It wasn’t that long ago that I was returning home from the grocery store and witnessed something that truly scared me. As I pulled off our side street onto the main road, I watched a car drive by ahead of me. The girl was clearly texting as she was basically driving with her wrists as she typed on her phone, and the car was swerving back and forth.
I pulled out two cars behind her and kept an extra-watchful eye on the road. In situations like that, things can change in a minute, and I wanted to be alert enough for both of us. Which was a good thing, because a few moments later she as she continued to text, she crossed the center line and nearly hit a trailer truck head-on.
We live in a very connected world. As a blogger, I’m probably even more connected than some, as my phone is never far away. But when you get behind the wheel, you need to be responsible and consciously decide to drive.
Decide to Drive
What frustrates me the most about distracted driving is that you’re not only risking your own life, but you’re risking my life and the life of my family. I’m sorry, but that just doesn’t fly. Your text, mascara application, CD change, or whatever else can wait.
When Austin earned his driver’s license a short while ago, we sat him down to discuss his responsibilities not only as a driver, but as a passenger. Yes, passengers have responsibilities, too. If the person who is behind the wheel is demonstrating risky behavior, you need to speak up and remind them of their primary task: driving safely.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Auto Alliance want to increase awareness about the risks of distracted driving. So they have created the Decide to Drive program which aims to empower drivers and passengers to speak up about distracted driving and reduce distracted behaviors behind the wheel. They would like to encourage all drivers to make use of the two best safety features available: keeping eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
Have you witnessed distracted driving?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
About Liza
Liza is a mom (5-year-old daughter, 20-year-old stepson, and 24-year-old stepdaughter) and wife living in Louisville. She loves spending time with her family, visiting the local zoo and parks, as well as planning travel adventures. Cooking and baking, DIY projects and crafts, and coffee - lots and lots of coffee - round out some of her other hobbies.