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AJC.com > Metro > View from the cop > Archives > 2007 > July > 03 > Entry
Cell phones making us stupider
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Folks, Put your cell phones down a minute. I’ve just figured out something very important!
I don’t think that we are as multi-tasking efficient as we thought we were. We just don’t remember what it was we needed to do, want to do, and even what we did, while we were talking and it all has to do with our cell phones!
This has just happened to me and I need to explain it before I forget, probably again.
Cell phones are making us more stupid than normal. It’s true. We’ve fooled ourselves into thinking that we can multi-task day-to-day activity while talking on the cell phone. It doesn’t matter if you have a Bluetooth or any other dental issue, your cell phone has the ability to make stupid decisions for you while you’re on it.
Here’s the proof. I’m at the fashionable outdoor-outfitting store. I went in to buy a pair of sunglasses and a shirt. That’s it. I got a phone call and I began to talk while shopping. Thirty minutes later I’m in my car with a Kayak, two tents, and a small farm animal. I hung up, looked at all this stuff and I can’t remember how or why I bought it all. Not only that but now I can’t remember who I was talking to on the phone. I had no choice but to lie on the ground in the fetal position—which is awkward in a large parking lot.
Now it makes sense. How many of you have missed your exit while on the cell phone? I have missed my exit by two or more exits, more than once while on the cell phone. Last week I left the office, took a call, then next thing I know I’m in Macon.
It makes no difference, hands free or not.
How many times have you been in a public place, with other people, and some phone-goober is standing there talking on his hands-free like he or she is the only one in the room? Looks rude but the fact is the goober’s brain has been directed only to that phone call.
Just a theory? I don’t think so. Look at all those ugly cars on the road with really ugly paint on it. All around us is the proof. Be careful out there and if you remember nothing else, turn your cell phones off at the hair salons. Just look around.
Comments
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By A V 8 R
July 2, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this
We were at a restaurant last night when a lady behind me started to make strange sounds,occasionally I could make out a word. I thought she was nuts until she turned her head and I saw her bluetooth lightI don’t think anyone could have understood the noises she was making. I’ve learned to hate cellphones.I was in Kroger when I heard a lady ask someone how much each was an item that was 10 for $10.00, I couldnt help but wonder if she was that dense when not on the phone.She hada buggy full of stuff so you know she was driving
By Opinionated One
July 2, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this
Don’t sound like you are overly smart. Maybe, YOU can’t talk and chew gum at the same time. Just leave your cell at home from now on. I like having a cell phone, I use it as I should, and don’t shop, or drive with it in use.
By Rita
July 2, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this
Just last week, while at the checkout in Publix, the lady in front of me was talking on her cellphone during her ENTIRE transaction with the cashier. She finally finished her call, still fumbling to pick up her bags, just as I was FINISHING my transaction with the cashier.
As the lady was slowly walking away, my phone started to ring. The cashier looked at me as if to say, “aren’t you going to answer it?”. I looked at the cashier, and said in a loud enough voice so the lady walking away could hear me - “I’ll return the call later, it’s RUDE to both parties to carry on two conversations at once”.
Needless to say, we made eye contact at that point. She glared at me - I smiled at her!
By ron
July 3, 2007 1:46 AM | Link to this
In the case that your cell phone doesn't have an off switch,you can usually remove the battery to keep it from ringing and annoying you.Another clever ploy is to leave it at home when you go out.If you really want peace and quiet,throw it into the next open boxcar you see going by,or do like I do and just don't have one.That way I'm only annoyed by your cell phone.By KILL ALL ON-ROAD CELLULAR PHONE CONVERSATIONS
July 3, 2007 7:23 AM | Link to this
I first began to look into buying a cell phone jammer two years ago after reading an article in Wired magazine.
Example
The prices have remained static since then, approximately $300, but at the time the cost did not quantify the need to purchase such an exensive item. I have had enough. The bluetooth peole who wander the streets do not bother me as bad as the cell phone and crackberry users on our highways during rush hour. What am I saying? Any hour of the day!
I am going to buy one, although illegal in this country. Ahem, perhaps at the behest of the cell phone industry lobbyists. I am going to place it on my dash and watch the thinning of the herd begin! As those halfwits desperately try to figure out why their important conversation regarding the finer details of the previous night’s American Idol performance has been dropped, they will undoubtedly crash headlong at 80 MPH into a bridge abutment.
I know it seems like a harsh action, but thinning out a growing population unbelievably dumb, apathetic, droning chatterboxes who drive with wreckless disregard of others will in time benefit human life at large.
Latest jaw dropping offender, from last Friday. A school bus driver, whose bus is full of children, having an animated conversation on a cell phone while attempting to make a turn one-handed through a busy intersection at Krog Street and DeKalb Avenue. Unbelievable!
Cell phone jammers of the world, unite and take over!
By HAHAHA
July 3, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this
As those halfwits desperately try to figure out why their important conversation regarding the finer details of the previous night’s American Idol performance has been dropped, they will undoubtedly crash headlong at 80 MPH into a bridge abutment. OR…..maybe they will crash into you or one of your loved ones…………….DUH!!!!!
I hate the driving and talking more than the next person, but do you really think this will stop them? I don’t!!!
Have a safe weekend everyone!!
By lewis
July 3, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this
Not just more stupid, but more dangerous. Every close call I’ve had on the road the past year has been with some idiot talking away on their cell phone, unaware usually that they have nearly caused a wreck, blissfully jabbering away secure in the knowledge that THEY can focus on two matters at the same time, regardless what every study shows. It’s not that the hands are busy, it’s that the brain is preoccupied. But most seem to think they can handle it no matter what the evidence is otherwise.
By J.D.
July 3, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this
There was a 3-year study completed by the University of Utah last year that concluded people who use cellphones while driving have the same reaction times of someone who is legally drunk. These findings were the same regardless of hand-held or hands-free use. The conversation itself was the distraction. Very interesting and eye-opening piece. Check it out.
By lin
July 3, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this
cell phones arent to blame its the people using them not thinking right choices as when use them when not to. thats why so many accidents really should not be talking unless no cars around you as its true talking can change your thinking and forget your behind a wheel. i talk hubby about 2 to 12 times each day as he trucker. i can not see whats going on where he is but he can. so its up to driver to say ill call u back. emergency yes they are great. then again american people due crazy stuff while driving like you say from reading to changing cloths to playing hand held games etc. AS WE DONT SEEM CARE SINCE WE ARE INVINCEABLE NOTHNG CAN HURT US SO WE THINK TILL DAY IT HAPPENS
By Jan
July 3, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
I am embarrassed to say that I once ran a red light while talking on my (hands-free) cell phone. It was about 8pm on a summer night on a (busy) road that I travel frequently. I was totally engrossed in the conversation and on auto-pilot in the car. That pretty much ended my phone talking in the car. I am very cautious now about when and if I pick up the phone while driving.
By JR
July 3, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this
A phone ringing is only a request to be answered. If it is interupting something more important, like driving, let your voice-mail take a message and return the call when it’s appropriate to give it your undivided attention.
By Chip
July 3, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this
Cellphones don’t kill people…using a cellphone while driving kills people.Also,when cellphones are outlawed only outlaws will have cellphones!
By JJ
July 3, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
Lin Where you on your cell phone when you posted at 9:18 a.m??? Very hard to read……..
Just last night I avoided two accidents caused by drivers on their cell phones. One idiot turned left, right in front of me, as I was doing about 60 mph on Peachtree Industrial in Suwanee. She was pulling out of Kroger, right in front of me. I had to slam on my brakes to avoid hitting her, and she just goes on like nothing happened. The other idiot who almost caused a wreck turned left in front of me again. I’m starting to think there is a sign on my car that says “please pull out in front of me”. I drive a big SUV and it’s red and I had my headlights on. How can you not see me????
When I am driving, and my phone rings, I either ignore it and let it go to voice mail, or have my daughter answer it if she is in the car with me. Caller ID will let me know who is calling, and I can call them back. My life is way more important than whoever is calling, even my Mom.
Drivers in this town are idiots with or without cell phones. And I swear the next person that pulls out in front of me while on their cell is going to get hit!!!
By john
July 3, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
Shouldn’t it be “more stupid”?
By Road Rules For Atlanta
July 3, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
Her are some tips for those of you who may be visiting or driving through the city of Atlanta by means of our interstate highways:
1) The one redlight town where you are from may not have ever necessitated the need to use a directional signal, but if you want to navigate in this town you better learn to use it! Wheteher on the highway or pulling out of a parking lot, do not expect any favors unless you alert other drivers of your intentions.
2) If you have no idea when or where you will exit, or you are simply trying to put Atlanta in your rear view mirror, keep to the middle lane. The left lane are for high speed commuters and the right lanes are for trucks. The middle lane is a no man’s alnd perfect for slow, white-knuckled steering wheel gripping tourists.
3) If on the highway you notice a lane that no one is driving in, consider it a safe bet the lane ends very shortly and merging back into the flow of traffic may be difficult even if you use step no. 1.
4) Operating a cellular phone and not knowing where you are in a strange town is not only dangerous for the potential of an accident, but you may be subject to whatever close at hand object can be found to heave at your car – milkshake, rock, worthless ‘Whatizit’ circa 1996.
5) If you find yourself in the front position of a turn lane, keep ever vigilant of the green turn signal because they only last 3.2 seconds in length in this town. I understand you may want to see things, but thirty cars will attempt to turn with you and you may face the wrath of many if you delay or cross slowly.
6) Like a lion on the Serengheti plains, watch the people around you and ahead of you for signs of alert. Like the flash of white impala tails, so to will those ahead of you alert you of a hidden GSP or Atlanta officer waiting to issue tickets for speeding.
7) When all else fails consider taking the bypass around Atlanta. No, not I-285. I mean going through South Carolina or Alabama.
By Road Rules For Atlanta
July 3, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
8) People who try to pass your gigantic vehicle with the suspiciously illegal blackout-tinted windows are not all jerks. Some people really, really do not following a wall they cannot see around or over.
9) Everything you have heard on travel shows and magazines is a lie - The Varsity is not the ‘Taste of Atlanta’ but, in fact, disgustingly unhealthy fried food that many of us have a secret guilty pleasure to consume.
10) Do not believe the other over-hyped destination in Atlanta, Underground. There is a reason you will never see a local Atlantan there and you would most likely be better entrtained at any other venue in town.
By Mona
July 3, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
I do love the post by Road Rules for Atlanta. I think these rules should be made official and emailed to everyone (worldwide). The first thing I look at is the driver’s license plate, especially if they are doing 50 mph on I-285 in the far left lane. Second I can’t stand people who talk on the phone and then attempt to change lanes, since they never see your car right beside them and you have to hit your brakes to keep from being hit broadside. I say make it illegal to drive and talk, especially without the hands-free device.
By Road Rules For Atlanta
July 3, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this
11) I-75, I-85, I-285 are not only signs representing the Interstate on which you are traveling, but also the unofficial speed limit signs for the locals. Be advised that if you are driving the ‘official’ speed limit outside of the lane expressedly listed in rule no. 2, you may be subject to the wrath expressed in rule no. 4.
By missandie
July 3, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this
The road Rules for Atlanta are great. Too band the majority of the people breaking them have Dekalb, Fulton, Cobb and Gwinnett plates with Braves or Falcons stickers. Don’t see too many Thrasher stickers, I wonder why?
Just yesterday, going home, a person driving a, well it really doesn’t matter, does it, let’s just say driving, and cut straight across the connector from the far right hand lane to the far left hand lane. Right before North Avenue, they cut all the way back over and did it yet again before the 75/85 split - plate - Fulton.
We can try to convince ourselves these are just out-of-towners driving erratically but we are very guilty of doing the same thing.
By laurie g
July 3, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this
Too funny. My favorite is when I’m in the ladies’ room in public somewhere and the person in the stall next to me answers their phone. I mean, can the person they’re talking to not HEAR all of the noise going on in there? Is it not OBVIOUS where you are? All I can think of is eeeew.
We bought one of those scrolling message thingies and I’m tempted to figure out how to make it display the text in mirror image (think how “AMBULANCE” looks in your rear view mirror) and spell out “HANG UP AND DRIVE”. I’d mount it to the front grill of the family truckster in a heartbeat if I could just figure out how to display the text that way.
The other idea we had at our house was to buy a set of train horns and mount them on the family truckster. When we see someone on the phone, we just lay on the train horn till they’re forced to hang up. Could be mighty fun at red lights.
By Lane tucker
July 4, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this
yes cell phones sure do make you stupid
that is why I see cops on them all of the time. they are just as bad as most femal drivers on 400
By Lee
July 4, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this
Laurie, and you know the first thing someone asks you is “What are you doing?”
Uh, taking a crap.
LOL
By just me
July 5, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
I agree with you JJ what did LIN say?
By Stephen
July 8, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this
At the cop shop where I work at the officers are taking great enjoyment in writting tickets to people who are yacking on cell phones.
The $115 dollar tickets are issued under the Driving Less Safe Law. Start weaving in our city and on the phone you get a ticket.