In a split second
Recently, I was party to texting and driving. By that I mean, I was in the passenger seat while my nephew was texting. This made me highly uncomfortable. I asked whom he was texting and he said, “My girlfriend.” The texts went back and forth nearly the entire drive. Finally, he called her to confirm arrangements that I thought were verified 10 texts ago... or the previous day.
That was my first experience with a driver texting and let me say... the two don’t mix. Steering with your knees may seem simple enough, but the road can change quickly. Phone calls behind the wheel seem just as dangerous, yet they happen constantly, laws or no laws. Hands-free seems better, but studies show that drivers are still distracted.
I understand using a cell phone for emergencies. But, what I witnessed was mundane conversation that only distracted my driver. Several people’s lives were at risk in our vehicle, let alone those facing us on the twisting road.
Last year, I worked with two clients who were hit head-on by a driver who was texting at 60 mph. Nothing happened to him, he was totally unaware of what was about to transpire as his car drifted onto the opposite side of the road. But for my clients, it was life changing. They were severely injured, they were in terrible pain, & they couldn’t work. All of that was the result of poor judgement.
I’m bringing all of this to light, not because I judge my nephew or anyone else using a cell phone or gadgets in their cars. However, I do hope that my words strike a cord and people pay more attention to the road and their surroundings than inane conversation via their mobile device.
As I spent time with my nephew, gratitude filled my heart. He put himself out to fill my trip with wonderful memories. But, I also know that in a split second it could have all been completely different.
For the sake of everyone involved, ask yourself, is texting or talking while someone is operating a motorized vehicle, traveling at speeds that may exceed 70 mph, really worth it? Can what you have to say wait? Do you really want to put those you love at risk of life threatening injury?
Being cell phone free my chances of texting are null. However, at this point, I am reevaluating talking to my friends and family while they are on the road. I surely don’t want to put them at risk of injury. That would be an awful end to a pleasant exchange of love and conversation.
In a split second it all changes. My fall from a cliff in 1982 taught me that. One second I was basking in the sun overlooking fantastic autumn foliage. The next second, I was laying on a boulder staring at the heavens wondering what just happened. All in a split second.
Although we may be able to multitask, it isn’t always the wisest choice. Perhaps doing one thing well would serve us better and make all of our lives a little bit more peaceful. I do know that driving is challenging enough without adding outside influences. So, if I happen to call and you are in the car, please ignore it or let me know that it is not a good time to chat.
Be safe in 2012. Keep your cell phones out of your hands AND, let’s be careful out there. Be well... Nancy T.
That was my first experience with a driver texting and let me say... the two don’t mix. Steering with your knees may seem simple enough, but the road can change quickly. Phone calls behind the wheel seem just as dangerous, yet they happen constantly, laws or no laws. Hands-free seems better, but studies show that drivers are still distracted.
I understand using a cell phone for emergencies. But, what I witnessed was mundane conversation that only distracted my driver. Several people’s lives were at risk in our vehicle, let alone those facing us on the twisting road.
Last year, I worked with two clients who were hit head-on by a driver who was texting at 60 mph. Nothing happened to him, he was totally unaware of what was about to transpire as his car drifted onto the opposite side of the road. But for my clients, it was life changing. They were severely injured, they were in terrible pain, & they couldn’t work. All of that was the result of poor judgement.
I’m bringing all of this to light, not because I judge my nephew or anyone else using a cell phone or gadgets in their cars. However, I do hope that my words strike a cord and people pay more attention to the road and their surroundings than inane conversation via their mobile device.
As I spent time with my nephew, gratitude filled my heart. He put himself out to fill my trip with wonderful memories. But, I also know that in a split second it could have all been completely different.
For the sake of everyone involved, ask yourself, is texting or talking while someone is operating a motorized vehicle, traveling at speeds that may exceed 70 mph, really worth it? Can what you have to say wait? Do you really want to put those you love at risk of life threatening injury?
Being cell phone free my chances of texting are null. However, at this point, I am reevaluating talking to my friends and family while they are on the road. I surely don’t want to put them at risk of injury. That would be an awful end to a pleasant exchange of love and conversation.
In a split second it all changes. My fall from a cliff in 1982 taught me that. One second I was basking in the sun overlooking fantastic autumn foliage. The next second, I was laying on a boulder staring at the heavens wondering what just happened. All in a split second.
Although we may be able to multitask, it isn’t always the wisest choice. Perhaps doing one thing well would serve us better and make all of our lives a little bit more peaceful. I do know that driving is challenging enough without adding outside influences. So, if I happen to call and you are in the car, please ignore it or let me know that it is not a good time to chat.
Be safe in 2012. Keep your cell phones out of your hands AND, let’s be careful out there. Be well... Nancy T.
Did you talk to your nephew about his texting while driving?
I'm pretty diplomatic but if someone started texting in a moving car, I would ask them to stop texting immediately or to pull over and stop the car in order to text if getting the message out was that important...
Reply to this
I wish I had thought of doing something other than pointing out that I was uncomfortable. I just froze in this situation. Pulling over may have been a good option. Thanks... Nancy T.
Reply to this