I agree with you about the number of drivers using their phones while driving. However, I am not sure they are always texting - with all the apps for navigation and traffic, they are quite possibly looking for directions or alternative routes with less traffic.

I remember a situation years ago with drivers often having a huge map sitting on their laps as they drive, now it is a small device which speaks to them. Not sure if this is an improvement though.

I know adults that say "I only text at red lights". But that means they are not paying attention to traffic around them - like perhaps an emergency vehicle that needs you to move out of the way. It also teaches kids that they can text in the car "when it is safe", and their definition of "safe" may be different that yours.

There was a Voice article sometime ago about school crosswalks with a photo of kids in a crosswalk, chatting, looking backwards - not paying attention. Why should they pay attention - they have the right-of-way? If you get ran down, right-of-way or not, you're still dead. The point being that you need to pay attention not only so that you can do the right thing, but also to look out for those doing the wrong thing.

@Resident

"with all the apps for navigation and traffic, they are quite possibly looking for directions or alternative routes"

This is relevant because it is ok to T-bone someone when using a navigation app.

No phones use for ANY purpose at any time while in the car !!! Do you want to kill your kids, or someone else?

I was hit by a driver who was texting while I was stopped in traffic on Alameda de las Pulgas. She accelerated because she thought traffic was moving.

Every time I'm on that road I see people (often behind me) on the phone.

Hang up and drive. There's no phone call or text so important that you'd risk so much.

Also scares me. I wish technology would lend a hand here. The law does not seem enough to deter this behavior. The temptation to communicate is an epidemic addiction. In the past I have succumbed to the red light text but I know it is just wrong and irresponsible. For awhile, have been stowing my phone in my purse in the backseat. Luckily my kids are older (but not driving yet) and I can ask them to send a text or program the GPS when I am driving.

I wouldn't assume that "big gaps" at red lights mean someone is texting.
I sometimes leave a car length if someone is smoking, or has a foul exhaust.
I've also left a gap if I had the impression that another car was unreliable and I wanted to maximize my outs.

Hi Hermia,
I too, will leave the gaps you describe. I am referring to gaps of 4-10 cars, in which I can see the person's head facing down . . .

Could not agree more !

Wish our cities would get serious about enforcement.

Ultimately we need to make this as socially unacceptable as DUI.
Suspect that is going to take a few horrible accidents and a big public safety campaign to make people realize how selfish and reckless this choice is.