Past hang up and drive
Today we saw a guy driving with two kids in his car while texting with both hands.
The addition of bluetooth and speaker phones on cell phones make driving a car while talking a bit safer. I've done it on occasion too but the reality is you run a risk every time you do something in your car that takes away your full attention from the road. Changing a CD, lighting a cigarette, grabbing something for your child – these all have a chance, even if it is a small one, of leading to a disaster on the road. I'm personally bad about putting on lip gloss driving.
Sometimes the accident isn't even your fault. A small distraction can keep you from seeing another driver weaving, merging or stopping short. No fault accidents happen all the time too – just two people in the wrong spot.
We run that risk with the small chances we take but why would you add more to the risk factor on the road?
When I saw the driver, he wasn't paying attention to the lanes merging so I immediately slowed up to stay away. On the highway, his tires drifted into my lane no less than three times in five minutes. I was happy when I saw him taking an exit but sad for his kids.
I'm not perfect but texting while driving is completely unacceptable. I'm not one for a lot of government oversight of personal behaviors but your personal rights stop when your actions impact on my safety. I too had a child in the car.
Next time I see someone like that I'm tempted to beep but of course, not take my eyes off the road to see!
October 3rd, 2008 at 9:22 am
It is really terrible when people forget about safety rules, especially when someone is sitting in the car except them.
January 6th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
I know that as of January 1st, texting while driving is no longer legal. I think this law should pass in every state for safety sake.