WW: No More Texting While Driving Please

Attitude, Civic-consciousness, Dangerous Driving, Driving while texting, Information, Reflection, Regrets, Responsibility, Saving Lives, Social Message, Wordless Wednesday, Youtube's Video

WW: No More Texting While Driving Please

bk
April 28, 2010


More Wordless Wednesday

Texting while driving or driving while texting, whichever you call it, is something which I absolutely hate to see people doing. As if calling without a hands-free while driving is not bad enough, some people just have to take it to the next level by texting while driving. I recently took a photo of a guy making a call, without a hands-free and driving at the same time. I was questioning myself, “Should I submit the shot to the relevant authority to take action against the guy?” In the end I decided not to.

And hey, if you were guessing if I was on the wheel while taking the photo, sorry to disappoint you, my brother was the one on the wheel. At the point when I took the photo, I was piping hot with fury and I told myself, “You are busted, for making call without a hands-free while driving!” I simply cannot tolerate such act of selfishness and irresponsibility. However, I decided not to report him to the authority as everyone deserves a second chance. I naively want to believe that it was his first time doing that. And I believe he saw me taking the photo; we were moving side by side. Let this be a gentle reminder for this round. I certainly hope that I would not live to regret that decision to let him off.

To the video above, I applauded Utah’s decision to get tough with texting drivers as drivers can get up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine when they kill someone. There should be continuous effort by all parties involved, the relevant authorities, the drivers, driving schools etc, to make the road a safer place for all users. And most importantly for drivers, including myself, we should take the safety of ourselves and other road users seriously. I couldn’t have stressed it more that we must practice responsible driving at all time.

Just a moment of selfish thought plus irresponsibility, and we could live a life in deep regret. This is probably so for Reggie Shaw. He caused an accident in September 2006 which killed two men, both scientists and fathers. He was driving — texting while driving.

As I put forth this message of responsible driving to you, I am also holding myself accountable for the words. Let us all be responsible drivers and if you are not one yet or not planning to be one, you can still act as a role to gently remind. Together we can make our road a safer place for everyone.

Quoting from National Safety Council: Driver inattention is a leading cause of traffic crashes, responsible for about 80 percent of all collisions, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Cell phones are the #1 driver distraction, contributing to hundreds of thousands of crashes and thousands of deaths each year. This affects real people, real lives. Watch and hear the stories of the families featured

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62 thoughts on “WW: No More Texting While Driving Please”

  1. jacqueline

    Dearest BK, i cannot tolerate people that text while driving or using their cells without a hands-free and driving at the same time. Many people here in malaysia do that. Many times because of such selfish and irresponsibility act, it almost caused me an accident. Thank you for the shout out and a reminder to all of us that we should all be responsible drivers. Have a lovely merry happy day and love to you!
    .-= jacqueline´s last blog ..a new flip-flop for zee Mister =-.

  3. Amy @ Marvelous Mommy

    I don’t see how people text and drive. It’s way to difficult to do both. I will talk on the phone and drive but I wait until I’m stopped to text “call me I’m driving”! 🙂 Thanks for linking up today! Happy WW!
    .-= Amy @ Marvelous Mommy´s last blog ..Marvelous Mondays =-.

  4. Vicky

    In our state texting while driving is illegal now but we don’t have to use hands free devices to talk. How crazy is that? I agree though. Unless it’s an emergency, you shouldn’t on the phone while driving, or simple enough— pull over.
    .-= Vicky´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday— Just for fun! =-.

    1. Symphony of Love Post author

      @ Jacqueline, we not only have to be responsible driver, we also have to watch out for the irresponsible one. I am also reminding myself to be a responsible driver too. Have a lovely merry happy day and love to you too!

      @ Nicole, I totally agree with you. Texting while driving is totally unnecessary.

      @ Amy, I am definitely not capable to text and drive at the same time. But I don’t intend to do that also. Hope you are using a hands-free to make the call. Calling without hands-free and driving at the same time can be as distracting as text while driving.

      @ Vicky, I agree with you that it is crazy. Calling without hands-free while driving is as dangerous. if it is necessary to make a call without earpiece, then pulling over is a good option. This is what I usually do or I don’t make any call at all.

      @ Daddy, it is funny indeed because we should have common sense enough not to do it in the first place, then to have a law to restrict us from doing it.

      @ Jessica, glad that everything was alright during your high school. Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional. Hopefully we are all growing up as we grow old.

      @ Julie, I’m sure you are a responsible driver.

      @ Just a Plane Ride Away, I absolutely agree with you as I am seeing people texting while riding their bicycles. It is definitely not a good idea.

  9. kate/high altitude gardening

    I see a lot of bicyclists texting as they peddle past the front of my house, when I’m gardening. While I admire their skill, (I’d run into a tree, for sure!) I’m with you on the rules. There’s a time and place for everything.

  10. Hilary

    Hi BK .. I hate it .. and people are so selfish if they get a call … they just pull in, without thinking of the cars behind etc – & here in the UK we don’t have much space!

    I think they should get very strict .. because one mistake and that’s it – possibly for someone and their family for ever .. we can’t rewind the video …

    Thanks for calling attention to this .. good for you .. Hilary
    .-= Hilary´s last blog ..The Okavango Delta – the perfect place to Safari or holiday? = Yes for me! Part 1/3 =-.

  18. Gattina

    That was a wordful Wednesday, lol ! I can’t understand how people can text while driving ! I need my two hands plus at least 4 eyes and then it takes me hours. I prefer to call, but I don’t drive then either.
    .-= Gattina´s last blog .. =-.

  20. Eileen

    Great post, I would like people to stop using their phones altogether while they are driving. They can always pull over if they have to talk.

    BTW, thanks for stopping by my blog and in reply it was early morning and this owl must have been on the hunt for food.
    .-= Eileen´s last blog ..Birding at the Blackwater NWR =-.

  21. Sukhmandir Kaur

    Some people can multi task and others can’t. Different people have different abilities and different levels of responsibility. Some people text and drive, others drink and drive. Some probably do both. I find it challenging just to drive. There are so many things to pay attention to, and so many other people on the road who may or may not have it together. It’s just scary out there on the road without adding anymore distractions.

  24. meleah rebeccah

    I HATE when people text and drive. NO text message is worth risking your life, or endangering the lives of others!

    I also applauded Utah’s decision to get tough with texting drivers as drivers can get up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine when they kill someone. GOOD. More states should be doing that too!
    .-= meleah rebeccah´s last blog ..Family Fun Night – The Bowling Edition =-.

    1. Symphony of Love Post author

      @ Kate, I’m also seeing a few cyclists calling and texting. There is surely a time for everything and it is definitely not the time to text while they are cycling on the road.

      @ Hilary, I agree with you that some are really selfish. While it may be an instinct to just pick up a ringing phone, they should know better the risk involves especially if they do not have an earpiece. I am with you that they should be stricter on this for the safety of every road users. Everyone has the right to the safe usage of road.

      @ Carmen, thank you.

      @ Julia, yes, I have covered on this topic previously, and from a study, it states that “Sending a text message took a driver’s eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds over a 6-second interval, which equates to driving the length of a football field at 55 mph without looking at the road.” And this is avoidable risk.

      @ Carver, as much as it may annoy me, I am much more angry with them trying to text while driving which is totally unnecessary.

      @ Wendy, I wonder too; how some could be so selfish and with no regards for others.

      @ Pam, I agree. With a stricter law to govern people, maybe they would think twice. As for the others, with or without the law, they wouldn’t think about texting while driving; they have much better regards for the safety of all.

      @ Secret Mom Thoughts, sad indeed that we need law on this. I believe that most people have better self-discipline and they are more responsible and thoughtful. Such a law will be useful for hopefully the minority.

      @ One Love Mama, you couldn’t have done it better. And I sure agree with you that texting while driving is completely unnecessary.

      @ Gattina, LOL! Yes, definitely not wordless. A lot of times we wouldn’t be able to understand what is in the mind of these people.

      @ Robin, it doesn’t really make sense at all. Texting while driving is even more distracting than calling although I am against either one of them while driving, especially calling without a hands-free while driving.

      @ Eileen, I would love that too that people stop using their phones altogether while they are driving. It is fascinating to be seeing an owl in the day.

      @ Sukhmandir, while I agree that some people can do well with multi-tasking, this is not the kind of risk worth taking. Before accidents happened, many of them probably thought they got the wheel under control until it happened.

      @ Stephanie, same thing for me. I would only text when I am stationary by the side of the road and when I really need to.

      @ Joy, yes, I totally agree with you.

      @ Meleah, it is definitely not worth risking our own life and the lives of others. It is very irresponsible. I believe that more states as well as more countries must seriously look into this.

      @ Marilyn, you are absolutely right that it is insane and probably some of them are insane.

      @ Life Ramblings, well said! It is not only a bad idea but a deadly one.

  29. Margaret

    Thanks for stopping by my WW. I definitely think txting while driving is ridiculous and dangerous. Here it is not illegal to drive and talk on the phone, but I definitely would not be against it if it were. My dad told me that most cell phone companies are now supplying hands free system with the sale of new phones and that will definitely make it more accessible.

    I used to tell people that some people should never talk on the phone and drive, but that it is different for the younger generation. (I was a teenager at the time of this statement). Technically as I learned to drive, it was with a phone plugged to my ear so I figured that I had a skill that others did not. It’s amazing how opinions change as you get older and wiser. 😉
    .-= Margaret´s last blog ..FIRST Chapter: Glaen by Fred Lybrand =-.

    1. Symphony of Love Post author

      @ Dora, I certainly hope that all drivers can understand this.

      @ Margaret, you are right, most phone companies are now supplying hands free system with the sale of new phones and thus there is really no excuse for people who are calling while driving without a hands free.

  30. Stan

    Amen to that. I’m tired of dodging people who are fiddling with cell phones and other gadgets rather than paying attention to their driving.

  31. Jennifer

    I must say BK that I was once a guilty textdriver – working in corporate America I was glued to my Blackberry. Since becoming a mom and towing precious cargo, I realize how stupid I was! Now I get angry watching people text or talk on the phone while driving carelessly on the roads and I’m trying to figure out how to yell at those people! I’ve read so many articles on how driving while texting is worse that driving drunk and I believe it should carry the same penalties…
    .-= Jennifer ´s last blog ..Day 201 – Wordless Wednesday =-.

    1. Symphony of Love Post author

      @ Stan, I welcomed the stricter action being taken by the Utah’s authority too. Responsible drivers and other road users become the victims of the selfish drivers. They may not mean to be reckless, but texting while driving certainly is a risky act.

      @ Jennifer, I believe we should be forward looking; what you did is in the past already. However, it may not be advisable to try to yell at them, it could distract your own driving in the way. I certainly agree with you that driving while texting could be worse than that of drunk driving.

  33. Gabriele

    Drinking and Driving is a no brainer now. Texting and Driving must follow suite.
    Our society cannot function without laws. A few days ago I noticed that a Tenerife bank promoted practical driving in Tenerife nursery schools. Children had to react to road signs while driving toy cars. (with real steering etc.) Police officers were standing by. This would have been a good occasion to show the video of an accident caused by texting. Small children don’t forget such scenes. The younger such road education starts, the better for the safety of the society.
    .-= Gabriele´s last blog ..Apr 27, Praktische Ferienwohnung Teneriffa Panorama bei Puerto de la Cruz =-.

  34. Auntie E

    Thanks for stopping by and guessing.My Wordless Wednesday answer is up at Living Healthy with Auntie E
    I did view this yesterday..it is hard to get folk to put down their cells. I have seen so many on the roads and just want to yell at them and take the cell away…but I know it will not stop them. In a world of Multitasking,everyone thinks it applies to anything they are doing.
    .-= Auntie E´s last blog ..While Visiting my Home Remember…. =-.

  41. Jackie

    I totally agree with you – it absolutely drives me crazy to see people texting or calling on the phone while driving. I live in CT and by law you need to use a headset to talk on the phone while driving, and everyday (yes, everyday)that I am out in my car, I see people talking ont heir phone w/o a headset! It makes me so angry!!!!! Great post!
    .-= Jackie´s last blog ..Theta Mom Thursday – Getting My Drivers License! =-.

    1. Symphony of Love Post author

      @ Gabriele, it is interesting to see that they are starting from young. And as they start from young, adults must remember to lead by example too for it to be effective. But it is good to start young.

      @ Auntie E, it may not work immediately but we have to start from ourselves and work towards others step by step. So in the mean time, we would still need laws to govern the minority.

      @ Margaret, thank you for sharing the valuable link; it is surely very important resources.

      @ Carol, I totally agree with you. It’s absolutely dangerous.

      @ One of the Guys, you are most welcome.

      @ Molly, we need this gentle reminder once in a while.

      @ Blessing Reflections, that is certainly a Big NO! They shouldn’t be texting while driving in the first place and even more in school zone!

      @ Jackie, it drives me crazy too. Over here in Singapore, it is a traffic offense to make call, without hands-free, while driving too. And yet people are still doing it like nobody business. I would rather they get caught first then to have something serious happens.

      @ Jacqueline, wish you a lovely merry happy weekend too.

  43. Judie

    I have made it a firm and fast rule to not answer my cell phone in the car. If someone calls, I will return their call when I get where I am going. If I am on an interstate and feel the call may be urgent, I will get off at the first rest stop to check.

    Thanks for an important and timely post.
    .-= Judie´s last blog .."HEY! WHAT’S IN HERE??" the street thief cried. =-.

    1. Symphony of Love Post author

      @ Judie, it would be wonderful if everyone can do exactly what you are doing; we wouldn’t even need laws. Fortunately, I believe that most people are responsible drivers and they wouldn’t let any calls or texts to distract them. Thank you for sharing what the rule that you have made yourself.

  44. shelle @ dancingmatilda

    yes, people need to hear this more…i was appalled when my dh put youtube on his phone on his way to work…he always has to be doing something else when he’s driving, and it makes me very nervous.

    1. Symphony of Love Post author

      @ Shelle, that is surely nerve breaking. Last time I used to see my brother calling while driving without a hands-free and sometimes texting while driving. However, he has not been doing that these days. I am more than happy to see his better self-discipline and control over these while driving. I hope your DH will be able to view through this video and be inspired to change.

  45. Belinda Munoz + The Halfway Point

    I couldn’t agree more, BK. Here in CA, it’s the law not to use the phone without a hnds-free device. Still, the law is largely ignored and talking and texting take place all the time. I see these teens texting while driving and all I keep thinking is, I’m obeying the law but because they’re not, my son and I could still get killed accidentally.

  49. Tina t

    These stories are so sad. So many times tragedy cannot be prevented, but this is such a simple way to prevent so many unnecessary accidents and injuries. We have a cell phone ban here in California, but people break the law all the time. What could be so important that you need to put others at risk? It’s just so selfish of these people.
    .-= Tina t´s last blog ..Getting Married for the First Time Over Age 40 =-.

    1. Symphony of Love Post author

      @ Belinda, I know where you are coming from. We cannot force others to obey the law, but we just do what we need to do and hopefully we can inspire others to do likewise. And in the meantime, I just hope that all will be safe on the road.

      @ VanillaSeven, not such a great idea. Texting while driving bicycle could be even more dangerous. They are not only endangering their own life, they are also endangering the life of others; causing road accidents.

      @ Sue, I certainly hope other will follow suit too.

      @ Tabitha Blue, thank you.

      @ Tina, I agree with you, very sad stories indeed and yet there is a purpose of sharing it with the hope that you would urge people to change their habits of texting while driving or calling without hands-free while driving etc.

      @ Jacqueline, it certainly irritates me too. Much more of the risk these irresponsible drivers are putting other road users through.