While standing on a very busy street corner I observed

[kairos12]

that every other driver going by had their eyes firmly planted on their phone and not the road. I stepped back a couple of feet. By the way, this is in the middle of downtown Phoenix on a very busy road.

Mad Max has got nothing on our drivers.

[GeorgeGist]

1. Soon the 'phones' will be driving ...

[dixiegrrrrl]

2. You serious??????

I live so far away from more than 2 cars on a road that I miss out on stuff like this.

Used to be, driving was a time to be alone with one's thoughts and maybe listen to NPR or some good road music.

[kentauros]

3. I believe it.

I recall reading a year or two ago that of today's young drivers about 50% have stated that they will refuse to stop using their phones while driving. While I remain extra-cautious knowing that, I don't yet feel the need to get one of those ultra-loud airhorns people can buy now (some are made specifically for motorcycles, which is a great idea.)

Self-driving vehicles can't takeover fast enough

[Jokerman]

4. If by every other you mean 50%, I think your estimate is too low.

I have a mercifully short commute through a residential neighborhood but just about every day I see some driver do something stupid. When I get closer look, they are almost always using their phone.

[hobbit709]

5. While waiting at a light once I counted the people making a left on the green arrow.

6 of 8 had their phone in their hands.

[elleng]

6. That is AWFUL!

I wonder if things would be different there if they had a law like we do in Maryland: NO use of such devices while driving is permitted.

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Handheld-Cell-Phone-Use-While-Driving-Ban-Begins-Oct-1-in-Md--225509792.html

[Skittles]

7. it is sickening

they have zero awareness of what is going on around them

[Joe Shlabotnik]

8. Very true but,

When I often read anecdotes like yours in the news, a few things come to mind; young people are centered out (many who do not/cannot afford to drive) and Working Stiffs (like 44 year olds like me) are overworked and bombarded by information through out the day and are expected to multitask and keep up with it all. Its wrong in so many ways.

We need a pressure valve on society big time. Someone actuates it and; capitalism takes a siesta, cold water is thrown upon the self absorbed, the frantic get some solace, the smothered get some fresh air. The pace and demands of society, workplaces, and relationships, to one's self is untenable.

[panader0]

9. Coming out of the supermarket yesterday, in the clearly marked walkway,

I barely missed being struck by a car. I jumped back just in time. The driver shrugged her shoulders,
phone clearly in her hand.

[NJCher]

10. loudmouth at the bank

I was trying to do some banking, but a loudmouth on a cell phone made it impossible for me to hear the bank teller. The teller and I finally gave up. She gave me some paper and a pen and she had a paper and a pen. We wrote our communication out and held it up to the window for each other to see.


Cher

[trof]

11. Cellphone dead zone in cars.

Federal regulators should require all manufacturers of motor vehicles sold in the U.S. to incorporate a tamper-proof cell phone signal blocker in every vehicle.