The Wonders of Texting While Driving!

           As many of us have experience while on the road there is an increasingly dangerous trend among drivers that is resulting in a staggering drop in driving safety. All too frequently while driving I notice someone driving carelessly, swaying back and forth across their lane, and even venturing over the dotted lines into parallel traffic. More often than not as I cautiously approach the vehicle to pass and avoid being part of their potential disaster I notice that the driver is doing more than just driving. I constantly find myself passing cars, and glancing over only to see the driver is keeping their eyes trained on their phone more than the road. This is especially upsetting when the car is filled with children, who are completely unaware of the danger their parent or driver is putting them in.

            The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2008 driver distraction was the cause of 16% of fatal crashes. This led to 5,800 people being killed, and 21% resulting in injury, that’s 515,000 people wounded. While not all of the distracted drivers may have been texting or using a cell phone to distract them, I would certainly venture to guess that the use of a mobile device to text, e-mail, facebook, or make a phone call played a role in a large number of these accidents. 50% of teens that were interviewed about texting while driving admitted to texting while driving.

            Currently there is no National ban on texting or using wireless phones while driving. There is a number of States however that require the use of Hands Free Devices, one of which I believe is Massachusetts. While there is no real cut and dry, simple way to prevent teens, or adults from texting or using their phone while driving, there is things you can do. For one, children learn from their parents, so parents must lead by example. If you have to use your phone while you are driving, simply pull over to a safe area, and send your texts or make your phone calls. Taking a minute out of your day to ensure the safety of you, your passengers, and everyone on the road with you is better than losing your life, or having a lifetime of guilt for killing someone else. Take the time to talk to your kids and educate them of the hazards, simply give them clear, simple instructions. Hopefully by providing the proper information and practicing what you preach your driving practices will be followed.