blind spots,   less likely to use turn signals,  and more likely to devote all their attention to the call.  

Using a hands-free device is a good way to address these issues,   but it is still possible to devote too much attention to a call.   I often see persons not thinking of their driving following too closely,  not changing lanes until the last second to pass,  not planning ahead.      Even talking to a passenger can be a distraction,  and they have no business reaching over unless you c**p out.  

When behind the wheel,   safe driving is your first concern.   Break up those long trips with frequent walks (about 2 hours apart)  talk radio,   Good conversation is not the problem,   but devoting more attention to the conversation than your driving is.

Answer 9

if you hold it with your shoulder, nothing probably, as long as you dont start dialing a number or something in the middle of driving

Answer 10

Well.. even using a headset you have to divert your attention from the road to make a phone call.  

We could never get laws to prevent passengers in cars.  We can remove the distraction of cell phones from some cars.  The whole thing is that its not all about can you keep on the road while using a cell phone or not.  You may be able to do fine most of the time talking on your cell phone.   But what about the one time you are distracted by it and you end up hurting or killing someone in a crash?

Your desire to be on your cell phone is selfish.  Almost all crashes are caused when someone is selfish or stupid.

Answer 11

good question cuz i have no idea