Cell phones, texting, screaming kids it is a miracle that we make it from one place to the next in one piece! Today we’re talking to Ed Malouf, Glendale Police Officer, about things we do in the car that endanger our family and people around us as we discuss, “Are you a distracted driver?”
Well, as I try to type this post out on my cell phone while I’m driving, changing the radio station, giving Spencer a snack and swatting at Jason I would have to say NOT AT ALL! Obviously I’m exaggerating, but I will say I’ve seen acrobatics about this complicated done by other parents driving down the road. It’s nothing short of the Olympics in my humble opinion.
We have to ask ourselves, if we are teaching our children such a bad habit with the technology we have in our hands today, how bad will the habit be when they can drive? And how much more elaborate will the technology be?
I don’t know about you, but I worry about my children, ages 4 and 7, going outside to ride their bikes. The thought of them setting out in a vehicle on the open road isn’t really one I care to entertain at this time in my life. Drunk driving used to be the scariest thing to worry about but I’m not sure that is the case anymore.
This article from the New York Times dated June 2009, the most recent year data has been released about distracted driving statistics, states that distracted driving is actually more dangerous than drunk driving.
Another article by CNBC on the topic explains that even worse, distracted driving doesn’t have a stigma attached to it the way drunk driving does. Drunk driving is a social humiliation that we are warned against from a young age. If you drink and get behind a wheel, you could kill someone. But everyone checks their email in traffic. Even mom and dad. Especially mom and dad.
So how many of our children are going to need to die in accidents before we place a social stigma on texting, checking email and posting to Facebook while we drive down the road? Sure, we all think we can handle distracted driving. We have it under control, we’re just going a short distance and it’ll be fine. To me, this all sounds eerily familiar.
I have the chance to give away two gift cards to people who leave engaged comments on this post.
So tell me, what is your opinion on distracted driving and what can we do to change the way people think about the topic?
*I received compensation for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.
*Open to US residents ages 18+ only. Contest ends Thursday Sepetmeber 13th at Midnight EST.
Here are your random numbers:
32
Timestamp: 2012-12-08 03:26:49 UTC
Winner $50 Gift Card is Kadea Hutchinson!
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121
Timestamp: 2012-12-08 03:34:26 UTC
Congrats Trisha $25 Gift Card
At the rate we are going, it won’t be long before auto manufacturers are offering a new model with a “texting keyboard built in to the steering wheel” so you won’t have to hold your cellphone in your hands, and you can be looking forward at the road at the same time you are texting that LOL in response to some stupid message.
Teens especially need to have some sort of training that includes seeing photos or videos of cars that have been wrecked or people with irreparable injuries from accidents that happened while texting. Everyone needs to have their full attention on the road while driving.
I have no doubt that drunk driving is safer. Drunk people know they’re drunk, and try to compensate by going slower, sticking to back roads, etc. Distracted people think they’re fine and drive like drunks.
It’s not just cell phones that distract.
A friend of mine flipped her car when she reached to get a bottle for her baby who was screaming in in her car seat. (She had been sleeping soundly, but woke up hungry.) The mom has said since that she wishes she could go back in time and tell herself: “No baby has ever starved in that short of time, nor has one cried itself to death. Mine can wait the 2-5 minutes it would take to get to the next exit.” She added that “Allowing her to cry a few minutes to drive to an exit does NOT make me a bad mother (although it sure feels like it when her face is beet red)”.
Note: The children in the car sustained only minor scrapes, but the mother broke her back in two places.
I feel distracted driving is a major issue that is not emphasized enough. Drivers forget the importance of focusing on the task at hand. Driving requires concentration without texting or daydreaming. The media should report accidents that were caused by a distracted driver to show that harm is caused by drivers who are not paying attention to the road.
Last year, there was a horrible car accident in my small town. A woman was texting and slammed into a car that was turning in front of her. The impact was at around 60 MPH and there were no signs of her slowing down before hitting the other car. All four family members were sent to the hospital, including a small baby and a toddler. The baby later died. The driver that killed the baby by texting was 43 years old. Distracted Driving should be placed in the same category as a DUI because people can turn a means of transportation into a weapon when they don’t pay attention.
tarter95 at hotmail dot com
While I would absolutely not endorse either one of them I think that distracted drivers may actually be more dangerous. Drunk drivers are very dangerous, no doubt, but they generally are very focused on the road and worried about getting caught or wrecking (although their reactions and reflexes are extremely hampered). Distracted drivers are worse because they are not devoting any attention to their driving. They might be looking at their phone or in the rear view mirror and because in many places the distractions are not illegal people have a false assumption it is safe. I personally would rather have a drunk person trying hard to pay attention than a distracted person not even looking at the road (in a perfect road neither would be driving).
Besides having laws against texting and driving, I think there needs to be a campaign about distracted driving. I definitely keep my eyes on the road at all times, but I can see how someone can get distracted with a car full of kids. Teenagers driving with their friends in the car would easily get distracted by them, and they think they’re invincible. We’ve had quite a few teen fatalities in our county because of car accidents…alcohol hasn’t been involved so I think speeding and distractions are probably the main causes of those accidents.
It’s scary as heck – I’ve seen some crazy videos. I think the more videos there are, the better with equating it to drunk driving.
We need to educate people about the dangers of using a cell phone while driving.
Maybe there ought to be mandatory videos at the BMV for all who are getting licenses or renewals. Education is the key. Budget limitations have eliminated driver’s ed in the schools in my state so it’s up to parents to have a good talk with their kids about the subject.
I think it is an issue that could prevent a lot of senseless deaths and accidents if addressed properly.
Distracted driving makes me so mad. No one’s life is worth a phone call or text message. Put the phones down when you’re driving! I’m glad NY has a hands free law, it just needs to be more enforced.
Distracted Driving is really a big problem. We need to make people more aware. Maybe by running more tv add’s and magazine adds.
Education is key. I think having permit drivers watching videos of distracted drivers and even doing simulated driving in a simulator using distracted devices so they can see the results would be helpful.
I’d support a progressive fine structure that starts off modest – say $10 and progresses with each repeat offense. I’d offer traffic school in lieu of fines.
I have almost been hit, or seen someone distracted driving every single time I drive now. Just yesterday I was behind an older, senior driver (it isn’t only the young drivers) who was talking on his cell phone. He was weaving between two lanes the whole length of the road. I kept honking at him, but he didn’t stop. When he went to turn, I watched him pull out without even looking.
The thing of it is, distracted drivers are NOT worse than drunk drivers. They are the same. They CHOOSE to do the things they are doing, and put other people’s lives in danger. We need to strengthen the penalities for accidents caused by this behavior. In my town there have been fatal accidents caused by this. If they don’t strengthen the laws, this behavior will just keep hurting people.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
Today alone, I was nearly in an accident due to drivers on cell phones. Only because I was NOT on a phone was I able to react to their stupidity in time.
Distracted driving is up there with drunk driving. You really need to try to keep your eyes on the road at all times.
I feel that it’s just as bad as drunk driving. You need to keep eyes on the road at all times and even the slightest error in judgement can cause an accident. Those errors in judgement increase with being distracted. I am not sure what the solution is to be honest.
kport207 at gmail dot com
I think distracted driving is very dangerous. Here in MI it is illegal to text and drive, but many still text while stopped at a light – that should not be permitted either!
distracted driving can only be eliminated by education and laws. Look how long it took for people to wear seat belts!!!!
I detest distracted driving. Cell phones are terrible for this, as people think that they can concentrate on both. Most people can’t even safely text while WALKING! I’ve almost been hit by texting drivers several times, even though my city has a law against texting while driving. I just wish people would realize that t’s dangerous to themselves and others!
I’m tired of drivers who don’t pay attention! Get off of your phone and drive! I think all states need laws concerning being on the cell phone while driving.
No phone conversation is worth it! I have made a major effort to turn around my bad rabbit of distracted driving and am happy to say I just don’t do it anymore! Make the change today…its well workforce it.
I think every time you have to renew your license you have to watch videos on what has happened to people who were talking/texting, anything while driving & got into accidents. It may wake some people up.
I think distracted driving is a real problem. There needs to be more education on the subject and possibly stricter laws against texting and driving and use of cellphones.
Obesity gets a lot of attention as the thing that will make the life expectancy of the up-and-coming generation lower than their parents’. But distracted driving, specifically texting, is just as big a concern. We are responsible for our own safety, that of our kids, and everyone else on the road. A text, your make-up, an important call – none of these things are worth endangering so many lives.
I see people driving and texting or talking on the phone all the time. Many of them are young drivers. I think parents and high school teachers should educate teenagers about how dangerous is texting or cell phone use while driving.
I got angry every time when I saw those distracted driving. I’ve seen people texting, on the phone, even applying mascara, they can’t even drive straight. Both education and severe punishment are required regarding this life-and-death issue because you are not only commit suicide but threaten other people’s lives.
personally i used to do this before all the attention and i stopped doing it myself after seeing how it affected my driving , the swerving, veering , near misses and such , im just glad i stopped before anything real bad happened the only way to stop it would be with advanced techonlogies that take away the distraction part of it cause like it or not texting is a part of our culture.
Distracted driving hurts so many people but other than ad compaigns and perhaps doing school seminars I am not sure what else would be productive.
Maybe a school play on distracted driving and possible outcomes.
I personally do not text and drive or talk on the phone and drive. I find it really irresponsible and dangerous. Not only are you putting yourself in danger, but also the lives of those in the vehicle with you and any other cars or pedestrians around you. I often get onto my boyfriend for texting and driving and have almost broken his habit of doing so. I tell him that I dont appreciate him putting my life in danger. I enjoy my life. Anything can happen in the blink of an eye and for you to text and drive or talk and drive is just moronic in my opinion.
I think instead of a little ticket, they should start arresting people for texting, talking on their cell phones and doing their makeup while driving. Pop a few stories on the news about it every few months. The problem will take care of itself. Distracted driving is much more dangerous than speeding.
People don’t realize how dangerous it can be. The more videos of real life situations that people see may make them change their habits.
I live in CA and we have laws against texting/talking on your phone while driving. It’s dangerous! My friend and her son were recently rear-ended by a teen on her phone. It’s bad enough that in our society everyone is in a rush and there are so many angry drivers, so throwing distracted drivers into the mix makes for some scary driving experiences. I was always taught to drive defensively because you never know if the person in the other car is giving their full attention to driving. Sometimes I wish there was a tip line to call when I see people on their phones while driving.
I’m not sure, but I never get distracted, I’m too scared of the consequences and I hope most people will too. I also think people who text while driving should be very careful not to injure themselves or other’s.
chrissylea1979 (at)gmail(dot) com
I live in CA and although we have laws again texting and using cell phones in cars, they still do it, I see it all the time. I guess the monetary penalty isn’t high enough to deter people. I saw an accident once where this young guy was shaving his face with a cordless electric shaver and wasn’t paying attention and caused an accident. I just don’t understand why people do it.
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
people just need to pay attention to the road and only do that 1 task
I see way too many people distracted on cell phones. And what irritates me most is when you see someone in a very expensive, new car, and they are still holding their phone up to their ear when more than likely their car has bluetooth capability. I think there should be more awareness and more stats to show citizens the dangers of driving while talking/texting on a cell phone.
I saw an ad for a car recently that has a screen on the dash like an ipad, so you can check things with a touch of a finger – they used Facebook as an example in the ad. WHY are you checking Facebook in the car? I guarantee there’s nothing that important that it can’t wait. Texting drives me absolutely crazy. Phones should be hands free or emergency dial only while in a car – or fines should be severe. It’s out of control. I commute almost one hour a day on a very busy road, and i see people do it all the time, and I see people putting on make up, etc. You’re behind the wheel of a 3,000 pound machine. Pay attention!
There have been some pretty disturbing PSAs on the subject–I’m surprised that they’re not very effective yet. Opening up a dialogue should help…increased awareness of the problem can only improve things. The bottom line is, people need to stop multitasking, and I’m not sure how soon people will change their habits.
Disable cell phones in moving vehicles except for 911 calls
Distracted driving is a true threat to us all. Part of the problem is the obsession people have to be constantly connected. We are living in an unreal reality. We sacrifice moments with our loved ones in the present for what – a text? Parenting is being present with our children, but how often do you see a parent on the phone dragging a child with them ? A baby or child needs to be held, , talked to and loved. Our phone does not.
I think there should be laws in every state that forbid cell phone use while driving. Make the penalties very strong if someone breaks this law.
I believe the main culprit of distracted driving is texters. Texting while driving is extremely dangerous, as well as applying makeup, messing with radio controls, and eating. All of these things can be fixed by simple time management and scheduling. Prepare to spend that 5 or so minutes communicating, preparing for a drive, or primping yourself while the engine is not running. You may also explain the importance of paying attention while driving to small children. All of these things will make for a safer drive for you, your family and others.
I never drive while texting or talking on the phone. It really is distracting. I guess a law banning cell phone use would help to eliminate some accidents.
I get so mad when I see people texting and driving. I don’t understand what the urgency is. It sounds harsh, but maybe it should be illegal to use cell phones while driving. It might save quite a few lives.
My state has already made talking on a handheld phone while driving a primary offense (it used to be secondary – you could be charged for it if you were being pulled over for something else). That’s a step in the right direction. I don’t think there are any laws about texting and driving on the books yet, though. People ARE becoming more aware of the dangers, though, and awareness is a huge factor in cutting down on incidents. I’m careful to only look at texts (I’m not a big texter anyway) at traffic lights or during the STOP portion of stop and go traffic. Once things are in motion, it’s hands on the wheel and eyes forward!
In my state they dont allow text and driving. I agree 100% with it. I hope that they take aay talking and diving soon that too is distracting. That too will save many lives.
Phone and car makers need to get smarter because people sure won’t. People are just stupid and inconsiderate. Everyone thinks they are in such a rush and they’ll cut you off or cause an accident to save a 1/2 second on their commute. Personally, I’d love to be able to pull people over myself when I see them driving and texting. Citizens Arrest, or at least Citizens Smashing other Citizen’s Phones.
I have to admit I am totally distracted while driving. I want to text. I get bored at stop lights. ugh I don’t know how to change it.
As a pedestrian, I have nearly been run over by drivers on cell phones more times than I care to count. As a driver, I fear for my life when I look over and see the driver of the car next to me texting at 65 mph on the freeway.
I have a rule that I don’t use my phone while I’m driving. If someone calls, I let the phone ring. I might mention the reason I didn’t answer when I call back, but other than that, I rarely tell people not to talk on the phone while driving. I think others are more likely to follow than they are to be pushed…. Now texting and driving – I am very vocal about reprimanding those I know who do it.
I think lots of info, commercials, new tech that turns off phone when driving
I think its a shame- people just think about cell phones. I think there needs to be awareness brought to kids that eating, lighting a smoke, gps and even talking iwth your friends can distract you. Everyone is guilty of doing something – I go fishing behind my seat for lost toys and bottles while driving to keep my son quiet – police need to inforce laws and if there is none we need to adapt laws to help cover this off. In Toronto Ontario the mayor was caught driving while reading the paper doing 70km on a major road and he was not charged – what kind of example does that set to the people of Ontario?
My teen daughter has lost two very good friends to texting and driving. Now she won’t even drive herself. She’s terrified. I think it’s just going to get worse and there is no way of stopping distracted drivers. Everyone thinks they have that “split second” to grab the phone, text, tend to a baby, eat, or drink while driving. And that’s when an accident happens.
great people do not realize they do this
Some people have no common sense and just don’t think. Make my day, please
There are a lot of education and PSA efforts to curtail phone/text use while driving that mostly point to the possibility of having an accident. I think that most people–certainly teens–do not believe that *they* will have an accident. Like accidents are something that happen to someone else. Maybe an element of “shame” or “uncoolness” would help in a way similar to how peer pressure works. Something that says, “Dude, pull over if you need to text.” Or showing teens pulled off the road texting. As for the mom mentioned in an earlier comment who became distracted by a crying baby, I think the commenter is right–the message must be “You are the mother. You are in control. Nothing bad ever happened to a baby who had to wait 5 minutes for a bottle.”
We just need to learn to slow down for heaven’s sake.
Distracted driving is a big issue. We have had drivers almost run into us from the other lane because they were on the phone or reading.
I think that cell phones are the worst thing to happen to cars, GOD BLESS AND KEEP YA’LL SAFE IN HIS LOVING ARMS.
education about the issue is important, but the sad reality is that most people won’t listen to it until it affects them personally in some way
I think distracted drivers are also very dangerous, we need to make people very aware of this
It’s hard to get people to obey the laws when the very people who are supposed to be enforcing them are also breaking them! I see too may policemen talking on cell phones and without their seat belts on while driving around. We see this and think that if cops can do this, and get away with it, so can we. I believe there should be a device in all vehicles that prohibits use of electronic gadgets. Maybe vehicles should have built-in 911 in case of emergency. Unless drastic steps are taken, there will be more deaths due to people doing stupid things while driving. Don’t mean to offend anyone, but these are my thoughts.
enter me thanks
I think that people should disable their cell phones while driving,that way they won’t get too distracted .
i think it should be illegal to text and talk on the phone while driving… and if a cop sees you doing something else besides concentrating on the road, he should be able to pull you over.
Just the other day my husband and I saw a young girl texting while driving. She was looking down and not at the road at all and was subsequently swerving all over the road. It is illegal in my state, but it doesn’t seem to be enforced. I really think cell phones should be deactivated while the keys are in the ignition. If you need to text or get directions or have a conversation, you can pull over, turn off the vehicle and then take care of the situation.
no texting or ticketed
We where almost a victim of distracted driving this year. As we where driving down a completely straight stretch of road a pickup truck swerved right into our lane. I began honking frantically and just as I was about to swerve off the road the driver pulled back into his lane and as he passed we saw that he had his cell phone held with both hands at the top of his steering wheel and was looking down at it. I really think that there should be required class about the dangers of distracted driving that everyone must take to either get a drivers license or have to take at least once to renew their license.
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com
It is sad that there are so many accidents because of distractions. It would be hard to ticket everyone who puts on makeup or texts so I’m honestly not sure what could be done. I think people need to realize what they are doing on their own. I think talks at schools would be beneficial to relay the risks of driving with distractions
I can’t stand bad drivers! When you are in the drivers seat, you should be driving, nothing else! No texting, dancing, applying makup, discipling your children, etc….. ugh!
Give the police the manpower to pull these yahoos over and ticket them. It would be just a little while before the cost of the additional coverage is overtaken by the income!
Money talks. If a teen had to pay for a ticket out of their own pocket they’d think twice.
I talk to my daughters about this all the time and have drilled into them the dangers of driving and texting. I think it is very scary that you could lose a loved one to something so senseless like chatting or texting on a phone while driving.I think more awareness should be taught in school and huge fines should be given for the ones caught doing it and then they might think twice before doing it again when it hits their wallet.
Did you know that the #1 cause of death of people under the age of 34 is car accidents? We DO NOT take driving as seriously as we should. It is EXTREMELY dangerous and should be treated that way.
Texting, applying makeup, dipping your chicken nuggets, whatever, it’s all distracted driving and I see people do it every single day.
To be honest, I think the age of drivers should be increased and speed limits should be decreased.
I am a certified distracted driver and not proud of it so I now just hide my cell from myself and drive without music on
I think distracted driving is very dangerous.
itsjustme62613 at gmail.com
I hate when I see someone driving distracted. I once was rear ended by a distracted driver. I was at a dead stop and she rammed right into me because she was on her phone. THe worst thing is she had a child in the car. I wish more people would be made aware of how bad it is. I think if more stats were put out it might help
Distracted drivers terrify me. I was actually rear-ended some twenty years ago by someone on a cell phone. I don’t want more government regulations, so I would suggest more education on the dangers and the statistics as public service announcements.
I think it should be against the law to text and drive and to talk on the phone,\\ unless you have an earpiece or speakerphone, then it would be the same as talking to a passenger in the car. You shouldn’t really drink hot liquids, either, but that would be hard to enforce. I’be
I see people weaving all over the road, then when we get even with them, they are texting! Drives me crazy! It is putting us all in danger. I think we’ve been driving so long that we forget how dangerous a car really can be if we’re not paying attention. I know I’ve been guilty of driving distracted because of very noisy kids!
I think distracted drivers are very dangerous. It only takes one second to look away and cause an accident. I think their should be stricter laws against texting and driving
The nature of people makes it difficult to completely eradicate this problem. Brains get bored and wander, so I think the only way to go would be to begin to remove control from drivers. Soon, computer chips will be inexpensive enough to be imbedded in roads!
It is very difficult to change people because everyone believes they can drive well even when being distracted. Unfortunately the consequences are life changing for someone involved in an accident.
Beyond banning talking and texting while driving I don’t see an easy fix.
brich22 at earthlink dot net
I know my kids probably think I’m not a very fun mom, but when we are in the car, things have to be calm and voices quiet. There is no yelling or goofing around. We have to set the example for our kids and get off the gadgets.
it is a problem,we have to crack down on what is done in a car,nothing is worth death!
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
Since I almost got rammed twice this morning twice by people switching lanes at the last second because they looked up from their phones and realized they were in the wrong lane, I know distracted driving is a big problem. I was taught defensive driving forever ago, unfortunately this is not what my girls learned in their own drivers ed classes so I had to teach them.
It’s one of those things, though, that it seems like we’ll have to have a certain amount of deaths before they do something proactive- it’s one thing to be talking and driving esp on a bluetooth headset but texting is ridiculous and out of hand. Pull over if you need your message that badly before you get where you are going.
People are so stupid. They don’t have any idea that if they make a mistake that will cost a lot not only to them but to others who are innocent. I like officer telling about, that people take average 4.96 seconds to text and that is enough to cross a football field. Pheeeew…..
My suggestion is to provide multiple pictures on road to be careful, not to text/eat etc. We should convey this message via FM/radio because lot of drivers listen to radio. Lastly but not the least, I believe we should stop using phones in the car. Not even to see the clock or whatever. And we should apply this in every state.
Thanks.
I don’t talk on my phone when I’m driving because I know I can’t concentrate on two things at once. I do change the radio and occasionaly eat while I’m driving but I do that while keeping my eyes on the road. I’m glad more states have laws against texting while driving. I agree it’s a big problem,
More andmore states are passing laws against texting or talking on the phone while driving. Hands free devices are better, but not by much. But it’s not just phones that are the problem. People eat and drink and argue in cars. Those are all distractions. I once saw a woman putting on makeup while driving on the freeway.
Distracted driving is all too common and not just because of texting. I don’t know what would work to educate people. More videos of the consequences maybe? But some people would still not get it,I’m afraid. We have a no texting and driving law but I have seen people now obviously holding their phone down “out of sight” to text while driving.
Educations against distracted driving should be mandatory in driver’s education. Something like Oprah’s No Phone Zone pledge should be a major discussion between teens and their parents. I have a hard time telling the difference between drunk drivers and distracted drivers since they both seem to drive similarly; I think the fines/punishment should be similar since both can kill.
I think that celebrities speaking out about it is a good thing because kids for some reason respond to that better than when parents tell them.
I think texting is one of the worst inventions ever.
Distracted driving is absolutely horrible and way too normal these days. Texting is just one of the few ways people are distracted but it can really be anything from finding something in your purse to simply changing the radio station. Cell phones are great to have in the car for emergency reasons but people are definitely abusing them by texting, talking while driving, and even using them for gps in some circumstances. It is incredibly sad to hear about the many deaths that could have easily been prevented by not being distracted. If someone told you that you can save a life by putting your cell phone away while driving, would you?
Driving while distracted is a bad idea. If kids are crying, by all means, pull off the road. A cell phone? This, in my opinion, is the most senseless thing anyone can do. There is nobody worth getting into a wreck and killing yourself for. Wait before reading and texting back. The phone rings? There’s voice mail. I don’t even bring my phone with me. Whoever calls is going to have to wait til I get back home. I do not have children, but I know well enough to pull off. Not only am I putting MYSELF in harm’s way, but my children would be my life! It’s called common sense, and I’m afraid this is becoming less and less. I think cell phones should be B-A-N-N-E-D!!!
Ongoing marketing and PSA’s. Continued education in schools and communities.
I think there are loads of distractions both from inside the car and outside. It isn’t just cell phones, it’s loud music, screaming kids, etc. Life happens. People need to learn to cope with that and try to keep their attention on the road.
Distracted driving applies to all of us and we need to make ourselves more aware of it. A lot of it is Phone, texting and so forth but we forget about talking to the person in the next seat or back seat or reaching for something that has fallen and so forth, also our emotions, if we are angry at someone or thinking about a problem we need to solve, When we get in our cars we need to focus and clear our minds and just think about driving our car in a defensive manner. We need more education in centering ourselves for the moment.
The media has not done much to help bring awareness to this issue- if they can do Ads about “Don’t Drink and Drive”, then why not on distracted driving?
This is very scary. I see it daily! As someone who walks every single morning in my neighborhood, I have to walk defensively! I have to make sure I can see the eyes of the drivers so I know they aren’t going to be running over me any time soon. I wish people would just zen out in the car, but instead, I’m seeing people on the phone, listening to the radio, talking to people in the back seat, smoking, speeding, etc, all at the same time. That’s all reflected in their lane usages.
It seems that people get behind the wheel and their whole personality changes. They no longer view the outside world as real. The people are not human to them. If they hit a few, kill someone — who cares? The punishment won’t be harsh anyway. That needs to change.
Distracted drivers don’t even realize they are distracted-I see it all the time, and the assume that everyone else is looking out for them. They honk at everyone else as if to say, “Can’t you see I am trying to put my make-up on”! You can be distracted in your thoughts as well-you don’t have to be talking on the cell phone, or texting or dealing with your children. You can be in deep thought or daydreaming and that is just as bad.
It is a huge problem that is getting worse. I think seeing the wrecked cars or the commercial I saw lately with the paralyzed teen who says that text wasn’t worth it.
i think distracted driving is worse than drunk driving. i focus on driving when i am driving and not texting or talking on the phone while i drive.
I think distracted driving is very dangerous. I’m not sure how to change it either. In Indiana we have a ‘no texting while driving’ law, but I still see people texting! Maybe if the law was coupled with a high level of enforcement people would end up thinking it’s not worth it? I don’t know, this is a difficult issue.
Thanks for the giveaway…I am very pessimistic about this problem; just today I read of a young rap star, Ervin McKinness, who tweeted a message while drunk driving with a car full of friends that included “YOLO” (you only live once): minutes later all died in a fiery crash. Granted, he was drunk, but the larger point is that teens & young adults today are glued to their smartphones for most of their waking hours, operating a motor vehicle included. Perhaps it will take a tragedy close to home for them to learn the danger of being distracted while driving.
I believe we have to seriously crack down on using cell phones while driving for one. I can not tell you how many times my boyfriend or my younger siblings are using their cell phones and I tell them is it seriously worth it? However everyone thinks it won’t happen to them. My mother has even hit the curb while trying to text and this WAS NOT an old woman this was when she was like 38! People believe that their phone is such a major point of their life they are willing to do ANYTHING to not be separated it for a minute, including using it while on the road. I think it is insane. I am 21, and have no addiction to my phone whatsoever! I don’t need to answer my girls texts, or calls right away. They can wait. I don’t need to check through my apps and see what is going on! People have become so dependent on their phones. I have seen familys eating dinner and all of them on their phones looking on youtube, checking emails, texting friends. Technology addiction KILLS, just like drinking and or doing drugs while driving. I think that for some people it will take losing someone close to get through their own heads how serious it is! Or for them to get injured themselves. Frankly, people just don’t learn! There are so many videos and anti texting ads and one day doesn’t go by when I don’t see someone using their phone.
When people are on their cell phones, they are distracted. I see it all the time. They should outlaw phone use while driving.
I put my phone in the back to I won’t be tempted to touch it. I don’t eat while driving either. It’s too dangerous!
California & New York have hands free laws, I think all states should. it will not stop all distractions but it will curb a big one.
I get very worried about distracted drivers on the road. I’m hoping that tougher laws get passed to curve this behavior.
lead by example
I am absolutely against any use of the phone while driving. I do not do it and I have yelled at other drivers for driving distracted. I am in favor of laws that fine drivers for using the phone while behind the wheel.
Distracted driving yes is the same as intoxicated driving when your brain is just as impaired…..more penalties needed
I think laws are being passed to keep people focused on driving. Here, we can get a ticket if we are caught texting or having a phone in our hand while driving.
I think that we need tougher laws on those who cause accidents because they are distracted. This is especially true of those who are on the phone or texting while driving. I think that if we really fight hard for harsher punishments starting with our local governments we can all make a difference as all of our lives are in danger by drivers who are not focused on just driving.
lauraemerson17 at yahoo dot com
One of my pet peeves, and one of the most dangerous to me and anyone else on the road near a distracted driver. More education is needed.
Thanks for the contest.
I wish that drivers wouldn’t try to drive and text. Taking a phone call is alright but it’s scary to imagine how long people may take their eyes off the road to text.
My opinion is a car is for driving only I see people driving recklessly eating and driving its not just cell phones and kids its eating and loud music too.
tanyajoshanti81@gmail.com
Distracted Driving is a major problem. I see people doing all different kinds of things wile driving. I think the only way to change people’s behavior is to have some sort of punishment as a deterrance. Banning using cell phones while driving is one example that is proposed.
Only certain states & cities have restrictive laws when it comes to cell phones. I think there needs to be a nationwide law about the use of cell phones while driving. Sometimes I have to talk while I am driving, but there is speakerfone and bluetooth options. I never talk while holding my phone. I keep both hands on the steering wheel. In fact, there has been one case I wanted to contact someone by text, but I pulled over into a parkinglot to look and respond to an important message. I should not risk my life or anyone around me over a message.
I also think the DMV needs to implement more eye tests. There are some people who have a license and drive that can barely see well enough. I know there are vision tests every so often, but I think depending on age and what not… we need to make sure that the people who cannot see well enough should not be driving.
I set an example for my daughter. I always put my phone in my purse when driving and am careful when driving and I always tell her why this is important. When a car in front of me stops suddenly, I explain to her what could have happened if for a split second, I had not been paying attention. I hope these lessons stick with her when she starts driving!
I don’t do any of those things.