Driver on the phone. Is it rude for the driver to be on the phone while driving a passenger?

Rider here.  Yeah, of course it's rude.

and they all use their headsets.  I never know if the driver is talking to me or not. It's confusing.  So many times, I'd reply and the driver is just talking to his friend.  Awkward. 

While I do trust my own driving (and talking), I don't call while on the job, because the perception matters.  I want my customers to feel safe and that they have my attention if they need me.

Makes sense, right?  I'd like to think that this is the common opinion.

I drive for Uber for past 14 months. I have taken one phone call while driving as my son was in the hospital. I explained situation to my rider and asked if they minded if I took the call. They were ok with it. My kids know to only call in an emergency. If its something they need to ask me I have them text and when I drop passenger off I call them. If you were at your job at an office, supermarket, etc. you cant just answer your phone. Most places do not allow you to take calls during work hours. Why should this be different? I feel its rude to be on phone while you have passenger. Just my opinion.

I have a personal phone in a convenient side pocket in my pants. When I get a call, I let it ring until it goes to voice mail. It is disturbing when ringing, so I always tell the passengers that I'm not taking this call because I want to concentrate on our ride. That should be helpful when they rate me.

Generally the trip is short enough that the return call can wait. 

If I'm waiting on a very important call then I have to deal with it differently.

The number of the phone I'm using for navigation is known only to my wife. I use bluetooth so that the navigation goes to my car speakers. A call to that phone will cut navigation so I immediately hangup the call.

If the passenger is the one making calls and it is an UberX ride then it's quite a different story. They are paying for the ride.

If it is a pool ride and other passengers are in the car, then I consider it rude. That should be one of the rules that Uber should broadcast to riders of pool.

Taxi drivers were notorious for being on the phone while driving you.  It's almost 100% of the time.

...and I get it.  They drive for hours on end.  They need to passs the time, and frankly, driving is an opportune time to be making some calls.

What's funny is that I don't see it nearly as much with Uber drivers.  Is there like a secret code or some Uber rule that you follow?

Little surprised to hear that this is even a discussion point.  I suppose plenty of drivers do this.

The thing is, I used to see this behavior a lot more with cabbies.  They'd be all in the zone, constantly talking to people, and you are just a bag of meat.  No interactions except for when the money was exchanged. 

Those times, I will admit; I eflt like they were all machines and I didn't mind them being replaced by future robot cars.

...and now it's happening.  but Uber drivers are much better at NOT being on the phone.  Oh, where shall my heart be.

It's definitely rude and 

The fact that there is even a quiet mode now..

It is never acceptable, with a few exceptions.:

1) Emergency.  (also if someone calls repetitively and you suspect it is an emergency.

2) Urgent:  if you ask the rider and if it is brief.  (medical, legal, children.)

3) If you pick up a long ride and have to call your significant other to let them know not to wait for you.  Once again be brief and ask first.

These calls had better be hands free... or stop the car to make the call.

Focus on driving, never acceptable to talk on the phone and drive while you are being paid and are responsible for a passenger.

I'll take very short important calls. (only via speakerphone, and only appropriate conversations, LOL)  Anything else I accept and ask the caller if I can call them back.