For starters, I am guilty of using my phone at stop lights, calling my parents on speakerphone will driving, and occasionally looking to my cup holder when my phone buzzes with a notification. So, I am not trying to say that I am perfect, this is a wake-up call for myself too. I hope people come to understand this is important to me; it is an epidemic in our society that needs to be highlighted on and ceased. So excuse my rant but still listen to the message.

I have known people in accidents or killed because someone involved in the crash was on their phone. I get yelled at when I try to ask someone to stop texting while I'm in the car. "I've driven for three years and have used my phone all the time while driving. Stop being so nervous, I got this." Next thing you know I'm being jerked in my seat because they weren't paying attention to people in front of them braking. If I'm really close to you, I have pulled your phone out of your hand before to stop you. I do directions on my phone, music on my phone, or phone calls on my phone so the driver will not be using theirs. If you are doing this with a passenger in your car, you are risking not only your life but theirs as well. That doesn't mean just because it's only you in the car means being on your phone is okay; there are hundreds of other drivers on the road that you could harm too. I'm done hearing "Just one text" "Just one skip" because it's never just one time.

The day after a guy I knew died in my high school from a car crash, I could barely get my friend to walk into that school. Entire sports teams stayed out of class that day. Teachers refused to teach that day because it was too difficult for them to look at an empty desk. It's not just your life that you are hurting by texting. You have family, friends, and a community that knows you and will have a hard time moving on after you pass away. Do not make the stupid mistake of just one more text message; it could be the last one you ever send. Will it be worth it then?

Please think about more than yourself in this situation. Be careful of your surroundings at all times in the car, because you may not use your phone will driving, but someone on the road may. Have passengers direct you or put your phone in a safe location when using directions, so you are not distracted, but can easily find your way. Whether your drive is 10 minutes or 10 hours, it is never worth the risk of your life or someone else's. Pull over off the road safely if it is essential that you use your phone.