Reader’s views: Our distracted drivers

In the wake of the police call for powers to deal with distracted drivers - those whose minds are not on the business of driving - we asked you to tell us about the worst thing you have done at the wheel. Police are concerned about cellphone use, reading maps, putting on make-up and tuning the radio. Here's what else some of us do:

Late for a job interview about 10 years ago, I was brushing my hair as I took an unfamiliar corner far too fast. I came within millimetres of missing a ute as I lost control of the car, fishtailed, and ended up heading in reverse across the road towards a 10-metre drop to a forest floor. I stopped less than half a metre from the edge of the road.

If I had been one second earlier, I would have wiped out the ute. Any faster and I am sure I would have plunged over the side of the road. Ever since, I have taken great care to keep my mind on driving.

I didn't get the job.

Warwick Sickling

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I read your article on the proposed change in the law to fine drivers while distracted. I fully support this proposal and suggest that it could also relate to people smoking while driving. I am sure that this is even more distracting than cellphone usage.

Graham Prior

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What of commercial vehicles, taxis, couriers, etc, that have on board computer dispatch or order systems?

Of course, one would have to break the eleventh commandment, thou shalt not get caught, and we don't have enough police now to police criminal offences without another stupid law.
This silly suggestion could not apply to stationary vehicles.

Ian Sampson

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Yelling at kids!!! Listening to kids yelling at each other.

I think this idea is hysterical. Ban all kids. Ban all other passengers. Ban cute dogs on the side of the road. Ban road signs, traffic lights, advertising hoardings, interesting letterboxes, roads by beaches (no admiring any views), etc. And on and on and on.

Catherine Hobbis

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Police estimate at least four deaths a year can be attributed to cellphone use but I agree it's probably more.

Don't change the station!!! you're not allowed!!! ... but here ... smoke these cigarettes at will until death.

D. Bowe

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I once managed to complete Donkey Kong on a Nintendo Gameboy when driving from Hamilton to Auckland.

Aki Nawaz

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You really want to know the worst thing I have done behind the wheel of a car? ... okay, here goes, ahem ... I have done a crossword puzzle, done my boyfriend, done my hair and make up, texted people, eaten breakfast, brushed my hair and my teeth, smoked, got dressed for work and I've never had an accident (all in one trip). Granted, most of these activities were performed while stationary at lights, and not while travelling at speed. I have also taken a nap behind the wheel while stuck in traffic.

Marcia

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I think a law like this would be very useful. Last year I was in a traffic queue on the Auckland harbour bridge when I heard a loud squealing of brakes behind me.

I realised that a truck was zooming towards the back of my car with its brakes jammed on.

The driver had been attempting to peel a banana (he got close enough for me to see this clearly before he finally stopped) with both hands while he steered with his forearms resting on top of the steering wheel, and hadn't noticed that he'd caught up with the tail of the traffic.

He came very close to smashing into the back of my little car, and as the traffic speeded up again and we started to move, I saw him continue to peel his banana as if nothing had happened while his truck wobbled around in the lane.

I would love it if people who do dangerous things like that could have a disincentive like getting a ticket.

Gretchen

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I have done several things that are probably considered "incomprehensible" by most of us, they include

1. Drive while urinating into Mizone bottle on the road between Taupo and Napier. There are no toilets nor petrol stations on the way!

2. Drive at 60km/h on Southern Motorway while changing pants, shirts, tie, socks, shoes and shave. Believe it or not, changing pants is more difficult than urinating while driving the car!
3. I regularly put on my socks, change shirts, breakfast and dinner while driving, it's part of my life as the motorway is so congested I have no proper meal.

4. I have seen a woman driving on Southern Motorway during rush hour while she is "clamping" her eye lash - I am not sure if it is called clamping but it looks like she is using a pair of scissors to do something to her eye lash.

Albert

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This is embarrassing and, you could say, slightly alarming.

The worst thing I think I've ever done at the wheel of my car (and there are many) is paint my toe nails !

Would be keen to know if anyone else submits such an insane act!

Michele

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When I used to drive big interstate trucks in the USA, I used to be able to leave the truck in top gear with the cruise control on, and leave the seat, and get in to the sleeper compartment. I remember the longest time was once I got into the sleeper and made a sandwich!

Peter Cowley