Teen in Crash May Have Been Text Messaging

Iria · Nov 26, 2005, 06:59 PM

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. - A 17-year-old likely will face misdemeanor charges after allegedly losing control of his car while text messaging and hitting a bicyclist.

The bicyclist, Jim R. Price of Highlands Ranch, died Friday, two days after the accident.

"We do not believe it was an intentional act, but it was inattentiveness to the roadway," said Lt. Alan Stanton, spokesman for Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

"The investigation showed that he was text-messaging on his cell phone" at the time of the accident, said Stanton.

The driver could face a charge of careless driving resulting in death, Stanton said. Under Colorado law, the teen could face up to a year in prison.
____________
Read More / Source: Yahoo! News

nitrousoxide52 · Nov 26, 2005, 07:02 PM

TAKE TEXT MESSAGING AWAY! It's so pointless anyways, ok you're on a phone, so instead of taking 2 seconds and saying a sentence to someone you'd rather take a minute to write it? ARE YOU RETARDED!? All people who actively use text messaging should die.

**temeteus82** · Nov 26, 2005, 07:04 PM

well, using mobile phone in a car while driving should bee illegal! Since it is serious risk in road safety!

nitrousoxide52 · Nov 26, 2005, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by temeteus82

well, using mobile phone in a car while driving should bee illegal! Since it is serious risk in road safety!

In most states (if not all) in the US it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving. The only problem is that it is not very heavily enforced, however it's been getting stricter and stricter over the years, and soon we will probably be seeing a crack down.

Iria · Nov 26, 2005, 07:11 PM

I can't understand why anyone would be so stupid as to text message when driving.

Too bad this isn't TV. I've seen too many Law and Order episodes in which Jack McCoy goes after someone for 2nd degree murder because of "depraved indifference to life". On the other hand we may have another "ripped from the headlines" L&O episode here.

I do think this kid is getting off too easy, as there is no excuse for this.

Iria · Nov 26, 2005, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nitrousoxide52

In most states (if not all) in the US it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving. The only problem is that it is not very heavily enforced, however it's been getting stricter and stricter over the years, and soon we will probably be seeing a crack down.

Actually there aren't that many states that have a ban. Here's a list of countries with a ban (without hands-free) with US states at the bottom. Check out all the "no's" among the states.

LHC · Nov 26, 2005, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nitrousoxide52

In most states (if not all) in the US it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving. The only problem is that it is not very heavily enforced, however it's been getting stricter and stricter over the years, and soon we will probably be seeing a crack down.

I'm pretty sure that is illegal to use one hand and talk on the cell phone. However, it IS legal to talk on the phone via headset, such as Bluetooth.

calidan · Nov 26, 2005, 07:23 PM

Didn't his parents tell him to always keep his eyes on the road?!

nitrousoxide52 · Nov 26, 2005, 07:35 PM

Wow I was under the impression that there were more states that had them, because of the tenacity of our states regulations against them. Well, guess I was wrong again

niceguyrichy · Nov 26, 2005, 07:56 PM

been law in GB for a couple years now, doesn't seem to have made a huge difference.

I see dozens people on the phone while they're driving every day on my way to college.
doesn't matter what laws they pass, all depends on how they police it

calidan · Nov 26, 2005, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by niceguyrichy

been law in GB for a couple years now, doesn't seem to have made a huge difference.

I see dozens people on the phone while they're driving every day on my way to college.
doesn't matter what laws they pass, all depends on how they police it

The people probably just get fined if they get pulled over for something else. I don't see how you can ban it totally. It's kind of like making people wear seat belts.

Earthsiege · Nov 26, 2005, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nitrousoxide52

TAKE TEXT MESSAGING AWAY! It's so pointless anyways, ok you're on a phone, so instead of taking 2 seconds and saying a sentence to someone you'd rather take a minute to write it? ARE YOU RETARDED!? All people who actively use text messaging should die.

Shut your pie hole. I use text messaging quite often because its quicker for me to do this than to actually call them and get into the conversation, only to say "Thats all I wanted to say, bye!". I'm sorry, but no. I will continue to use texts as much as I have in the past. Besides, I can get away with texting at work but not calling

nitrousoxide52 · Nov 26, 2005, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earthsiege

Shut your pie hole. I use text messaging quite often because its quicker for me to do this than to actually call them and get into the conversation, only to say "Thats all I wanted to say, bye!". I'm sorry, but no. I will continue to use texts as much as I have in the past. Besides, I can get away with texting at work but not calling

Exactly, texting influences people to do things they shouldn't, therefor it should be destroyed, game. set. match.

Necrosis · Nov 26, 2005, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nitrousoxide52

Exactly, texting influences people to do things they shouldn't, therefor it should be destroyed, game. set. match.

How so? I have the right to text message if I want. Of course I'm not stupid enough to try to do it while driving.

BiGBrOwNPimpsta · Nov 26, 2005, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iria

I can't understand why anyone would be so stupid as to text message when driving.

been there, done that lol

Drakon · Nov 27, 2005, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nitrousoxide52

In most states (if not all) in the US it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving. The only problem is that it is not very heavily enforced, however it's been getting stricter and stricter over the years, and soon we will probably be seeing a crack down.

I do hope they ban the use of cell phones in all states. It is so irresponsible and dangerous. Stupid people just run rampant on this earth

EcPercy · Nov 27, 2005, 03:54 AM

Well, regardless of what the cell phone laws are. This guy should have to do some time in jail. A slap on the wrist will not discourage this type of behavior.

**temeteus82** · Nov 27, 2005, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nitrousoxide52

In most states (if not all) in the US it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving. The only problem is that it is not very heavily enforced, however it's been getting stricter and stricter over the years, and soon we will probably be seeing a crack down.

That good to hear. Here in Finland it's illegal to talk to the phone while driving if you don't have headphone system installed. But in here there haven't been so many crashes because someone were using his mobile.

snake · Nov 27, 2005, 08:41 AM

[QUOTE=Iria]Under Colorado law, the teen could face up to a year in prison.[QUOTE]

Are you kidding ???
This guy killed someone else because of his stupidity and only "risk" a 1 year sentence

Is this what you call justice in Colorado

what a shame...

In my opinion a few years should be enough to think about what he has done

riles9262 · Nov 27, 2005, 01:13 PM

A few years * 10 imo; that is just completely negligent. I'm a biker so I know how stupid drivers can be anyway, nevermind if they're on their cell phones...

Dark Lord · Nov 27, 2005, 01:18 PM

ive never understood how its ok to talk on the phone with a hands free set, but its not ok to hold the phone.

most people i know, my self inlucded, only drive with one hand and the other out the window. or if im driveing the vette, its normaly resting ontop of the shifter. i dont see were holding a phone in that free hand could have any problems.

Drakon · Nov 27, 2005, 01:31 PM

Another-user, I don't believe the problem lies with holding the cellphone in your hand. It lies with it being a distraction in an environment that needs most if not all your attention constantly. While talking on a phone some of your attention is focused on the conversation, right? So apply that while driving. Can your mind be totally focused on both things (driving & talking/text-messaging on the phone) at the same time? If you can do that, my friend, I tip my hat to ya...

Sandok · Nov 27, 2005, 01:39 PM

The thing is that the average human needs 1 second to react when driving. If your also talking on a phone, that time goes up drasticly. That's why it should be banned (like here in CH)

About texting, not everyone is rich enough to call. Texting is way better for me (MUCH CHEAPER) and alwys helpful if you need to tell a guy something so that when he is in front of his phone, he'll see.
Texting is why the portable phone is famous, not because you can call from where ever.

And that kid is getting off soooo damn easy. He took a life away and not even 1 year? WTF?! The american justice system is sooo not working imho.

Dark Lord · Nov 27, 2005, 01:41 PM

you see, thats the thing. they say its perfectly fine to talk on the phone if you have a head set. it doesnt take away from the distraction that your still talking to some one.

and ya, i can do both at the same time with ease. its the exact same as if some one else was in the car with me and i was talking to them. really not a problem for me the few times ive done it.

Sandok · Nov 27, 2005, 01:49 PM

Ya but ur old and experienced. I just started driving and I need to concentrate much more. I can't do other things. And this guy was 17. A newbie.

Honestly, age makes a TON of diffrence.

Dark Lord · Nov 27, 2005, 01:51 PM

hey, im not old. i only turn 20 in january. as of jan 6th, ill have been driveing for 2 years. probably some where in the area of 7K miles driven.

Drakon · Nov 27, 2005, 01:51 PM

I personally believe any talking on a cellphone, be it holding it in your hand or using a headset should be banned. As for talking with someone else in the car, that just gives you an extra pair of eyes to be alert, unless one or both persons are intoxicated in some form.

Lelisevis · Nov 27, 2005, 01:58 PM

I think the whole problem could be solved by the removal of both thumbs at birth but then again im phonephobic and at 27 years old am proud to say i've never had a mobile.
Sad news post, i'd have been inclined to chuckle if he'd ran into a wall but when it involves an innocent 3rd party it makes me annoyed.

Nov 26, 2005, 06:59 PM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 74	Teen in Crash May Have Been Text Messaging HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. - A 17-year-old likely will face misdemeanor charges after allegedly losing control of his car while text messaging and hitting a bicyclist. The bicyclist, Jim R. Price of Highlands Ranch, died Friday, two days after the accident. "We do not believe it was an intentional act, but it was inattentiveness to the roadway," said Lt. Alan Stanton, spokesman for Douglas County Sheriff's Office. "The investigation showed that he was text-messaging on his cell phone" at the time of the accident, said Stanton. The driver could face a charge of careless driving resulting in death, Stanton said. Under Colorado law, the teen could face up to a year in prison. ____________ Read More / Source: Yahoo! News

Nov 26, 2005, 07:02 PM	#2
nitrousoxide52 Driverheaven.com err .net Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,722 Rep Power: 0	TAKE TEXT MESSAGING AWAY! It's so pointless anyways, ok you're on a phone, so instead of taking 2 seconds and saying a sentence to someone you'd rather take a minute to write it? ARE YOU RETARDED!? All people who actively use text messaging should die. __________________ AMD Athlon64 X2 3800+ XFX Geforce 7800GT ABIT AN8-SLI BFG Tech 650w

Nov 26, 2005, 07:23 PM	#8
calidan Frozen in Carbonite Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 1,409 Rep Power: 43 System Specs	Didn't his parents tell him to always keep his eyes on the road?! __________________ Steam Community :: ID :: calidan "Don't try to be like Jackie. There is only one Jackie.... Study computers instead." - Jackie Chan

Nov 26, 2005, 07:35 PM	#9
nitrousoxide52 Driverheaven.com err .net Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,722 Rep Power: 0	Wow I was under the impression that there were more states that had them, because of the tenacity of our states regulations against them. Well, guess I was wrong again __________________ AMD Athlon64 X2 3800+ XFX Geforce 7800GT ABIT AN8-SLI BFG Tech 650w

Nov 26, 2005, 07:56 PM	#10
niceguyrichy never enough coffee .. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: eu Posts: 4,690 Rep Power: 87	been law in GB for a couple years now, doesn't seem to have made a huge difference. I see dozens people on the phone while they're driving every day on my way to college. doesn't matter what laws they pass, all depends on how they police it __________________

Nov 26, 2005, 07:11 PM	#5
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 74	I can't understand why anyone would be so stupid as to text message when driving. Too bad this isn't TV. I've seen too many Law and Order episodes in which Jack McCoy goes after someone for 2nd degree murder because of "depraved indifference to life". On the other hand we may have another "ripped from the headlines" L&O episode here. I do think this kid is getting off too easy, as there is no excuse for this.

Nov 27, 2005, 03:54 AM	#17
EcPercy DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Iraq Posts: 1,529 Rep Power: 49	Well, regardless of what the cell phone laws are. This guy should have to do some time in jail. A slap on the wrist will not discourage this type of behavior.

Nov 27, 2005, 08:41 AM	#19
snake DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: France Posts: 415 Rep Power: 45 System Specs	[QUOTE=Iria]Under Colorado law, the teen could face up to a year in prison.[QUOTE] Are you kidding ??? This guy killed someone else because of his stupidity and only "risk" a 1 year sentence Is this what you call justice in Colorado what a shame... In my opinion a few years should be enough to think about what he has done __________________ Q6700@3.6Ghz-StrikerExtreme-4ghz OCZPC8500-SLIGeforce8800GT Barton 2600+@2.16 (188x11.5) # GeForce 6800 GT@Ultra 1.5Go PC3200 #Asus A7N8X Deluxe Bios 1008 19209 3DMark06/ 57736 3DMark01/163152 Aquamark3

Nov 27, 2005, 01:13 PM	#20
riles9262 Driverheaven brewmaster Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 4,839 Rep Power: 55 System Specs	A few years * 10 imo; that is just completely negligent. I'm a biker so I know how stupid drivers can be anyway, nevermind if they're on their cell phones... __________________ A beer a day keeps the doctor away.

Nov 27, 2005, 01:18 PM	#21
Dark Lord DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 5,584 Rep Power: 66 System Specs	ive never understood how its ok to talk on the phone with a hands free set, but its not ok to hold the phone. most people i know, my self inlucded, only drive with one hand and the other out the window. or if im driveing the vette, its normaly resting ontop of the shifter. i dont see were holding a phone in that free hand could have any problems. __________________

Nov 27, 2005, 01:31 PM	#22
Drakon DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Floatin'... Posts: 4,958 Rep Power: 43	Another-user, I don't believe the problem lies with holding the cellphone in your hand. It lies with it being a distraction in an environment that needs most if not all your attention constantly. While talking on a phone some of your attention is focused on the conversation, right? So apply that while driving. Can your mind be totally focused on both things (driving & talking/text-messaging on the phone) at the same time? If you can do that, my friend, I tip my hat to ya...

Nov 27, 2005, 01:39 PM	#23
Sandok DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 9,501 Rep Power: 53	The thing is that the average human needs 1 second to react when driving. If your also talking on a phone, that time goes up drasticly. That's why it should be banned (like here in CH) About texting, not everyone is rich enough to call. Texting is way better for me (MUCH CHEAPER) and alwys helpful if you need to tell a guy something so that when he is in front of his phone, he'll see. Texting is why the portable phone is famous, not because you can call from where ever. And that kid is getting off soooo damn easy. He took a life away and not even 1 year? WTF?! The american justice system is sooo not working imho.

Nov 27, 2005, 01:41 PM	#24
Dark Lord DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 5,584 Rep Power: 66 System Specs	you see, thats the thing. they say its perfectly fine to talk on the phone if you have a head set. it doesnt take away from the distraction that your still talking to some one. and ya, i can do both at the same time with ease. its the exact same as if some one else was in the car with me and i was talking to them. really not a problem for me the few times ive done it. __________________

Nov 27, 2005, 01:49 PM	#25
Sandok DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 9,501 Rep Power: 53	Ya but ur old and experienced. I just started driving and I need to concentrate much more. I can't do other things. And this guy was 17. A newbie. Honestly, age makes a TON of diffrence.

Nov 27, 2005, 01:51 PM	#26
Dark Lord DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 5,584 Rep Power: 66 System Specs	hey, im not old. i only turn 20 in january. as of jan 6th, ill have been driveing for 2 years. probably some where in the area of 7K miles driven. __________________

Nov 27, 2005, 01:58 PM	#28
Lelisevis Howlin at the moon Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sunderland, UK Posts: 1,655 Rep Power: 62 System Specs	I think the whole problem could be solved by the removal of both thumbs at birth but then again im phonephobic and at 27 years old am proud to say i've never had a mobile. Sad news post, i'd have been inclined to chuckle if he'd ran into a wall but when it involves an innocent 3rd party it makes me annoyed. __________________ Im not dead