Stupidity at the gas pump

[Sylin]

It's a well-known fact that using a cell phone at the gas pump is a dangerous and stupid idea. But I swear, EVERY time I go fill up, I see someone yapping away on a device capable of electro-static discharge while interfacing with a flammable substance. Every now and then, I also see people SMOKING while they fill up. WTF!?!?!?!

Sometimes I say something to them, and while I am polite, they usually look at me cross-eyed. I then point out the TN State Law sticker at the pump that prohibits smoking or cell phone use while filling up. Do they care? No. It's OK... go ahead and endanger my life and the life of my family and countless other anonymous customers just so you can continue a stupid conversation with your idiotic friends or suck away at your cancer stick.

Friggin' morons. I hope they ignite one day and burn to a crisp.
/

[u_nick]

Originally Posted by Sylin

I hope they ignite one day and burn to a crisp.

Bingo. When I see these peopel, I usually just picture that happening in my head, and chuckle a bit, then go about my business.

[Marquoz]

I'd smoke at the gas station too, usually light up after I have sex, and as bad as I'm getting screwed on gas, I think that qualifies =P.

[MotionBlurr]

I hate cell phones. They're ruining our society. I remember you could just walk in the streets and start talking to a stranger (good looking woman) and have a nice conversation (get her #). Now, they're too busy talking on the phone and walking right by you (or maybe I'm just getting old).

[Mr. Hanky]

Actually, I think the cellphone danger was largely disproved on MythBusters. They literally got to the point where they stacked the odds of ignition by putting a cellphone inside a tent of optimistically flammable vapors and still couldn't get it to light off.

I do agree that smoking at a gas pump is pretty stupid, though.

[Aaron]

Originally Posted by MotionBlurr

I hate cell phones. They're ruining our society. I remember you could just walk in the streets and start talking to a stranger (good looking woman) and have a nice conversation (get her #). Now, they're too busy talking on the phone and walking right by you (or maybe I'm just getting old).

You obviously haven't used an iPhone.

[danay82]

I've also heard static electricity can ignite at the gas pump from the result of your body rubbing on the cloth seats of your vehicle as your getting out, then grounding yourself to the body of the car. (opening the little flip door to the gas cap)

But never seen it actually done.

[jw]

Originally Posted by Marquoz

I'd smoke at the gas station too, usually light up after I have sex, and as bad as I'm getting screwed on gas, I think that qualifies =P.

amen there, lol

[Blu Jacket]

Originally Posted by danay82

I've also heard static electricity can ignite at the gas pump from the result of your body rubbing on the cloth seats of your vehicle as your getting out, then grounding yourself to the body of the car. (opening the little flip door to the gas cap)

But never seen it actually done.

Actually that static discharge comes from NOT grounding yourself. If you get out without touching the body of the car, you're not grounding yourself and you risk creating the static discharge when you touch the pump.

[danay82]

Originally Posted by Blu Jacket

Actually that static discharge comes from NOT grounding yourself. If you get out without touching the body of the car, you're not grounding yourself and you risk creating the static discharge when you touch the pump.

Thats for the correction, as it gets later into the evening, my mind starts slipping away.

[Thertel88]

Wow Suny New Paltz, I live 15 minutes from there, never heard about it haha

[Sylin]

Originally Posted by Blu Jacket

Actually that static discharge comes from NOT grounding yourself. If you get out without touching the body of the car, you're not grounding yourself and you risk creating the static discharge when you touch the pump.

Yep, which is why I always make it a habit of touching the car while I unscrew the gas cap.

Believe it or not, more static buildup occurs as a result of your tires than rubbing up against the upholstery in your vehicle. Especially in the winter months when the weather is cooler, which is why a lot of people are shock-able after exiting their car. There are tires with anti-static treads, but it only works so well.

Originally Posted by Mr. Hanky

Actually, I think the cellphone danger was largely disproved on MythBusters.

Well, I don't necessarily consider MythBusters to be "scientific proof"--it's entertainment. Also, there's videos on YouTube (again, not "proof", but see my original post) showing it can happen. Are the odds significantly against it? Sure. But considering that the US Military and several states outlaw it, it just shouldn't be done. Matter of fact, the fewer foreign objects introduced to a flammable situation, the better. It's just another example of people being so oblivious to the warning signs right in front of their faces--and lack of care and respect for fellow human beings.

[silversnake]

i thought mythbusters did a show proving that there was no real harm using your cellphone next to the gas pump ?

[GreenScar]

Better to be safe than sorry

[DetroitSportsFan]

Originally Posted by MotionBlurr

I remember you could just walk in the streets and start talking to a stranger (good looking woman) and have a nice conversation (get her #). Now, they're too busy talking on the phone and walking right by you (or maybe I'm just getting old).

That's because she's talking to the guy who got to her before you did.

[LynxFX]

Originally Posted by silversnake

i thought mythbusters did a show proving that there was no real harm using your cellphone next to the gas pump ?

They did, for the most part. This kind of stuff isn't always conclusive.

As for the story above, there really isn't much information actually signifying that it was the cell phone. Hell it was most likely coincidental. His phone rang, he reached in his pocket and pulled it out causing static electricity from his clothes causing a spark and boom. The youtube video posted pretty much shows why a cell phone is low on the reasons for gas station fires, as in that story linked is the only case I've ever read.

But considering that the US Military and several states outlaw it, it just shouldn't be done.

They also outlaw cellphones on planes, but they don't actually interfere with anything either. Planes run on a completely different system with some airlines now trying out new plans to offer cell phone use on their flights. Most laws are out of fear or just precautionary measures with no actual evidence for or against.

But yes it is best to practice safety around volatile items like gasoline. I do the same thing as you, always touching the car to discharge any static I might have gotten from getting out of the car. That is the number two risk (behind smoking at the pump) which actually has multiple accidents reported every year. Static.

[Stephie_is_a_dork]

Originally Posted by Sylin

It's a well-known fact that using a cell phone at the gas pump is a dangerous and stupid idea. But I swear, EVERY time I go fill up, I see someone yapping away on a device capable of electro-static discharge while interfacing with a flammable substance. Every now and then, I also see people SMOKING while they fill up. WTF!?!?!?!

Sometimes I say something to them, and while I am polite, they usually look at me cross-eyed. I then point out the TN State Law sticker at the pump that prohibits smoking or cell phone use while filling up. Do they care? No. It's OK... go ahead and endanger my life and the life of my family and countless other anonymous customers just so you can continue a stupid conversation with your idiotic friends or suck away at your cancer stick.

Friggin' morons. I hope they ignite one day and burn to a crisp.
/

I guess they haven't seen Zoolander.

[reiella]

Originally Posted by LynxFX

They did, for the most part. This kind of stuff isn't always conclusive.

As for the story above, there really isn't much information actually signifying that it was the cell phone. Hell it was most likely coincidental. His phone rang, he reached in his pocket and pulled it out causing static electricity from his clothes causing a spark and boom. The youtube video posted pretty much shows why a cell phone is low on the reasons for gas station fires, as in that story linked is the only case I've ever read.


They also outlaw cellphones on planes, but they don't actually interfere with anything either. Planes run on a completely different system with some airlines now trying out new plans to offer cell phone use on their flights. Most laws are out of fear or just precautionary measures with no actual evidence for or against.

But yes it is best to practice safety around volatile items like gasoline. I do the same thing as you, always touching the car to discharge any static I might have gotten from getting out of the car. That is the number two risk (behind smoking at the pump) which actually has multiple accidents reported every year. Static.

Heh, MythBusters also did a bit to disprove the static boom too. Kinda interesting.

[ Edit / Add ]
And as was mentioned, not much evidence available either way. Reminds me a bit of the case where someone supposedly was killed when their cellphone battery exploded. Turns out it was just a cover story to keep from having to report an accident at the workplace.

[jsteinhauer]

It's great!

Americans are getting their news from the Daily Show, health care information from Men's Health and scientific studies from Mythbusters. The end is nearer than we thougt.

[Blubaru]

I talk on my cell all the time at the Gas station. It’s not dangerous at all unless tons of gas fumes have somehow built up and my cell sparks and sets them off.

It’s virtually impossible if the gas station is outside. Smoking on the other hand can be lethal.