The other day, I almost got into an accident because someone else decided to text while they were driving. In the moment, I was upset and scared - no one wants to be put in that kind of situation. I've been in accidents before, and thankfully, they weren't too bad. Either way, I wouldn't want to be in another one, especially because someone was driving distracted.
In the past, the biggest campaigns were against drinking and driving. While this is still a problem, the age of technology has caused a new focus to arise. Commercials and road signs all speak about the dangers of texting and driving because 26% of all accidents involve cell phone usage. So many times, adults tell teens about the dangers of texting and driving, and then proceed to use their phones on the road. Why is something that is so obviously dangerous still such an issue?
We are living in a generation where we need things fast: our food is fast, our cars are fast, and our technology is fast as well. There is such a huge temptation to communicate with others the instant we hear from them that we forget just how dangerous it can be.
Contrary to popular belief, no one is good at multitasking.
To text, we need to be focused on the message we want to send and the letters that make up the words. Doing this while driving means it is impossible to be completely paying attention to the road, leaving drivers at higher risk for crashing.
While teens and young adults are often the most likely offenders, middle aged people are not exempt from the act or the resulting dangers. How can we tell our teens to put away their phones while they drive when there are so many adults who are quick to send texts or emails on the road? No one wants to think that an accident could happen to them.
It's easier to believe that you are untouchable, but it causes people to be reckless and put many lives in danger. When we make the decision (and yes, it's a decision) to text and drive, we make the decision to potentially ruin lives. More is at stake than just a fine.
It's easy to forget that our actions affect those around us. When you text and drive, you aren't only putting your life in danger, but also the lives of the people around you. When I get in the car to go for groceries, or when I go to meet a friend for coffee, I have to trust that those around me are being considerate of my life.
I also have to remember that I am not invincible. If I pick up the phone while I drive, I am risking a terrible accident for myself and those around me. No one wants to be involved in any type of accident, and no one wants to be responsible for injuring another person because of a thoughtless choice. Before you answer that text, you really need to think about the risk you are taking. Do everyone around you a favor and wait. Nothing is worth ruining a life.
