As a truck driver, my phone is with me at all times. The cell phone is how I get our loads, how I stay in touch with my family and friends, and also my entertainment when I’m bored but when does the cell phone or I-Pad become an irritant to everyone around us?
- My number one pet peeve is going into a restaurant to relax and enjoy a nice meal, and then I hear screaming, yelling, laughing, car chases, basketball shoes, or a loud argument. I look around for the commotion and realize someone is watching their phone or iPad without a headset. What is so hard about using a headset when in a restaurant to listen to your PERSONAL device?
- When talking on the phone in a public place, speak in a normal tone. If you need to yell, go outside. No one else wants to hear your conversation.
- Walking and reading is also a no-no in public and especially in a truck stop. We have enough to look for when driving and looking for a parking spot. We should not have to look for people walking and reading their phones.
- Talking to people face to face without reaching for your phone, checking to see if you have email, a comment on your post, or that you have a personal message. Put the phone away and be in the present. If you do not have time to talk to someone in person, excuse yourself and go to a private area.
- When sitting down at a table with a group, put the phone away. If you are expecting an urgent call, explain that to the others at the table. Once the call comes, move away from the table. If there is a need to check for messages, then you are too busy to be in this public setting, go back to a private area. It’s very frustrating trying to talk to someone who keeps looking at their phone or talking around someone at a table that is checking their phone.
- I have gotten to the point that if we are visiting with someone that keeps checking their phone, I excuse myself and go elsewhere. If I’m so unimportant that I can’t have your full attention, then I have more important things to do then watch you check your phone.
- As truck drivers, we often look down into cars and other trucks and see people texting on their phones. We sit behind people at traffic lights as they finish typing their message or try to avoid them as they swerve into our lane. Drive now text later.
The TV was irritating enough when talking to someone but we had options; hang up the phone or leave their house. Now we also have an option; leave the public place and go back to our trucks to get the peace and quiet we thought we would get inside the restaurant. Why does a restaurant need to have the waitresses tell anyone to please silence their phone or iPad?