Before you pick-up your cell phone while you are behind the
wheel STOP and THINK. If there is no
emergency, whatever is happening on the cell/smart phone can wait or you can
pull over.
According to 2013 government statistics, 424,000 people were
injured from distracted driving. At any
given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using
cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving, a number that has
held steady since 2010. And because text messaging requires visual, manual, and
cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming
distraction. 10% of drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were
reported as distracted at the time of the crash. This age group has the largest
proportion of drivers who were distracted.
All parents and adults should lead by example, showing the
younger drivers that cell phone distraction is dangerous, deadly and totally
unnecessary. Learn to ignore your phone
or pull over for your safety and the safety of others.
