Distracted Drivers
It is immensely annoying. The lights turn green and the car in front doesn't move.
Frustrating.
Distracted drivers have always existed, these days, they're on their phone.
The laws are getting stricter, higher fines and loss of de-merit points, but, there are still many drivers who are not paying attention.
I really don't care what they choose to do. It just concerns me that they present a risk to my well being.
Motorcycle cops are now creeping up on drivers to peer in within their vehicle to see if they are on their phone.
The witch hunt is on. For good and for bad.
Pros & Cons - It's all a game
Governments can raise some serious revenue, as history dictates, behaviour changes take quite some time.
It is just too compelling, apparently, too important, that people need to look at their phone. Also, most have an elevated belief in their driving ability.
People have caused great injury or death, to themselves, or others, by being momentarially distracted while driving their metal on wheels around.
Beep or Don't Beep! Just Don't!!
I rarely beep my horn at anyone.
Normally, it is just to make someone aware of a potential danger, or at a minimum, just to be aware of their immediate surroundings.
But what I've noticed at traffic lights, when somebody beeps a distracted driver, the distracted driver is the only one, generally, who gets through the traffic light.
So, rather than learning a lesson to pay attention, when you honk your horn, what the distracted driver is being taught is;
- Someone will remind me that I can go.
- I will get through the light.
There is no remorse. No change of behaviour. If they really understood then they would have paid attention in the first place.
The best drivers that I know, always, pay attention. Particularly, if they are at the head of the line at an intersection.
*Don't beep. *
You're most likely going to miss the lights anyway.
If you don't beep, they will hopefully miss them too - only by them being inconvenienced will they actually learn to pay attention.
I'm confident that they will not miss the next opportunity to GO.
Kids know better
I am pretty confident in my driving ability.
Just a glance at my phone to check an address, no harm done.
Well not anymore.
My kids told me it was a no go zone anymore.
They would not accept any reasoning or excuse.
I apologised to my kids & my daughter says she'll look up anything I need from my phone while we are driving.
Android Auto
And for maps, calls and basic messaging, I am a huge fan of Android Auto.
The screen mirroring locks up from time to time, but for any basic functions of need while I drive, I see the integration of technology as a huge leap forward.
It is a shame that revenue raising from Governments seems to be leading the charge rather than moving forward with technology improvements that can make giving fines redundant.
Keep well and enjoy!
