On Thu, 04 Dec 2008 07:39:49 -0800, Darren New wrote:

> scott wrote:
>> And also talking to a passenger distracts you too.
> 
> I've heard claims that one difference there is that the passenger knows
> what's going on. If all of a sudden three cars are coming at you from
> three directions, the passenger is likely to STFU until you're clear of
> the situation.

When I'm on the phone while driving, the person (or people, sometimes 
it's a conference call) are aware that I'm driving - I make sure of 
that.  If they ask a question and I don't immediately respond, they know 
why.

I think it has to do with how people focus their attention - I find that 
I can concentrate on driving very well while talking to my wife on the 
phone, for example, because the way I talk with her on the phone is as if 
she was in the car with me.

*Always* on handsfree (with my headset), though.  Both hands firmly on 
the wheel.  No exceptions.

Jim

Post a reply to this message