[jbreiding]

Sorry but those choice of words, 'tend to not buy', does not sound like it's backed by evidence or facts. Similarly to the parent who used anecdata. I myself see an alarming number of people on phones in cars, it's more of a distraction than eating in the car. It is hard to argue that we've not become more and more distracted as we drive, that is the problem to fix. With commutes getting longer, not shorter it seems like an up hill battle.

[isoskeles]

How do you explain the data they proceed with, that these deaths are much less common in Europe where people also own smartphones? That's not an anecdote or someone simply refusing to acknowledge data.

[jbreiding]

I can only speculate, but I would say this data doesn't disprove the causality of the other cohorts. Just because the results are absent in another region it doesn't mean those same conditions will yield the same results, although it's idea of something to try.

Owning a smartphone and using it while driving aren't the same thing. I think work culture differences my contribute more than mere smartphone ownership.

[isoskeles]

Fair enough, I also found the other comment re: the prevalence of manual transmission in Europe compelling.

[jbreiding]

Yeah, I share that same feeling.

However, where this starts to break down is highway miles. Shifting into overdrive and having no lights for miles, coupled with the always connected to work ethic might have different results.

I do think it ultimately comes down to culture and conditions on the road.

[stallmanite]

Re: work culture I have been ordered to be on conference calls while driving to the airport on a weekly basis. Never would do so otherwise as I hate talking on the phone period let alone while driving in traffic. Feels bad man.

[yardie]

I can say, in France you need 100 hours of driving school before you can even sit in the drivers seat. Then you need 1 year of driving before you are allowed on the national highways, >45kph. It's even tougher in Germany.

Drivers in Europe tend to be better because they have more training, and plenty to lose. Simply holding a phone will get you fined and points.

[oneepic]

This kind of comment doesn't really add to the discussion. It is just restating the (grand?)parent's argument and giving a weak response to the parent's counter-argument.