Driving? Pay Attention!
One of my pet peeves about driving is people who use the phone while driving. It irritates me, not just because they drive slower, they don’t move when the light turns green, and they don’t do anything except stare straight ahead. It’s because they’re not paying attention. Not paying attention is a factor in many auto accidents.
We deaf people don’t have a problem with phones in general- what we have a problem with is texting while driving. A lot of people I know are guilty of this; even the best drivers have admitted they’ve done it, often telling me they just check or send at red lights (I admit to having done the same in the past…).
Recently someone shared a New York Times interactive game with me, and it was rather eye-opening. Go ahead and try it, then come back and tell me how you did.
So, hearing or deaf, next time you’re out on the road, don’t text and drive. Don’t get on the phone and drive. And for god’s sake, PAY ATTENTION.
Well-written blog.
Amen!
Even though I recognize it is dangerous to text and drive, I maintain that it is discriminatory to the Deaf to allow Hearing people to maintain contact by using hands-free telephone sets while we have no similar alternative option. Research is showing that talking on the phone, hands-free or not, is just as distracting and potentially dangerous. All telecommunications in the car should be banned.
You and Oprah are saying the same thing…
Easier said when one has a chauffeur than when one does not.
Personally, I think it’s up to everyone.
As long as you can handle any consequences that come your way…text on!
My score: .01 seconds and 0% gates missed.
Texting is the same as looking at a building, beautiful woman, or a cop on the side of the road. Or combing your hair, putting on make up, and/or eating. It’s all the same.
You are responsible for your actions.
And that score was after 5 beers, BTW….
Some people have it.
Karen and WAD, thanks.
Don, I agree; all telecommunications while driving should be banned.
Der Sankt, good idea. I’d love a chauffeur. Perhaps Oprah will lend me hers.
JJ, long time no see, hear. *grin* I’ll give you points for honesty, and also for posting your score.
Every time I see someone doing this – and they have no real excuse for it, especially if it’s a handheld phone – I mutter something like ‘Put the cellphone down, turkey!’
One of the joys of working where I do is that we get driver training every year, complete with a must-pass test. They emphasize paying attention not only to your driving, but also to your surroundings, like the car that might suddenly pull out in front of you, or the pedestrian who’s about to step off the curb.