Texting Driver: 'I, like, just don't care."

[summer]

www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/16/texting-driver-hits-bicyclist-i-dont-care_n_5158966.html?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592




Poor Kimberley Davis.



The 21-year-old Australian woman was livid when she slammed into a bicyclist while texting late last year, putting dents in her car. The victim suffered a spinal fracture and would spend the next three months in a hospital, but Davis wasn't having any of it, The Standard reports.



"I just don’t care because I’ve already been through a lot of bullshit and my car is, like, pretty expensive and now I have to fix it," she told a responding officer two days after the Sept. 20 collision. "I’m kind of pissed off that the cyclist has hit the side of my car. I don’t agree that people texting and driving could hit a cyclist. I wasn’t on my phone when I hit the cyclist."



Davis, of Port Fairy, pleaded guilty on Monday to dangerous driving and was fined $4,500. Police say she used her phone behind the wheel 44 times before running down the cyclist. She called emergency responders but parked more than 300 feet away from the victim and refused to offer him help.



Davis couldn't contain her sadness after the loss of her license, and she made her woes known on Facebook:









The photo above appears to show that Davis expects to get her license back in May. She won't -- a judge on Monday suspended her license for another nine months.



The wife of the injured cyclist -- who got spinal surgery and was told he could have been a paraplegic -- said she was deeply disappointed that Davis' license wasn't suspended for longer.



(h/t Gawker)

[2curlydogs]

This is the Onion, right? Right? No?

Kudos to the judge extending her suspension.

[Deleted]

"I don’t agree that people texting and driving could hit a cyclist
"

^o)  

This statement is so terrible that I'm not even sure how to respond.

[ajj]

There are, surprisingly, too many people out there like this. I mean, just 1 is too many, but it is scary that there are others. Horrible! I don't understand it.

[gpw]

Looks like she doesn't care about getting skin cancer, either. 

[redheadbaker]

Apr 17, 2014 12:05:14 GMT -5 @mx said:

A few months ago I was cycling in a bike lane and there was a car just ahead of me that kept weaving back and forth over the line into my lane, so I slowed considerably so we wouldn't cross paths. Eventually I caught up to him at a light and of course he was texting. His window was down so I asked him if he was aware that he'd been drifting in and out of his lane for 9-10 blocks and that he'd have hit me if I hadn't intentionally slowed down to avoid him.

He responded "thanks for judging."

[emilyj]

This girl is a giant cunt. That's pretty much all I have to say.

[meshaliuknits]

Apr 17, 2014 12:05:14 GMT -5 @mx said:

A few months ago I was cycling in a bike lane and there was a car just ahead of me that kept weaving back and forth over the line into my lane, so I slowed considerably so we wouldn't cross paths. Eventually I caught up to him at a light and of course he was texting. His window was down so I asked him if he was aware that he'd been drifting in and out of his lane for 9-10 blocks and that he'd have hit me if I hadn't intentionally slowed down to avoid him.

He responded "thanks for judging."

People are assholes, yo.

[decemberwedding07]

Apr 17, 2014 12:05:14 GMT -5 @mx said:

A few months ago I was cycling in a bike lane and there was a car just ahead of me that kept weaving back and forth over the line into my lane, so I slowed considerably so we wouldn't cross paths. Eventually I caught up to him at a light and of course he was texting. His window was down so I asked him if he was aware that he'd been drifting in and out of his lane for 9-10 blocks and that he'd have hit me if I hadn't intentionally slowed down to avoid him.

He responded "thanks for judging."

Um... you're welcome?

[sandsonik]

Apr 17, 2014 12:05:14 GMT -5 @mx said:

A few months ago I was cycling in a bike lane and there was a car just ahead of me that kept weaving back and forth over the line into my lane, so I slowed considerably so we wouldn't cross paths. Eventually I caught up to him at a light and of course he was texting. His window was down so I asked him if he was aware that he'd been drifting in and out of his lane for 9-10 blocks and that he'd have hit me if I hadn't intentionally slowed down to avoid him.

He responded "thanks for judging."

Who responds like that???

You know, it's not just texting though.  I can't count how many times I've a) had to pass someone who's going way too slow and weaving or b) been behind someone who's waiting to turn but never DOES, and every single time I get a look at them, they're on their damn cell phone.  I'm no angel, but I really try to avoid talking on my cell while driving, especially after seeing how it takes other drivers out of their game.

[darnkatz]

I want her fucking dead. I hate people like this. HATE. I shouldn't feel afraid to bike with my children, yet I am because of dumb assclowns like this bitch.

[ttt]

Apr 17, 2014 12:05:14 GMT -5 @mx said:

A few months ago I was cycling in a bike lane and there was a car just ahead of me that kept weaving back and forth over the line into my lane, so I slowed considerably so we wouldn't cross paths. Eventually I caught up to him at a light and of course he was texting. His window was down so I asked him if he was aware that he'd been drifting in and out of his lane for 9-10 blocks and that he'd have hit me if I hadn't intentionally slowed down to avoid him.

He responded "thanks for judging."

"Yeah well thanks for nearly killing me!"

[KB]

I see people doing this shit on the Beltway at 80 mph all the time. They are weaving in and out of lanes without a care in the world. I hate people.

[jillboston]

Apr 17, 2014 17:26:22 GMT -5 sandsonik said:

Apr 17, 2014 12:05:14 GMT -5 @mx said:

A few months ago I was cycling in a bike lane and there was a car just ahead of me that kept weaving back and forth over the line into my lane, so I slowed considerably so we wouldn't cross paths. Eventually I caught up to him at a light and of course he was texting. His window was down so I asked him if he was aware that he'd been drifting in and out of his lane for 9-10 blocks and that he'd have hit me if I hadn't intentionally slowed down to avoid him.

He responded "thanks for judging."

Who responds like that???

You know, it's not just texting though.  I can't count how many times I've a) had to pass someone who's going way too slow and weaving or b) been behind someone who's waiting to turn but never DOES, and every single time I get a look at them, they're on their damn cell phone.  I'm no angel, but I really try to avoid talking on my cell while driving, especially after seeing how it takes other drivers out of their game.

Yes. it's true.
Every single damn time. You can tell the texters because they are constantly looking down. Gah.

[bimbi284]

Apr 17, 2014 12:05:14 GMT -5 @mx said:

A few months ago I was cycling in a bike lane and there was a car just ahead of me that kept weaving back and forth over the line into my lane, so I slowed considerably so we wouldn't cross paths. Eventually I caught up to him at a light and of course he was texting. His window was down so I asked him if he was aware that he'd been drifting in and out of his lane for 9-10 blocks and that he'd have hit me if I hadn't intentionally slowed down to avoid him.

He responded "thanks for judging."

And that's when I would have noted the license plate number, car make a model, and given a friendly little phone call to the authorities.

[aurora]

I'm at the point where I think phones should automatically disable texting when moving >10 mph. Yes, I realize this would inconvenience passengers, but drivers have proven themselves unable to be responsible and it would save lives.

[Deleted]

Texting while driving is officially banned here, and the fine is now $500 for using your cell at all while driving. Hands free devices are fine.

[AAM2012]

Apr 19, 2014 8:59:52 GMT -5 aurora said:

I'm at the point where I think phones should automatically disable texting when moving >10 mph. Yes, I realize this would inconvenience passengers, but drivers have proven themselves unable to be responsible and it would save lives.

I don't even necessarily think it's just texting that's a problem. People are constantly surfing the internet, responding to emails, etc while driving.

[penguingrrl]

What is wrong with that woman? Is this a satirical paper? Because I don't want believe someone would be just that stupid and self involved. @@ I'll admit that this is a place where a literate child is really convenient to have in the car. If a text comes in while I'm driving I have my 6 year old read it and, if it needs a quick response, she'll respond for me.

[aurora]

Apr 19, 2014 9:05:46 GMT -5 AAM2012 said:

Apr 19, 2014 8:59:52 GMT -5 aurora said:

I'm at the point where I think phones should automatically disable texting when moving >10 mph. Yes, I realize this would inconvenience passengers, but drivers have proven themselves unable to be responsible and it would save lives.

I don't even necessarily think it's just texting that's a problem. People are constantly surfing the internet, responding to emails, etc while driving.

True. The same could be said for all of those services. Need to look up an adress? No problem. Just pull over and do it while stopped so you don't kill someone.

[niemand88f]

Apr 17, 2014 17:26:22 GMT -5 sandsonik said:

Apr 17, 2014 12:05:14 GMT -5 @mx said:

A few months ago I was cycling in a bike lane and there was a car just ahead of me that kept weaving back and forth over the line into my lane, so I slowed considerably so we wouldn't cross paths. Eventually I caught up to him at a light and of course he was texting. His window was down so I asked him if he was aware that he'd been drifting in and out of his lane for 9-10 blocks and that he'd have hit me if I hadn't intentionally slowed down to avoid him.

He responded "thanks for judging."

Who responds like that???

You know, it's not just texting though.  I can't count how many times I've a) had to pass someone who's going way too slow and weaving or b) been behind someone who's waiting to turn but never DOES, and every single time I get a look at them, they're on their damn cell phone.  I'm no angel, but I really try to avoid talking on my cell while driving, especially after seeing how it takes other drivers out of their game.

Totally true. Talking on a cell phone isn't a whole lot better than texting, even hands-free (talking to an adult passenger is not the same because they participate in noticing dangerous situations). The University of Utah does a lot of research on this topic, and one of my professors gave a huge long lecture to us a couple weeks ago about how all of these things really impair our visual attention. Talking on a cell phone truly might be as bad as driving drunk. I used to talk on my phone sometimes but now I won't even do that.

But the problem is that everyone thinks they have better-than-average multitasking and they aren't the problem. So while texting might get banned eventually- as it should- I doubt talking on the cell phone ever will.

[aurora]

Apr 19, 2014 9:32:46 GMT -5 niemand88f said:

Apr 17, 2014 17:26:22 GMT -5 sandsonik said:

Who responds like that???

You know, it's not just texting though.  I can't count how many times I've a) had to pass someone who's going way too slow and weaving or b) been behind someone who's waiting to turn but never DOES, and every single time I get a look at them, they're on their damn cell phone.  I'm no angel, but I really try to avoid talking on my cell while driving, especially after seeing how it takes other drivers out of their game.

Totally true. Talking on a cell phone isn't a whole lot better than texting, even hands-free (talking to an adult passenger is not the same because they participate in noticing dangerous situations). The University of Utah does a lot of research on this topic, and one of my professors gave a huge long lecture to us a couple weeks ago about how all of these things really impair our visual attention. Talking on a cell phone truly might be as bad as driving drunk. I used to talk on my phone sometimes but now I won't even do that.

But the problem is that everyone thinks they have better-than-average multitasking and they aren't the problem. So while texting might get banned eventually- as it should- I doubt talking on the cell phone ever will.

I've seen this research, too, and I agree, but I'm almost at a point where it seems like a lost cause to try to ban hands-free devices. 

[emisi]

What a self-centered, nasty little bitch. She was more concerned about the dents in her car than the fact she could have paralyzed the guy.

Affluenza?

[earlgreyhot]

Apr 17, 2014 12:05:14 GMT -5 @mx said:

A few months ago I was cycling in a bike lane and there was a car just ahead of me that kept weaving back and forth over the line into my lane, so I slowed considerably so we wouldn't cross paths. Eventually I caught up to him at a light and of course he was texting. His window was down so I asked him if he was aware that he'd been drifting in and out of his lane for 9-10 blocks and that he'd have hit me if I hadn't intentionally slowed down to avoid him.

He responded "thanks for judging."

Nothing about this surprises me, sadly. People suck

[secretlyevil]

Phones need to have auto safety features in them. Like if you're in a car, no texting.

[penguingrrl]

Apr 19, 2014 16:54:23 GMT -5 secretlyevil said:

Phones need to have auto safety features in them. Like if you're in a car, no texting.

I really like that idea, but am curious how it would be implemented. I know so many commuters who count on being able to deal with emails and such during their hour+ train or bus ride and for whom time spent in transit is work time. we're 90 minutes from NYC and most people here work in the city and commute via mass transit for well over 3 hours a day; losing that time would genuinely stink for them. Not to mention that the working commute convinces people to use public transit rather than driving themselves.

If there is a way to disable it but still allow that (and per SIL, who commutes, the advertised wifi works rarely if ever.

[penguingrrl]

Apr 19, 2014 17:25:30 GMT -5 incogneato said:

Apr 19, 2014 17:02:51 GMT -5 penguingrrl said:

I really like that idea, but am curious how it would be implemented. I know so many commuters who count on being able to deal with emails and such during their hour+ train or bus ride and for whom time spent in transit is work time. we're 90 minutes from NYC and most people here work in the city and commute via mass transit for well over 3 hours a day; losing that time would genuinely stink for them. Not to mention that the working commute convinces people to use public transit rather than driving themselves.

If there is a way to disable it but still allow that (and per SIL, who commutes, the advertised wifi works rarely if ever.

I feel like it should almost be a car feature- like the car can block the signal while in motion. Then we just wouldn't have mass transit vehicles have that feature, KWIM?

That would be fantastic! I'll admit it would be annoying as a passenger and annoying to not be able to use the GPS in my phone anymore, but I would gladly give up that luxury because assholes can't control themselves and consider everyones safety when they're driving. 

[penguingrrl]

Apr 19, 2014 19:20:09 GMT -5 @mx said:

Apr 19, 2014 19:17:56 GMT -5 penguingrrl said:

That would be fantastic! I'll admit it would be annoying as a passenger and annoying to not be able to use the GPS in my phone anymore, but I would gladly give up that luxury because assholes can't control themselves and consider everyones safety when they're driving. 

I don't know...I spent an hour in a taxi this morning. After 15+6 hours on planes. If I couldn't use my phone I might have lost it

OMG, good point! Taxis need to be exempt as well, but only passengers, not drivers! Okay, so we're back to it being a fantastic idea but needing to find a practical way for it to happen! Because there's nothing unsafe about passengers using a device and they shouldn't be punished, but clearly silly little laws aren't nearly as important as a text or email coming in to some people when they're busy driving.

[sugarglider]

Apr 19, 2014 17:17:19 GMT -5 @mx said:

Apr 19, 2014 16:32:13 GMT -5 earlgreyhot said:

Nothing about this surprises me, sadly. People suck

What did surprise me is that this guy was a Prius driver with a "recycling is gangsta" bumper sticker. Not the typical profile of the people who like to harass me (typically SUV drivers).

Oh this does not surprise me at all. I lived in LA last summer and during that time, got to observe a lot of different drivers.  Prius drivers, were the most consistently assholish drivers of them all.
This study confirms my observations: www.oregonlive.com/commuting/index.ssf/2013/08/study_prius_bmw_drivers_the_bi.html

[elleblue]

Apr 19, 2014 9:05:22 GMT -5 @lauriergirl28 said:

Texting while driving is officially banned here, and the fine is now $500 for using your cell at all while driving. Hands free devices are fine.

Both are here in CA too, though I'm not sure of the fines.