Texting while driving has been banned in 35 states across the country. Florida is among only 7 states with no ban. I know it's shocking that the state of Florida is falling behind on yet another policy issue.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/state/florida-not-so-friendly-to-ntsb-suggested-ban-2030426.html
My husband just gave me the new Iphone 4s for my birthday in November and I am the first to admit that I am obsessed with it. A few days ago I very nearly ran into the back of a car stopped at a light because I was reading something on my phone and not paying attention to traffic. It scared me so much that I put it away and am now taking the advice of putting my entire purse in the backseat of the car when I drive so that I am not tempted to use my phone.
Research has found that driving while texting is more dangerous than driving under the influence.
There was a great campaign a few years ago that said, "It can wait." That's a powerful message that whatever you are doing on your phone is not as important as driving carefully and without the distraction of your fantastic phone!
Put it away. Put your purse and bags in the backseat. Turn on NPR and focus on the road.
"It can wait",agreed however, until it becomes public policy the streets will continue to be dangerous. One should always be a defensive driver and buckle up for safety!
ReplyDeleteHaving two children of driving age, with fancy phones that beckon them with all kinds of sounds, beeps, and whistles, it is a constant concern, especially here in Florida, where your awareness level needs to be extremely high. I agree with Cal's comment about driving defensively and using the seatbelts, in the back seat as well as the front! Let's hope Florida joins the majority and approaches this issue with greater sensibility!
DeleteI drive a stick shift, so it's pretty impossible to text and drive, but I admit that on occassion, I talk on the phone through the built in bluetooth on my car. It's still very distracting, so I just pullover if I really need to make a call. My ten year old son gives me a lecture if I make a call while driving, so I have to set an example. I hope he still feels that way when he gets his license.
ReplyDeleteI am definitely guilty of texting while driving. Since, I use my phone for so many different things, I've convinced myself that it has to at least be on my lap for easy access. I think it should be illegal to be honest with you. I've almost hit a few cars because of it. "it can wait"
ReplyDeleteI'm guilty of using my phone for everything while driving. I've noticed many times how I am too distracted while looking at it, and even while watching the road and just talking on it I lose my concentration on driving and my sense of direction. I saw the other day a woman who was on her phone talking and just sitting in the middle of an intersection when she had the green light. Other motorists and I were looking at each other like "what is she doing?”. I thought, “Does she have car trouble or something”? Then she put down the phone and continued on. I realized then that she had only just been distracted by the conversation on the phone and that she could have caused and accident. I think all cell phone use should be illegal while driving and then I will have to make the sacrifice of putting mine away. Right now I am too tempted to use it.
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