The amount of drivers texting is insane.

Jul 6, 2016 6:21 PM

Story time: I drive from Houston to Louisiana a lot for work. The amount of drivers I see texting is crazy and it makes me feel very uncomfortable driving but also 500% more alert.

I've seen it all. Two hands driving with legs. Slowly driving on the freeway and texting. Everyone onboard texting. People having to stop on the road just to text. Yes I understand emergencies too.

For the most part old people don't text I mean older generation. 55+

Adults do it, but not as much as teens.
I would say that a good percent of upper 20's are doing it.

It is becoming a very consistent sight, one hand on the wheel and one hand on the phone.

I know you think you are the exception and you are a great at multitasking because nothing has happened or you've gotten lucky, but please do us all a favor and stop.

I think for the most part people do not understand how dangerous this habit it is, until someone is taken from your life. Drive responsibly folks. A concerned Texas driver.

Tl;dr Stop texting and driving you are not good at multitasking.

How do you guys feel about this?

Edit: Thanks guys made fp fir the first time. I am hoping this post raises awareness. Send boobs! :)

Some sauce: https://youtu.be/HbjSWDwJILs

storytime

Tl;Dr was driving at the time. I'll check back later.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

What about Suie and Mike?

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I pledge not to text while driving.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I thought I was the only one, @OP.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

My mom used to be terrible for texting and driving, until she got a big fine. My brother is 19 and he actually is really good about not text

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Man, I have problems smoking and driving without spilling my beer, kids these days are amazing

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

At this point it's all age demographics.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Literally never seen a teen do it but I see middle aged ppl looking down driving alllll the time.

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I drive I-10 to work every day, @OP, and it scares the crap out of me how many people are looking at their phones in rush hour.

9 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I was in a collision, the other driver was texting. A friend died. They say it wasn't my fault because he hit me. I never drove again.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Sorry to hear about your loss. :(

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Do you work in the oilfield, shipyards or sales?

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Yes oilfield. Automation engineer here. You?

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

Howdy from your neighborly Houston based imgurian :D I see what you see... Soooo much in traffic on 610.

9 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I drive for a paycheck, OP is right, but the 55+ generation while not on the phone is just as fucking bad in their own ways. 55mph? HAHA 15

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

On a no pass zone, with no end in sight of cars coming, so you literally can't pass their asses.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I fucking hate doing it and I still do it. Put on a long password to stop muself and wife started accusing me of cheating. Sigh.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I know the feeling.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

If you're a passenger and the driver starts texting, you should say "fuck my life, huh?"

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

My ex constantly texted while driving w/ me and my babygirl in the car. Didn't stop 'til I took the phone from him.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

@op how many people have you seen reading books or watching Netflix in your travels? In Raleigh, NC it's a bigger issue than you would think

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I can't say I've seen one recently. But I have seen a lady reading newspaper once in 45 freeway.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

You work in something related to oil & gas? I'm always bouncing between the two also and it's bad down here

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Haha automation engineer for a big company I shall not name. I do software updates, upgrades, troubleshooting, etc. You?

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

ROV Pilot/Tech for the walmart of rov companies that shall not be named

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I'm going to take this as a sign I really really need to stop. I have no excuses. Thanks @op

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

You are very welcome. We really have no excuse not to stop. ;)

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

Dangit Suie and Mike.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Haha I was waiting for this one. +1

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

I live in Houston and this is so true!

9 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 2

Fellow Houstonian! Let's not forget everyone tailgating and consistently speeding.. and no blinkers. But it's just part of the normal drive!

9 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Luckily for me I don't have to deal with rush hour. Since I travel for work. Houston traffic is the worst.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

When I'm bombing down 45 going to/from Houston and Dallas, I've got both hands on the wheel and toss my phone to the passenger.

9 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

I am not motivated to flip a 6000lbs van with 5 passengers. I like my idiots intact and alive. They work better that way.

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I always try to trick them into crashing into the ditch. Getting pretty good at it, too.

9 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 3

Do go on. . .

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Yeah I've thought about it, my wife hate it when I honk my horn. Someone got shot in Houston after honking, so I've stop doing it. :(

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

Yeah, the cunts always act like you're the asshole for alerting them to the road they're not looking at.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Oh no, you have to be much more subtle about this. It's a sneaky, subtle, touchless reverse PIT maneuver.

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

Who uses 2 hands to text anymore?

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

People with larger phones or who are trying to send a long drawn out text

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

I've got a pretty big phone and only use 1

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I don't even use hands. I use a headset and have Siri read/send my texts for me. I gave him a British voice for that butler feel. It's nice.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

It always makes too many errors when i use it. So i just don't

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I feel like texting should be more illegal than drunk driving, @OP. Especially since the science shows it is more dangerous.

9 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

I agree but I dislike your presentation. Look at the interior of a patrol car and get back to me on this "distracted driving" rant.

9 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 4

I though they only used the scanner when driving the rest of the stuff turns off.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

That does not justify people who are texting and killing or permanently disabling people because they could not put down their fkn phone

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 3

Exactly let's not try to justify the issue by masking it with another example of distracted driving.

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 3

Did I not say I agreed?

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

I agree cop cars for have way too many distractions. They are also part of the issue, thinking they are exempt above the law.

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 2

I know my dad had those screens in his taxi here in Sweden and it was always scary to be a passenger with him when he was using the screen

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

even tho he is a 30+ years veteran that still does not mean he can pay attention to the road and the screen...

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

You should watch some new Ontario text and drive ads. They're scary as fuck and are a very real possibility.

9 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

Yeah there are some scary ads I personally like this one. https://youtu.be/HbjSWDwJILs

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

Here's one of them https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwxF0JDX2tY

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

This one is nice. There are harsh ones, and people still do it. :(

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

My current girlfriend has driven under dui circumstances two/three years ago before we were together. I've lost a friend to a dui...

9 years ago | Likes 16 Dislikes 1

Sorry to hear that. Same here I've lost an uncle to a drunk driver You got a good point. Drunk driving another monster that needs a solution

9 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 1

Point being... I don't think anyone texting even considers the fact that they may kill someone else, not just themselves.

9 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

Unfortunately the vast majority of teenagers only care about themselves

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

Something about the underdeveloped prefrontal cortex.

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Sad but I think the only solution is to make texting and driving illegal and fine people who do It.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

It is where I live. Doesn't stop people.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I don't touch my phone when I'm driving, not even to answer it. Whatever it is, it can wait.

9 years ago | Likes 204 Dislikes 6

Yay hands free calling, if you're texting me I dun give a shit what you want

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Yeah we often forget that cellphones weren't needed at all back then. The issue is social networking. People feel the need to be connected.

9 years ago | Likes 29 Dislikes 1

They tend to text more on a stop signs Cops should dress as civilians or pan handlers and give out Tickets. Tickets should starts in 1,000

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

"Today I didn't kill nobody. Yay!" I mean, world's so messed up, this is being treated as heroic more than just normal. Good for you, thou.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Right? Nobody has the right to endanger the others on the road just because their phone is buzzing. Shit pisses me off to no end.

9 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

Hey its me ur brother

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 2

I use mine as GPS only, and the only reason why I hold it is because if I sit it down sometimes it looses connection

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

As a new driver, this is exactly what I do

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I only check my phone when i am at a red light. I will also send a text at a stop sign if no one is behind me.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

That's why I love Bluetooth. Text can wait, but sometimes am waiting on an important call and is nice to see who it is on the HUD first

9 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

My dad is 60 and drives while talking on the phone with his knee moving the wheel.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I just dont care to answer, driving or not, it is liberating.

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

I hate people like you. Why have a cell service anyway?

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Mostly to brows Imgur

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I'm not calling you a liar but.....I can't think of any other way to finish this sentence.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 3

What does it say about you and society in general that somebody not being a fucktard behind the wheel is unbelievable?

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

i don't care if you think i'm lying or not, it's true.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

27 checking in. I refuse to touch the phone while driving. Nothing is more important than eyes on the road

9 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

23 here. Same thing.

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

17 here, same thing. Sometimes I reach for the phone instinctively but I catch myself and tell myself no.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Wanted to chime in then remembered I just turned 30. Brb gonna go cry in a corner

9 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I will be buying my daughter a car with a standard transmission in order to prevent the formation of dangerous driving habits.

9 years ago | Likes 112 Dislikes 4

I can text and drive, while eating food and driving manual. It's not hard.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

Learning to drive a 5 speed young is the reason I pay so much attention while driving. Excellent idea

9 years ago | Likes 27 Dislikes 0

Nice. I owned a few growing up, I don't touch my phone out of habit now. I plan on doing the same.

9 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

It's such a smart idea. Since getting my car, the worst I do is press the home button when in neutral at a stop light. Shifting takes a lot.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Excellent! Bonus anti theft benefit.

9 years ago | Likes 16 Dislikes 0

Exactly! Plus her friends won't be able to drive her car.

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Good idea in theory, but like the others I text and drive a stick. Phone on the stick isn't that bad really.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Pretty impressive how many people here admits texting while driving like it's no biggie!!

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I just use my phone hand to shift. =/

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

That only goes so far. Says me having made dumb choices when I was younger while driving a standard

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

This is a good approach in the city. What about highways?

9 years ago | Likes 15 Dislikes 4

Where we live, there's never much time in a single gear. Shitty traffic everywhere!

9 years ago | Likes 14 Dislikes 1

Respectfully, I don't think this will change anything. It will just ensure there is one more thing to multitask...maybe even more likely 1

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

to cause an accident. 2

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Yup

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

We drive standard's at work, big ass trucks, my boss texts with left hand, shifts with the right, and steers with an elbow.

9 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Dude. That's fucked up.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Yep.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I had a 5 speed at 16. I could drive and roll a joint whilst texting on a Nokia in the rain at night.

9 years ago | Likes 27 Dislikes 2

That's impressive, I've been driving one for a year or 2 and i get nervous even drinking coffee on city streets, if I suddenly need to shift

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Darwin has let us down again.

9 years ago | Likes 16 Dislikes 1

haha thats what im saying. Phone call while rolling a joint, smoking a cig and drinking some coffee

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 2

and shifting

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I hate to break it to you but it's not that much harder to text in a stick... =/

9 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 1

It's a pain in the freaking ass, though. Annoying. Then you gotta turn and shift and the angular momentum causes the phone to slide off...

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

...and falls into that little space between the seat and the door/console and unplugs the audio input.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Whatever. It does require greater involvement in the operation of the car, and it's a life skill. I'll take that for what it's worth.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I've driven standard my whole life and when I was a teenager I would still text and drive once I got comfortable driving. (1/2)

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

It's a step in the right direction, but not fool proof. It wasn't until I saw the effects of texting while driving first hand that I (2/3)

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

Eventually stopped texting behind the wheel. And while teens may not text, they will continue to adjust the radio or ipod or whatever (3/4)

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

So unfortunately, until they disable the touch function of a phone while in a vehicle and make only hands free systems work, this (4/5)

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Will continue to be a dangerous problem. Sorry that was so long, 140 characters just isn't enough sometimes.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1