Get off the Phone and Watch the Road!

[kittytech]

Today I thought I'd find out how many people feel the way that I do about cab drivers and cell phones. First though, as always, a little background.

Wisconsin does not have a law banning drivers from talking on the phone while driving. However, many people will not use the phone while driving because they feel that they're not able to give their full attention to the road and therefore will pull over to make or answer a call, or just not answer the phone at all. I have noticed a very high percentage of cab drivers here in Milwaukee though who spend every possible second on their phones. Almost 5 years ago I was left off a block or so away from my home because the driver was on his phone and wasn't paying attention to street signs. He drove off before I had a chance to find out where I was, and I was completely unaware of where I was in a fairly poor neighborhood after dark. I was fortunate though that someone happened to come by right then with her son. She told me where I was and offered to walk with me back home so I wouldn't be walking alone. I was really bothered by this situation, and since that time I've been extremely uncomfortable when drivers are on their phones while I'm in their cabs. I have friends who talk on their phones too, but I don't have a problem with that because I know them, and know that they're safe drivers. I know nothing about these cab drivers. Then, we'll add in the fact that many times I have had to give personal information to the driver before we start moving. It's not so bad now since they changed the transit ID numbers to something other than our social security numbers, but for several years I had to give my SS number, which could have been heard by anyone on the phone. Finally, we have many drivers who don't speak English as their first language, and their conversations happen in their native language. At times, from the tone of the driver's voice, and from some familiar words I can make out, it sounds like the driver is either complaining about having to drive a blind passenger, or else talking about where they're going, so on and so forth. I feel that I have just as much right to ride in the cabs as anyone else, and that I have the right to get from point A to point B safely. And now, it's time to let me know what you think.



[Poll #1033003]

Comments

[lisasali.livejournal.com]

Just an addendum to the poll... I'd like to ask the driver to get off the phone, but I don't know that I'd dare. I'd be concerned that he or she would become angry and drive more wrecklessly. I wonder how many times we pay larger fares because a driver is not paying attention and misses a turn. I'm surprised that a book or ten hasn't been written about cell phone etiquette, but then again, the people who needed it most probably wouldn't read it. (smile)

Taxi Drivers on Phones

[angellissa.livejournal.com]

I have a couple of drivers who transport me pretty often. I know they are safe drivers, and guess how I get a hold of them... On their cell phones! So I can understand a short conversation asking a driver to pick you up, etc. I am extremely bothered though when a driver is on the phone from the moment I get into the cab until, and even after, I get out. This is especially bothersome when the driver is driving like a bat out of you know where and I don't feel safe to begin with. This really started bothering me when I was pregnant and continues to bother me when I have Austin in the cab with me, which is most of the time.