AfterDawn: Tech news

Texting while driving reaches new level

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 10 Jun 2012 1:47 User comments (18)

Texting while driving reaches new level Over 50 percent of high school students have admitted to texting while driving.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood went as far to call it "a national epidemic."

The survey of the students revealed 58 percent of high school seniors have texted or emailed while driving in the last month, while 43 percent of juniors admitted to the same thing.

"We need to teach kids, who are the most vulnerable drivers, that texting and driving don't mix," added LaHood.

Last year, distracted driving accounted for 16 percent of teen motor vehicle deaths.

Texting while driving is banned in 39 states, and outlawed for teens in another 5, but that does not seem to be the deterrent it should be.

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18 user comments

111.6.2012 08:41

Maybe they should talk to that kid that just got two years for causing a fatal crash texting ( http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/...le-driving?lite ) of course now I think of it two years is nothing for killing someone...Wonder what he woulda got for vehicular manslaughter or other relavent charges? Oh but he loses his license for 15 years too? Then again HE KILLED SOMEONE. Yeah it seems on one hand they say it's a big price for texting but HE KILLED SOMEONE...right?

212.6.2012 02:11

people are stupid on the roads thats a fact.as for taking his licence away that will do nothing.having no licence doesnt disable you from driving a car.

312.6.2012 15:12

F*king phones should be outlawed in the car period! Every time I'm about to be run over is because somebody has got that thing simultaneously attached to their ear & their crotch... both their mouth & their fun button just buzzing away instead of minding their business on the f*king road!

I could give 2 shits how anybody could argue the advancement of our society... it's done nothing but create more creative idiots. We should bring back public floggings for this kind of stupidity.

Case in point: It wasn't until I took drastic measures with my 17yr old that he stopped texting (whomever) when I was talking to him. Every time that thing buzzed his little prick, he'd grab it & go to typing. I won't tell you what I did, simply because most bleeding hearts will report it as cruel & unusual, but suffice to say, he doesn't touch the damn thing when we talk any more.

I believe a similar tactic can be administered for such a national problem. But like the kid that got his ass busted by the water department step dad, some people want the harsh discipline, they're just to puss-i-fied when it comes time to see it administered.

414.6.2012 12:42
ribbie149
Inactive

The above comments, while understandable as far as content, show someone who is a royal a55hole and proud of it. If you own a gun (If...who am I kidding?), I would put it where your son can't get at it. If he takes after you, you're in real trouble.

514.6.2012 14:03

Originally posted by ribbie149:
The above comments, while understandable as far as content, show someone who is a royal a55hole and proud of it. If you own a gun (If...who am I kidding?), I would put it where your son can't get at it. If he takes after you, you're in real trouble.
I can see how you would come to that conclusion. I don't know how 'new' you are here, but after you read a few more of my forum statements you might start to see where I'm coming from. Granted, it might be a bit hazy & glassy eyed, but usually with the best intentions.

Consider it observations with the pendulum swung in the opposite direction. I would just like to think with a tad bit more common sense. Yes, that's arguable, but I do try. Sometimes the solutions aren't as pretty as people would like them to be.

I.e., words from a soldier.

614.6.2012 23:58
retepa
Inactive

Make all new drivers sign a contract that if caught texting, while driving, they would lose their license for 3-6 months. Also include drivers license renewal. That ought to wake everybody up!

715.6.2012 00:34

Originally posted by LordRuss:
F*king phones should be outlawed in the car period! Every time I'm about to be run over is because somebody has got that thing simultaneously attached to their ear & their crotch... both their mouth & their fun button just buzzing away instead of minding their business on the f*king road!

I could give 2 shits how anybody could argue the advancement of our society... it's done nothing but create more creative idiots. We should bring back public floggings for this kind of stupidity.

Case in point: It wasn't until I took drastic measures with my 17yr old that he stopped texting (whomever) when I was talking to him. Every time that thing buzzed his little prick, he'd grab it & go to typing. I won't tell you what I did, simply because most bleeding hearts will report it as cruel & unusual, but suffice to say, he doesn't touch the damn thing when we talk any more.

I believe a similar tactic can be administered for such a national problem. But like the kid that got his ass busted by the water department step dad, some people want the harsh discipline, they're just to puss-i-fied when it comes time to see it administered.
Semper Fi, my good man. My old man used to say, "one more time, and I'm gonna kick your a$$ 'till your nose bleeds" !! He meant it, and I KNEW he meant it. I've survived to be 63, and my 3 -30 somethings know the phrase well too !! BTW, they are all productive members of society, and visit me on fathers day.

815.6.2012 04:26

Originally posted by retepa:
Make all new drivers sign a contract that if caught texting, while driving, they would lose their license for 3-6 months. Also include drivers license renewal. That ought to wake everybody up!
when i was a teenager i had the attitude if i get pulled over driving or doing anything stupid it will be a fine i will do a few weeks community service and it will be over.i drove for 3years without even having a licence.taking a licence wont do anything.banning them from owning a mobile phone for 6months would be better.

915.6.2012 16:02

Originally posted by riggarob:
Semper Fi, my good man. My old man used to say, "one more time, and I'm gonna kick your a$$ 'till your nose bleeds" !! He meant it, and I KNEW he meant it. I've survived to be 63, and my 3 -30 somethings know the phrase well too !! BTW, they are all productive members of society, and visit me on fathers day.
HooRah! Thanks for your service...

Mine made it to 21-22 is an EMT (soon to be Paramedic) & Eagle Scout, who thinks he has the chops to be like his step father & go into the Army. I'm not 100% for it, but I'll stand behind him none the less.

The other I've allowed to live to 17-18 & is still on borrowed time. He thinks the military is in his future, but not until he gets college done first (some at least).

We can all look back with 20/20 vision & 'what if' the decisions we've made about fatherhood till we're blue. Right/wrong, my kids aren't drug addicts, stealing from the elderly, or running a child prostitution ring dressed as nuns.

My military run had me out of touch on some tumultuous times while they were growing up. Can't help that. But as a consequence it cost me my health. Now I'm around all the time. But they have never doubted that I ALWAYS have their backs. So Long As They Are RIGHT. Hanc Defendemus

1015.6.2012 16:15

Originally posted by xboxdvl2:
i drove for 3years without even having a licence.taking a licence wont do anything.banning them from owning a mobile phone for 6months would be better.
I'm not lecturing, so please don't even remotely take it this way... but not one of anyone's brightest moments... but I understand. Work, local, simply just having to get around, transportation is a must these days. 3 years is a damn long time anyway.

And no, the offense isn't needed - that's your business.

But your honesty in the matter is refreshing & a realistic reflection into what the reality of how to deal with this (dare I say) epidemic (I hate how they say that crap in news shows).

I'm just thinking some kids would still just find another way around it. I.e., the 'creative idiot' I spoke of earlier. No, I really think the US needs to revisit the caining incident with the asshole baby who got caught painting cars down in Singapore (1993-94).

Nationally broadcasted ass smacking! That otta do it!

1115.6.2012 20:59

On the California electronic signs on the freeways they read ----> 159$ fine for testing and driving LMAO that will teach peeps!!!!

1216.6.2012 11:27

Originally posted by JOHNSTARR:
On the California electronic signs on the freeways they read ----> 159$ fine for testing and driving LMAO that will teach peeps!!!!
I'm not being a grammar Nazi, so please don't read this this way, but did you mean "texting" or did it really say "TEST-ing"? Because that would be f*king hilarious! Not to mention, let's just have people reading more shite all over the road - other than the road itself again.

Gotta love those 'good idea' bombs our legislative genius' are coming up with. I'm telling you... That texting business is like crack. They can't put that damn thing down.

1316.6.2012 12:02

95% of people cannot not multitask. People who text while driving are road hazards regardless of age. It should be illegal in all 50 states to text, email or make phone calls.

What the hell is so damn important that can't wait a few minutes to get off the road?

I've almost been killed three times while riding my bike (well within the bike lane). All three times the idiots were either texting,, sending email or making a call.

Jeff

1416.6.2012 22:43

Originally posted by LordRuss:
Originally posted by xboxdvl2:
i drove for 3years without even having a licence.taking a licence wont do anything.banning them from owning a mobile phone for 6months would be better.
I'm not lecturing, so please don't even remotely take it this way... but not one of anyone's brightest moments... but I understand. Work, local, simply just having to get around, transportation is a must these days. 3 years is a damn long time anyway.

And no, the offense isn't needed - that's your business.

But your honesty in the matter is refreshing & a realistic reflection into what the reality of how to deal with this (dare I say) epidemic (I hate how they say that crap in news shows).

I'm just thinking some kids would still just find another way around it. I.e., the 'creative idiot' I spoke of earlier. No, I really think the US needs to revisit the caining incident with the asshole baby who got caught painting cars down in Singapore (1993-94).

Nationally broadcasted ass smacking! That otta do it!
I remember the caining incident. Americans almost $hit their pants, the rest of the world, not so much. I'm all for it (& chain gangs), BTW. Does anyone remember when we were gonna have that prisoner exchange, and the fereners here rioted because they didn't want to go back to their $hitty prisons. Sez alot about how screwed up our penal (HA!) system is doing.
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 16 Jun 2012 @ 10:44

158.7.2012 15:43

Originally posted by LordRuss:
Originally posted by riggarob:
Semper Fi, my good man. My old man used to say, "one more time, and I'm gonna kick your a$$ 'till your nose bleeds" !! He meant it, and I KNEW he meant it. I've survived to be 63, and my 3 -30 somethings know the phrase well too !! BTW, they are all productive members of society, and visit me on fathers day.
HooRah! Thanks for your service...

Mine made it to 21-22 is an EMT (soon to be Paramedic) & Eagle Scout, who thinks he has the chops to be like his step father & go into the Army. I'm not 100% for it, but I'll stand behind him none the less.

The other I've allowed to live to 17-18 & is still on borrowed time. He thinks the military is in his future, but not until he gets college done first (some at least).

We can all look back with 20/20 vision & 'what if' the decisions we've made about fatherhood till we're blue. Right/wrong, my kids aren't drug addicts, stealing from the elderly, or running a child prostitution ring dressed as nuns.

My military run had me out of touch on some tumultuous times while they were growing up. Can't help that. But as a consequence it cost me my health. Now I'm around all the time. But they have never doubted that I ALWAYS have their backs. So Long As They Are RIGHT. Hanc Defendemus
Defend your kids whether they are right OR wrong (up to a point of course) and kick their asses yourself if they WERE wrong. You sound like you know how to deal out the right kind of justice. But then again for all we know you could be a RIGHT overbearing tyrant. My uncle was a military man and he dealt out his kind of army rough justice and made the youngest piss the bed til he was eleven years old. Hope you knew when to temper things down a bit when you were bringing up your lads. For the record though, I wish more fathers (where they are present) on the estate I live on were more like your type.

168.7.2012 18:02

Originally posted by PierreLeo:
Originally posted by LordRuss:
Originally posted by riggarob:
Semper Fi, my good man. My old man used to say, "one more time, and I'm gonna kick your a$$ 'till your nose bleeds" !! He meant it, and I KNEW he meant it. I've survived to be 63, and my 3 -30 somethings know the phrase well too !! BTW, they are all productive members of society, and visit me on fathers day.
HooRah! Thanks for your service...

Mine made it to 21-22 is an EMT (soon to be Paramedic) & Eagle Scout, who thinks he has the chops to be like his step father & go into the Army. I'm not 100% for it, but I'll stand behind him none the less.

The other I've allowed to live to 17-18 & is still on borrowed time. He thinks the military is in his future, but not until he gets college done first (some at least).

We can all look back with 20/20 vision & 'what if' the decisions we've made about fatherhood till we're blue. Right/wrong, my kids aren't drug addicts, stealing from the elderly, or running a child prostitution ring dressed as nuns.

My military run had me out of touch on some tumultuous times while they were growing up. Can't help that. But as a consequence it cost me my health. Now I'm around all the time. But they have never doubted that I ALWAYS have their backs. So Long As They Are RIGHT. Hanc Defendemus
Defend your kids whether they are right OR wrong (up to a point of course) and kick their asses yourself if they WERE wrong. You sound like you know how to deal out the right kind of justice. But then again for all we know you could be a RIGHT overbearing tyrant. My uncle was a military man and he dealt out his kind of army rough justice and made the youngest piss the bed til he was eleven years old. Hope you knew when to temper things down a bit when you were bringing up your lads. For the record though, I wish more fathers (where they are present) on the estate I live on were more like your type.
I only spanked one of my kids ONCE. Today he is 33, out of the Army, in the reserves, and builds nuke reactors for Westinghouse. Today he even admitted he deserved the kick in the a$$ !! As I posted before, I meant it, he knew I meant it, and he pushed anyway. His bad. Semper Fi

1711.7.2012 17:17

Originally posted by riggarob:
I only spanked one of my kids ONCE. Today he is 33, out of the Army, in the reserves, and builds nuke reactors for Westinghouse. Today he even admitted he deserved the kick in the a$$ !! As I posted before, I meant it, he knew I meant it, and he pushed anyway. His bad. Semper Fi
I'm sure as kids there has been a 'few' infractions we just KNEW we had it coming & faced the firing squad like men/women. My overbearing parents took it to the extremes that should have made me a fine axe murderer today. Instead, it made me a fine destructive element of the US government.

Having presence of mind I didn't take it out on my kids. It's never their fault for my 'being'. Spilling something on the rug, throwing the cat into the washer or telling the old lady across the street to go f*k herself - that ones on them; and for that, a mans got to pay.

I only spanked either once. Each for major safety violations that would have gotten them killed (playing in traffic or dancing on a 2nd story window ledge). Otherwise, lawn work & PT... does a body good...

1811.7.2012 17:41

Originally posted by LordRuss:
Originally posted by riggarob:
I only spanked one of my kids ONCE. Today he is 33, out of the Army, in the reserves, and builds nuke reactors for Westinghouse. Today he even admitted he deserved the kick in the a$$ !! As I posted before, I meant it, he knew I meant it, and he pushed anyway. His bad. Semper Fi
I'm sure as kids there has been a 'few' infractions we just KNEW we had it coming & faced the firing squad like men/women. My overbearing parents took it to the extremes that should have made me a fine axe murderer today. Instead, it made me a fine destructive element of the US government.

Having presence of mind I didn't take it out on my kids. It's never their fault for my 'being'. Spilling something on the rug, throwing the cat into the washer or telling the old lady across the street to go f*k herself - that ones on them; and for that, a mans got to pay.

I only spanked either once. Each for major safety violations that would have gotten them killed (playing in traffic or dancing on a 2nd story window ledge). Otherwise, lawn work & PT... does a body good...
Not enuf of that these days, and it shows. There are alot of "misguided" children out there, and even more so the parents. Semper Fi

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