Forum Moderators: LifeinAsia
Today someone called me about business-related matters and our conversation covered a lot of ground. Trouble is, it covered more than one kind of ground because he was driving while we talked.
The more I thought about that, the more uncomfortable I became, and after our conversation adjourned I felt almost ill.
You see, two weeks ago someone I knew was killed and his wife has been fighting for her life ... they were hit by someone who was talking on his cell phone as he drove. There were no skid marks.
I don't ever again want to talk with anyone if they're driving while they talk to me. What's an effective way to make that clear without sounding critical and offending them, or making them think I'm neurotic?
This is made more complicated by the fact that everyone thinks their own driving skills are better than average.
Suggestions welcome!
2. Be honest "Sorry; I can tell this is not a good time - let's talk later".
Remember that they may be calling you because they perceive (rightly or wrongly) that they'll suffer in some way if they delay that call.
There's abosolutely no need to go into the detail of your views - but if it helps you sleep at night, give 'em both barrels, the selfish murdering swine ;)
If they are driving irresponsibly I don't see how the responsibility for that, legally or morally, can be transferred to you.
Unfortunately, some people will just talk louder at that point... but most will get it.
I have to admit I'm guilty of being on the other end. But I use a Jawbone headset most of the time. It's pretty good as masking the fact that you're in a car...
If they are using a bluetooth headset or the phone is integrated into the car then I don't believe that it is a problem practically or legally.
The legal part is correct.
I won't do business on the phone while either party is driving. I'm very familiar with multi-tasking. But, when I'm driving, I'm doing enough multi-tasking as it is. And, I have one of those integrated Bluetooth thingamajigs, I'm still trying to figure out how to use it. :)
I've been rear-ended by someone on their cell phone. I've been cut off more times than I can count by someone on their cell phone. I've been flipped off numerous times by someone on their cell phone, etc., etc., etc...
I'm looking forward to the new 2008 July law that goes into effect here in California. Go ahead and put that cell phone up to your ear while you're driving...
Tell them the truth that you feel it is better for your conversation and business decision to take place without the distraction of them driving.
I didn't mention that a couple of weeks ago, I ran it through the washer and dryer. I heard a "clunk, clunk clunk!" in the dryer, and found the Jawbone rattling-around in the dryer.
I figured it was a goner, but set it aside, rather than throwing it out. I also wanted to check if my credit-card warranty policy would cover it.
This post prompted me to give it a try. Plugged it into the charger, and the charge light came on. Put it through a charging cycle, and it works like a charm.
There's no physical damage that I can see - not even a scratch in the paint - it's a rugged little device. I'm guessing that the electronics and battery are encapsulated.
I haven't actually made a call with it to a live person to confirm that it sounds OK to the person on the other end. (But it makes calls, and they sound fine.) I think there might be some problem with the jawbone sensor - I'll work it back and forth a few times to make sure there aren't any phosphates gumming it up. :)
The Jawbone has two microphones and a vibration sensor. The vibration sensor sits on your jawbone, so that the headset knows when you are talking. When you aren't talking, it completely cuts-out, so there is no background noise.
When you are talking, a second microphone picks up background noises, and a DSP cancels them out.
I only wish the earpiece was louder. Unfortunately, everybody is overly-concerned with liability these days. The Jawbone can be heard on the other end in much louder situations than you can hear the person at the other end.
You can stand in the middle of a loud club, and you will be understood perfectly. But it is a one-way conversation.
There are some headsets designed specifically for loud work environments. They are sold in particular to police and fire departments. These have full ear-cup type headsets, but are bulky.
The Jawbone just appeared in the latest Forbes, in a list of "10 tech gadgets we love".
I've got a red one. The hell with understatement. ;)
I ran it through the washer and dryer. I heard a "clunk, clunk clunk!" in the dryer, and found the Jawbone rattling-around in the dryer.I figured it was a goner,
I have also washed and dried my Flash drive at least two separate times. It still works great and it is clean to boot :)
Buckworks:
I agree with some of the others that you simply tell them this isn't a good time to talk and arrange to call them back at a time they will be in their office. I would not go into details, some will understand, but given the number of people I see talking and driving I am guessing most will not.
[edited by: Fortune_Hunter at 2:44 pm (utc) on Nov. 3, 2007]
When I realized she was driving, I said, "Can we continue this conversation later? It's my policy not to have phone conversations with people while they're driving."
Her response, "Yeah? Okay, I'll call you back in a bit."
It was simple.
Just say that it's "policy"!
...pick up one of those toy 'keychain recorders' which record about 10 seconds and play it back on press. Record a police siren onto it. When you detect someone's phoning whilst driving, just hold it near the earpiece and press play - might lead to them hastily ending the call out of fear of being booked for dangerous driving.
I don't ever again want to talk with anyone if they're driving while they talk to me.
I don't talk with them. I am blunt. Not just if they are driving. I give you my full attention when I talk to you. I expect yours. If you are too busy doing something else - anything else - then call me later.
When I get old and cranky ;) I reserve the right to give them the "two barrels" mentioned earlier.
Am I rude? Maybe. But not as rude as those jackasses who seem to think it's acceptable to do something else while they're having a discussion with me on a matter that requires their full attention. IMHO, police sirens, pretending to be busy etc. just skirt the issue. How many times can you use each excuse with the same person? Hit the nail on the head, I say. And any caller... if you happen to be in the car he's driving. (Get him to pull over first.)
