A couple of person observations . . .
I've always thought it was a bit strange, but it is true . . . that
when I am having a QSO, listening and sending CW during my daily
commute to Athens from Atlanta, I actually drive slower than when I'm
listening to the AM/FM radio. I like to think that I am also at
least as careful. I always get in the right lane and tend to
maintain my position, following behind another car. Maybe I've
learned the limit to my multi-tasking ability.
From the number of other mobile CW operators that I work during my
commute, I can assure you that sending CW while in motion is not at
all unusual.
73,
Jay, K4OGG
At 01:51 PM 1/12/2009, K4SAV wrote:
>K4OD wrote: "It is a presumption on my part, though I believe it
>would be substantiated if researched, that 98% (or a figure very
>close to that) of all amateurs refrain from actually "Sending CW"
>while in motion."
>
>That would be an incorrect assumption. Most good CW ops find sending
>CW while in motion to be no more distracting than doing phone while
>in motion. In both cases, only one hand is used for the radio function.
>
>Question: Should the cops arrest themselves for using their radios?
>
>Jerry, K4SAV
>
>Gordon wrote:
>>(A former police officer, and safety instructor, speaks out)
>>
>>I have been reading the various posts concerning the various
>>aspects of GA House Bill #19 with great interest as well as a great
>>amount for concern for my fellow amateurs.
>>
>>The thrust of the bill, like it or not, is the promotion and
>>assurance of a "safer roadway" for all to use.
>>
>>It is a presumption on my part, though I believe it would be
>>substantiated if researched, that 98% (or a figure very close to
>>that) of all amateurs refrain from actually "Sending CW" while in
>>motion. Most of us simply find a convenient place and pull to the
>>side of the road before commencing operations. The bill in
>>question has its thrust being "WHILE IN MOTION" though it may, or
>>may not, state that effect in a parenthetical sense.
>>
>>The use of a cell phone while in motion requires (for the most
>>part) using a device which is hand held to the ear. The same would
>>be involved in the use of a microphone held in close proximity to
>>the lips. It does detract from one's ability to concentrate on
>>driving. Many a public record exists to substantiate that
>>conclusion. Simply stop a police officer on the road and ask
>>him/her how many accidents he/she has worked where a cell phone in
>>use was a primary factor in causing the accident.
>>
>>I will never forget the day when my wife called me on the phone and
>>told me that another driver had (while using a cell phone) hit her
>>from behind while both vehicles were in motion. That collision
>>totalled out my wife's new car and I thank God every day that she
>>was not injured. Does this have any cause or effect in my writing
>>this? I would be less than truthful if I said, "No." but it does
>>have more to do with my experiences before I ever met and married my wife.
>>
>>The use of a headset, you say? What is the purpose of a set of
>>headphones over the ears? To block out interfering noise. Being a
>>safe driver of a vehicle while in motion requires being aware of
>>what you, as the driver, can see and hear with respect of what is
>>going on around you. A headset of any type (with or without a boom
>>microphone attached) detracts from one's ability to be cognizant of
>>his/her surroundings.
>>
>>I can remember my brother (K4BK) and I discussing making a mobile
>>run of south Georgia counties during the Georgia QSO Party. We
>>never once considered mobile operations while in motion. Our main
>>thrust of the discussions was the ability to find and access a safe
>>place to park in every county prior to commencing
>>operations. Rick (NQ4I) commented that this would be the end of
>>the GA QSO Party. what an astonishingly stupid remark. It well
>>may be so for his particular part in the event but, for my part, I
>>would rather have Rick abstain from participation rather than have
>>him sending CW while in motion. It is inherently unsafe! Sorry,
>>Rick, but that's how I feel about it.
>>
>>If we sit back and complain about cell phone usage, and CBers using
>>their equipment, while in motion, we cannot, in good faith, exempt
>>ourselves from the same criticism.
>>
>>Before we jump up and down and scream and holler about this bill
>>and its effect on ham radio as a whole, let's read it very
>>carefully and seek appropriate amendments to said bill to exempt
>>the use of ham radio in emergency situations from the general scope
>>of the legislation.
>>
>>Now, I am rather certain that many will decry my statements and
>>call me whatever but do think about this with a clear and objective
>>mind before you start calling your representative demanding he/she
>>vote against the bill as a whole and try to get him/her to offer
>>amendments to work in our collective favor.
>>
>>J. Gordon Rowe - K4OD
>>Lieutenant (Ret)
>>Fort Valley P.D.
>>
>>
>>
>>
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