Deadly Metrolink crash - will we learn the lesson?
written by motodisiac
It seems like I live on the moon. I just found out about Metrolink crash on Saturday, the one killing 26 people. Well, I don’t want to talk about how terrible is was or how Metrolink failed to install automatic systems that would prevent collisions like this. Instead, I want to point out that the cause of the crash was distracted train operator who was sending text messages from his cell phone. It was only yesterday when I blogged about the dangers that these communication devices present, and this accident is another living proof of that. How many lives must be ruined before someone comes to realization that cell phones and driving cannot live together? The train wreck took “only”25 lives away yet the media is buzzing about it. How many people die in road accidents daily because of cell phone distractions? I can bet it’s more than that. IMHO cell phone use while driving should be banned completely, hands free or not. If you are caught with one on your car, you get $1000 fine. Second offence it $5000. You wouldn’t want drunk waiving a gun in your face (or driving 3000+ lbs missiles around you), and drivers on cell phones are MORE dangerous that drunks (according to research, not just my guess) Our roads would be a lot safer. After all, we all got along just fine 30 years ago……
And if one wants to talk on the phone or send a text - pull over at a specially designated area, place a call, hang up the phone, start driving.
sideout
September 16th, 2008
Too many people blame cell phones. It’s not the device, it’s the human not paying attention. Doesn’t matter if it’s a cell phone, walkman, iPod, or just trying to get a bag of beef jerky opened.
We’ve created a false sense of security that if you ban the device, people will automatically become better drivers.
Motorcycle Philosophy
September 17th, 2008
The problem with cell phones is not handling them, it’s the fact that when you’re on the phone, phone etiquette demands that it take up more of your attention than a regular conversation, like with someone sitting next to you. A typical phone conversation does not have long pauses between sentences, and therefore it requires more of your concentration to keep the conversation flowing. Theoretically, a heavy or heated conversation with someone sitting next to you would also require a great amount of your concentration, but of course that cannot be outlawed.
Todd
September 17th, 2008
That is why riding motorcycles are inherently safer than driving. No one can distract you with a heated conversation.
sideout
September 17th, 2008