I offer that one of the best things enthusiast can strive for is that we are viewed as responsible voices for vehicular enjoyment.

My idea of a good driving experience is is NOT being distracted by any of the outside world.

Whether it be distraction by a radio, issues in my relationships, issues that involve work, regardless... it's best enjoyed for me as just that...me and the car. I will not kill me or anyone else in the pursuit of a good experience. If that means I will go slower in a situation, worry more about everyone's survival as opposed to "winning"... fine. I and others will live as a result. Another better opportunity will come along.

The reality of any enthusiast of having any hope of keeping what they hold dear is exhibiting behaviour which is not percieved as being a part of a "problem".

Those that claim that pushing the envelope is OK should be willing to do a little to show that as being a valid point.

Dropping the ball in any endeavour will lead to punitive legislation. Like it or not, agree or not, that is how it works.

Avoiding causing negative effect to others in the pursuit of having fun with our vehicles will go far further in gaining respect over nearly any action our community could take.

We all escape the implications of how we drive on a regular basis. We all are the beneficiaries of a degree of good fortune, or more aptly characterized as "dumb luck" on many occasions. I offer that if you have not dodged a bullet, you have not pushed the envelope.
As enthusiast we need to encourage a tightship.

The fastest and most successful drivers I have ever known exhibit one common trait... the ability to focus. Part of that is a willingness to shut out distraction. I know some very fast SOB's. I'm not BS'ing you my friend. Smooth focused and totally aware. That IS the deal.

We are all on a fools errand if we attempt to defend holding a cell phone to our ear or entering a message which could be equally eloquent if done at a roadside location is not tempting fate.

Enthusiasts should take a lead to achieve a respected voice. To be seen as "better drivers" we need to deliver "better driver" goods.

Thus endeth the sermon from 1fastdog...

 

While we are banning everything that can be done while driving, we should ban hot chicks walking on the side of the road. I swear I have almost gotten in more accidents looking at pretty girls/muscle cars than the phone has ever even come close to causing.

Don't lie you know everyone here has done the approaching Stop sign or redlight and your stareing at her/it then look forward and "Oh crap!" slam on the brakes.

 

Exactly...put the focus where it is due...the careless driver.

 

Naw... Pull over an ask the hotness if she might like a ride in some sweetness from Detroit. Problem solved.

 

That's the exact kind of foolish mentality that gets innocent people killed. How is this statement any different than what you hear from a drunk guy at the bar? It's not. You're just replacing the method of impairment. And the arrogance of your last sentence just shows how little our society cares about anything but themselves.

 

If they were intelligent then they wouldn't have refused to pay attention would they?

Natural Selection:

Mother Nature has been doing it for millions of years, why stop now?

 

Every time i pass a LEO he's/she's usually on a cell phone.

 

I'm typically the same way if I drive and talk on the phone. And let me clear this up, I am not the person that goes out of their way to make a call, or has the phone attached to their ear once the key hits the ignition. I will however answer if I get a call and the situation allows me to do so.

As for the passive vs. active argument, again, that is true. I do not dispute this whatsoever. That said, the scenario of receiving a call stating a loved one is injured or dead would in likely circumstances be a very rare call. I'm trying to think of other calls that could even come close to having a similar effect, but I'm drawing a blank.

Yes, the method of impairment is the same, but the level of impairment is not. I know how I drive, and I know my ability to put my focus past the conversation. When I use the phone the most important thing is still the road and driving defensively, not the conversation.

This is another thing that annoys me. Now I know that some people will be up in arms stating that LEOs have special drivers training, but I cannot tell you how many times I have either passed or been passed by officers on their cell phones.