Everyone has distractions throughout their day. Some are more important than others. Many, though, are simply time wasters for us. So, if given the choice to chit chat while driving, texting what you just ate to your bff (also while driving) OR actually paying attention to the road...what would you choose?
Sadly, many of us don't think twice about a quick chat or text while we're driving. Even more sad is that too many of us have created an extension of our offices directly into our vehicles. Laptops are open, cell phones are in constant use and texts are sent back and forth. It seems like drivers are doing everything else.....except driving! I don't know about you, but I think I have enough distractions between the radio, the boys' dvd players or playing referee to a backseat brawl. Do I really need to add my phone to the list?
A distracted driver has crossed my path on more than one occasion. Thankfully, I wasn't seriously hurt but I did have to deal with the consequences afterward. The first time I was simply waiting for a car to pass me by as I backed out of a driveway. I saw the car coming, stopped backing out and waited. I was still stopped in the driveway when the driver veered onto the sidewalk and hit me. I was completely caught off guard as she rammed into me. How could she not see me? Turns out she was on her cell phone and drifted onto the sidewalk. Only problem is that since I was the one in reverse, I was charged with the accident.....even though I was not in motion. Not only did I have to deal with a banged up car, but my rates went up and I had a ding on my record. Life is definitely not fair!
The second distracted driver entered my life as I slowed down for an approaching ambulance. The three drivers behind me followed suit, but the fourth guy was a bit busy answering a call. Imagine that. Fortunately, my truck only sustained some minor damage to the bumper. That fourth guy wasn't so fortunate. He totaled his brand new Mercedes. I hope that call was really important!
My reason for sharing this is not to amuse you, but to inform. You may already be aware of Oprah's campaign to STOP talking/texting while driving. Or maybe you're not. Either way, I feel like I need to get the word out further to prevent any future accidents from happening. In my case, no one was physically harmed...only the vehicles.
For many others, though, the outcome hasn't been so good. Oprah shared a few of their heart wrenching stories a couple of months ago when she launched her campaign. We all have family and friends that we care for. No one should ever be just a statistic.
I know that many think that Oprah's asking too much of them. Completely stop talking, texting or emailing while I'm driving? Oh, the horror! To pacify these type of people she revised her pledge form. You can now agree to stop all of the above in increments or all at once. You decide. The point is we all need to do something, whether it be a little or a lot. You never know who's life you'll be saving. It could be your very own.
