When I started driving lessons, my step-dad made me put my phone in the trunk. I thought this was ridiculous and that he was proving how old he was. Did he not understand how much I needed my phone? I was wrong on two things: he wasn't that old and he knew the urge to check my phone would distract me from driving.
After receiving my license, I promised to leave my phone in the middle console until I arrived at my destination. A few months later, the phone moved to my cupholder, where I could check it at red lights. Later, I would check it at stop signs. Soon, I was creating all these rules of when it was acceptable to check my phone.
- It's ok if I'm not on the highway
- It's ok if no one else is in the car
- It's ok if I'm not texting
- It's ok if I'm not scrolling on social media
I know I'm not the only one who set up these rules for themselves.
In 2013, I took the "Thumb Wars" challenge with Dosomething.org and decided enough was enough. Texting and driving is not worth ending lives, period.
Personal Photo
I didn't receive that scholarship, but that's not the reason I began texting and driving again. I thought I could handle it. This belief that I was in control is what a lot of people think. We believe we can play God and determine how these situations will end.
As a passenger, it's terrifying when the driver even glances at their phone to me. I decided I had to become more serious about being hands-free if I was going to complain about everyone else.
My New Years Resolution was to be as hands-free while behind the wheel as I could. I bought a car mount. I set my directions and playlist before I pull off. I use voice text and have even turned on iPhone's new Do Not Disturb While Driving feature.
It's stupid to think that looking down those few seconds couldn't result in a horrific accident.
The other day, a woman was in front of me going up a hill. The speed limit was 35 mph but people often drive slow around here. She climbed the hill at a painful 20 mph and was swerving off to the sides a bit. I got so frustrated. I decided to go around and behold she was holding her phone up to her face texting. As I passed her, I saw her look at me like I was more wrong than she was and continued on her phone.
If you haven't seen those scary videos of what texting and driving can do to anyone, I've linked a few throughout this article. It's not worth it to cost anyone thousands of dollars in damages or death.
Please don't text and drive. It can wait.
