Hands free + infotainment - distracting/dangerous - Fishermans Bend

Couple of days ago I was a passenger in a car where the driver was using hands free kit. One of his clients had computer problems so he was giving detailed advice and quite clearly was not focussed on driving. He drove up the backside of a a coach all the time. Once the call was over he overtook the coach and was a ble to concentrate on driving. Using the knob to control the infotainment system and intially make the call distracted him and slowed progress.

Perhaps some can drive, talk and use a b****y infotainment system, some can't. Both IS and use of mobile phone must be questionable while driving. Maybe all drivers have to retake their driving test to be allowed to use such devices. Both will increase accidents temporarily, until every techno loaded car has collision avoidance systems.

Edited by Avant on 15/05/2017 at 19:43

Hands free + infotainment - distracting/dangerous - Bolt

I havent seen anyone driving yet using a hands free that can concentrate on driving as well, my mate does but last time I was a passenger in his car he argued he could talk on phone and drive properly,absolute balony.

he almost had a few accidents during his call, but he will not alter his infotainment while driving if you can see the logic in that, I`m for banning mobile/hands free use full stop!

Hands free + infotainment - distracting/dangerous - Andrew-T

.... I`m for banning mobile/hands free use full stop!

Agree with your sentiments, but they are empty words I'm afraid. All kinds of things are 'banned', but they happen all the time, because people know they can get away with them, and they also think they are smart enough to do serious multi-tasking faultlessly.

Hands free + infotainment - distracting/dangerous - Bolt

.... I`m for banning mobile/hands free use full stop!

Agree with your sentiments, but they are empty words I'm afraid. All kinds of things are 'banned', but they happen all the time, because people know they can get away with them, and they also think they are smart enough to do serious multi-tasking faultlessly.

As I have said before, untill more police are employed everyone knows they have a good chance of getting away with breaking the law, and I do not see any change anytime soon?

Hands free + infotainment - distracting/dangerous - Manatee

I agree that the police should enforce the law and I think they do, proportionately - people do get points and fines for using handhelds and they should know by now that if they kill or injure somebody while on the phone they will get the book thrown at them.

Proper use of hands free is legal. . I have no concerns about doing it myself becuase I managethe distraction. If necessary I will end the call or stop. Mostly there is no need for that.. Unless it becomes illegal, then I will stop making hands free calls when the police do.

IIt's the driver's responsibility to stay safe and manage distractions of all kinds. The overwhelming majority do a very good job of it, even the ones who are breaking the law.

Hands free + infotainment - distracting/dangerous - Bolt

I have no concerns about doing it myself becuase I managethe distraction

Thats what they all say

I agree that the police should enforce the law and I think they do

when they are around, not many around though, they seem to be very few and far between

Hands free + infotainment - distracting/dangerous - scot22

A major problem is some people's belief that they can multi-task efficently. This is advanced BS - it is neurologically impossible.

Things might be done in quick succession : however, they arer not done at the same time. If I am in a driving situation where maximum concentration is needed then my passengers know to be quiet or I tell them.

Differing driving scenarios demand differing levels of concentration. It is not possible to apply maximum concentration over too long a period. Judgement is needed.

Hands free + infotainment - distracting/dangerous - Finguz

Yes, fiddling with an infotainment system is obviously distracting, but when you're travelling in a car with other people, do you not talk to them, laugh and look at them occasionally while doing so?

Talking on a hands free kit is far less distracting than a car full of people! Should we insist on single occupancy in cars?

Hands free is fine, the problem you are describing is the idiot problem, and more rules will not solve it I'm afraid.

Hands free + infotainment - distracting/dangerous - Andrew-T

Talking on a hands free kit is far less distracting than a car full of people! Should we insist on single occupancy in cars?

Hands free is fine, the problem you are describing is the idiot problem, and more rules will not solve it I'm afraid.

I think very few true 'idiots' drive. That is just a term of abuse thrown at someone who makes a manoeuvre which others find OTT. Those who spend many hours on motorways may habitually drive hyperactively, and seem unaware (or ignore the possibility) that their driving may surprise or scare others, causing momentary confusion or perhaps something worse.

'Banning' certain behaviour will only work if everyone accepts it as a sensible way to behave, and agrees to conform for the benefit of all. Using seat belts, and limiting one's drinking, have gradually been accepted. There is room for a bit more conformity.

Hands free + infotainment - distracting/dangerous - Finguz

Again, if talking on a hands free kit is to be deemed distracting, then what of talking, laughing and joking with onboard passengers?

Think about what you are saying!

Hands free + infotainment - distracting/dangerous - Bolt

Again, if talking on a hands free kit is to be deemed distracting, then what of talking, laughing and joking with onboard passengers?

Think about what you are saying!

Funny you should say that, I dont talk to passengers and often am told off for not listening, my answer is I`m concentrating on the road to avoid those that do talk to passengers, they do not concentrate on the road and most make mistakes but do not realise they have, usualy blaming some other driver for there mistake

Hands free + infotainment - distracting/dangerous - alan1302

Yes, fiddling with an infotainment system is obviously distracting, but when you're travelling in a car with other people, do you not talk to them, laugh and look at them occasionally while doing so?

Talking on a hands free kit is far less distracting than a car full of people! Should we insist on single occupancy in cars?

Hands free is fine, the problem you are describing is the idiot problem, and more rules will not solve it I'm afraid.

I totally disagree with you - chatting to someone in the car is very different from talking to someone handsfree.

I'm not sure I do look at them whilst driving either if they are in the car...I look where I'm going - no need to look at someone sitting in a car with you.

Hands free + infotainment - distracting/dangerous - scot22

Talking, laughing and joking is definitely a distraction. Sorry I didn't notice the cyclist coming on the inside at traffic lights - too busy laughing.

If only people would realise driving a car is a serious responsibility and requires incerasing levels of skill the sooner the number of traffic collisions will drop.

Hands free + infotainment - distracting/dangerous - Fishermans Bend

Yes, fiddling with an infotainment system is obviously distracting, but when you're travelling in a car with other people, do you not talk to them, laugh and look at them occasionally while doing so?

Talking on a hands free kit is far less distracting than a car full of people! Should we insist on single occupancy in cars?

Hands free is fine, the problem you are describing is the idiot problem, and more rules will not solve it I'm afraid.

I totally disagree with you - chatting to someone in the car is very different from talking to someone handsfree.

I'm not sure I do look at them whilst driving either if they are in the car...I look where I'm going - no need to look at someone sitting in a car with you.

Alan1302, agree with you 100%. Some people can't see the difference.

Hands free + infotainment - distracting/dangerous - daveyjp
There are still people who think driving after a gallon of beer is safer because they know they are drunk and drive at lower speeds to compensate.

Hands free + infotainment - distracting/dangerous - gordonbennet

I wasn't going to comment on this, but honestly it sounds like some of you are going round bulging eyed like a 'doomed' Private Frazer, white knuckles gripping the wheel tight enough to shatter the thing, sitting bolt upright nose jammed up at the windscreen.

I'm exhausted even thinking about spending a day keyed up like that, driving isn't an endurance event, it should be flowing and natural and one will judge when higher concentration will be required.

If a conversation whilst driving normally, in person or via a hands free phone is too distracting then by all means don't have one, but that doesn't mean to say others can't drive perfectly well and still have a conversation, one size doesn't, never has, and never will, fit all, despite the desperation of the EUSSR and its once British offshoot to make it happen.

Probably i am in a minority of one here, the current crusade is to demonise phone users, so fully expect the comrade in charge of what used to be the police force encouraging dashcam footage from the legion of willing wannabes in order to prosecute the devil incarnate of the month should one of the devils be seen daring to be on the phone.

My question for you all is which group is the next target?

Hands free + infotainment - distracting/dangerous - Fishermans Bend

gordon, the problem is that those who can't do it, don't realise and won't accept they can't. That's where the problem lies. Those who recognise they can't, don't.

Hands free + infotainment - distracting/dangerous - Finguz

I find it fascinating that some people in this thread have convinced themselves that they are absolutely correct, and anybody who doesn't share their opinion just doesn't get it, therefore the law must be changed /facepalm.

I'll leave you to it.

Edited by Finguz on 17/05/2017 at 09:20

Hands free + infotainment - distracting/dangerous - Fishermans Bend

For the record, I'm not suggesting the law should be changed, just infotainment systems are a bad idea. Won't matter in a few years as all cars will be designed so arrogant idiots driving them won't be able to collide with another vehicle, then they can play with infotainment, lap top and mobile phone as much as they like. In the meantime........the competent and innocent can suffer.

Hands free + infotainment - distracting/dangerous - scot22

'I'm exhausted even thinking about spending a day keyed up like that, driving isn't an endurance event, it should be flowing and natural and one will judge when higher concentration will be required' - a voice of experience and sense.

Every drive I tell myself 'Be Safe and Smooth: Calm and Confident'. Don't succeed all of the time but that's the aim. Like so many things its about attitude. IAM is encouraging drivers to think what is best in he situation - not mindless driving.

Hands free + infotainment - distracting/dangerous - Stanb Sevento

This very morning had an incident of this nature. A young woman in front driving an Astra on a quiet rural road doing 40mph in a 50 limit. On a couple of occasions she let her car drift well over the centre line then yanked the car back as she realised. I was wanting past but was worried so sounded my horn as her car started to drift again, her head was down near the center display, She yanked the car back so violently she only just managed to keep her wheels out of the ditch. She visibly jumped at the sound of my horn.

In my opinion her actions were criminal, dangerous and stupid.

Edited by Stanb Sevento on 17/05/2017 at 13:35