We live in an era where we move quickly through our days, multi-tasking trying to get all we can squeeze into a 12 hour period. But we can't allow ourselves the same distractions when we are driving. We need to find a way to not worry about the phone ringing or the emails coming through, fiddling with the radio station, drinking our coffee and eating breakfast on the run. These are all distractions that can cause an accident in a split second. My experience today has brought this even closer to my attention. As a pedestrian trying to cross in the crosswalk, the car approaching distracted by his phone and doesn't see me. I pull back closer to the sidewalk trying to avoid getting hit. He continues on like I wasn't even there. Had I not reacted so quickly I would have been the victim of distracted driving.
Our focus needs to be driving, not all the distractions around us. Yes it's seems difficult, but if you think back even 10 years ago we didn't have half the distractions we have now, mainly our smart phones. Regardless of the laws of no texting while driving and hands free talking, we are still doing it. I see it daily walking just from my home to work. People with their phone to their ear, fiddling to try and answer it, and trying to text while driving. It's down right scary when you think about it. Our eyes are not on the road. We can't put all the blame on the teenagers, as the adults are just as guilty. We need to be the one's that are role models for our children and show them the importance of safe driving.
So let's stop and think for a few seconds next time the phone rings, or a text comes through your phone. Is it so urgent to return that text or call, that you could potentially kill someone or yourself? Really it's not. Let's set a good example for our children and teach them how important it is to drive safely.
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Don't be a distracted driver. Make a pledge to yourself and family to not answer the phone or text while driving.
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