[infogulch]

In my experience the driving-behavior part of my brain can run virtually autonomously, like how you don't really have to spend 100% of your brain to walk down the street. This means that the words-thinking part of my brain is almost completely free, with the exception of short high-attention spikes for risky maneuvers like onramp merging. This is why listening to music or podcasts is a very popular driving activity. In many places even handsfree phone calls are allowed as long as both hands are available and your vision isn't obstructed.

I would contend that listening to a podcast or being on a handsfree phone call would be on par with the Claw Phone.

[Terr_]

I find there's an asymmetry between listening and speaking. It's fine for someone else to tell me about their week, but I can't reciprocate with the same level of detail.

I suspect when driving demands attention, it's easier to buffer incoming words to handle a second later, or to simply miss portions and recover.

In contrast, a buffer of outgoing words between mind and mouth is harder to manage, and people prefer not to fall silent in awkward socially-unacceptable ways, especially if the other person might not see what diverted you.

[infogulch]

Yes buffering / dropping on buffer overload is the right frame and the right way to do it in practice. I have seen it done properly. Yes it can cause some social friction but as long as your conversation partner is aware that because you are driving you may buffer/drop conversation packets and they accept that they might have to occasionally exercise patience or repeat themselves then it's fine.

[robinsonb5]

> In my experience the driving-behavior part of my brain can run virtually autonomously

It can, but I've heard quite plausible claims in the past [1] that you shouldn't let it - because that's one of the things that kills motorcyclists. Your autopilot brain is looking out for other cars quite effectively - but a motorcycle isn't a car, and can slip through un-noticed if you're mind is engaged elsewhere.

[1] Citation needed, but lacking I'm afraid!

[Rumudiez]

Daydreaming or zoning out while driving is reckless behavior. You should be fully occupied by the task at hand. If you aren't, find a parking lot to doze off in instead please, or call an Uber