Why stop at banning texting while driving?
By now most of us are aware of the dangers of texting while driving. Some of us even became scared to death of it after watching this YouTube video [WARNING: This video contains extremely graphic and intentionally disturbing depictions of a car accident caused by a driver texting while driving].
Some states have already taken action and made texting while driving illegal. And in my opinion this will spread nationwide quickly.
But something still puzzles me. Why is it just texting? I have an iPhone and carry it with me everywhere I go. I can check my email on it, surf the web, update my Facebook status and a hundred other things, all of which have nothing to do with texting.
So shouldn't these new laws state that it is illegal for the driver of a vehicle to operate any handheld device in any way, shape or form? I mean why should it be illegal to text but not illegal to check your email?
Who's with me on this?
17 comments for this blog post so far...
July 02, 2010 at 3:24 pm
anonymous
I’ve thought similar things… but I was always kind of glad they talked about texting. I thought maybe it was a loophole. On my trip to and from the office I’m often glancing at email at every stoplight I come to. Technically this could be considered driving (I am after all behind a wheel of a vehicle in gear) but I’m not texting!
With that said, while someone is driving next to me at 55MPH I don’t really want them hunting and pecking away on a keyboard (physical or virtual)
p.s. my “captcha” below was “death##” I found that very interesting considering the topic
July 06, 2010 at 7:03 am
Tracy
I’ve often thought about when I change songs on my ipod too… although not a law in my state yet… I could easily see my ipod being mistaken for a phone. Does changing songs make me a danger to other drivers ? I suppose one could argue yes…
July 06, 2010 at 9:29 am
bridget wolfe
In my opinion the only thing you should pay attention to while driving is driving.
July 06, 2010 at 9:31 am
Patric Welch
@anonymous - I’ve caught myself checking email while at stoplights as well. A horrible habit I hope to get rid of immediately.
July 06, 2010 at 9:32 am
Patric Welch
@Tracy - you bring up an interesting point. What’s the difference between using the installed radio in your car to tune to another station and selecting a new song on your iPod? Should one be allowed and not the other?
July 06, 2010 at 10:20 am
Tracy
Patric - exactly - I’m a big supporter of making it illegal to text while driving… but what or who draws the line when picking up something your kids dropped, fiddling with the GPS or answering the phone (i still live in a state that hasn’t banned it while driving). I guess this all makes me realize that I really haven’t chosen sides yet.
July 06, 2010 at 10:22 am
Patric Welch
@Tracy - Or balancing a cheeseburger and fries on your lap while doing 70mph on the Interstate! :)
July 06, 2010 at 10:29 am
Tracy
LOL :)
July 06, 2010 at 10:43 am
Laurie
We tend to forget that when driving we are controlling thousands of pounds of hurtling metal and plastic. We’re basically weaponized human beings. The idea that we can be blase enough to do a multitude of other things while maintaining control over this kind of power illustrates the arrogance of our species well. If we’re oblivious as a driver - even from a benign kind of unawareness when our attention is elsewhere - then we’re as dangerous and culpable as the driver who intentionally hits someone else or drives another car off the road in anger. Same end result, and sorry doesn’t cut it when we know we could have been more responsible and aware from the start. Just imagine living with the consequences - that ought to get you to put all the toys and food away.
July 06, 2010 at 11:44 am
Tony
I have been involved in a fatal car crash; it claimed the life of a wonderful person and very close friend when she was 18 years old. No amount of years will erase the memory of her loss.
Statistics clearly indicate that all drivers will be involved in an accident of some type during the 60 or so years most of will be driving - regardless of how safe we are trying to be.
An accident happens in seconds and there are no second chances to avoid it.
I tune the stereo, talk (briefly) on the phone and do not always drive w/ my hands at the 10 and 2 positions. But I understand that safe driving is not an automatic thing - it requires effort and concentration.
When I see people texting, applying makeup, dipping fries in catsup, reading, or in other ways multi-tasking while operating (not driving) a car, my immediate thought is that they have never lived through a fatal car crash. My second thought is for the safety of myself and my daughter or whoever else is riding with me, because I know that other car is dangerous.
To Tracy above, I understand your being torn on the issue, and I do not like rules and conditions being placed on my behavior either. But I fully comply with traffic laws and practice defensive driving every time I’m behind the wheel. Its a matter of safety, not being told what we can and can’t do.
What if a gun owner ‘decided’ for themselves it was ‘ok’ to fire a few rounds in their backyard? Its their gun, their license, their bullets and their backyard, so who has the right to intervene? Obviously, the collateral damage that could happen far outweighs every other fact. Driving safely is no different. It is a responsibility to others - even if you do not care about the risks to yourself.
Learning from other people’s experiences, bad or good, is always smart.
Texting while driving is dangerous and selfish, period.
July 06, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Tracy
To add to my comments… I do not own a GPS, I do not have texting on my phone and i typically turn my ipod on prior to leaving the drive-way. I am constantly alerting my children of the dangers of not paying attention when driving. In fact, I made my 7 year old drive around the garage a few weeks ago (around obtacles) and made her point things out to me in the garage while keep her hands on both handles of the trike and watching for me to jump out in front of her. I made her pick up something off the ground while driving a straight line. She said… gee mom, driving IS hard work. Lesson taught.... And yes, I’ve had two loved ones die in an auto accident and have had several other close family members get hurt by others misactions behind the wheel. So I do understand the risks. My comments were only made to drive home the point… do you honestly see auto makers taking radios out of cars… NO; do you see auto-makers removing Cup Holders from cars… NO. Do i intend to make my children sit absolutely still when i drive… NO. Do I talk on the phone for lengthy periods… NO and never while I’m driving in town on busy streets. Not everyone will be happy with whatever laws are enacted… and quite honestly I’m not sure where i stand on every issue… i do know that i don’t like the thought of others texting while they are driving. I’m sorry for your loss and hope that you can continue to educate.
July 06, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Tony
Please don’t misunderstand my comments - I only referred to your post because I agree w/ you that implementing these laws/regulations is extremely difficult - it is a fine line. I never intended to imply that you are not safety conscious - to the contrary, I thoroughly understand your comments and agree that finding the right balance is difficult.
My main point was to try and alert others that whether or not there is a specific law or rule in place - diving should get all of our attention. We will each see - today alone - how many drivers are not focused and it scares me for them as well as my own.
I am sorry for the losses you suffered as well. I believe we are on the same page.
July 06, 2010 at 5:24 pm
Patric Welch
Tony, Tracy - thank you for your candid comments. I would also like to add my condolences for the loss of your loved ones. I believe that you speaking openly about your losses here is exactly what people (including myself) need to hear.
We all think it won’t happen to us until it’s too late. Everyone who has commented on this blog post has inspired me to keep my iPhone tucked away while driving. Text messages, email and voice mail can all wait until I get to my destination.
July 06, 2010 at 8:11 pm
April
Honk if you love Jesus. Text while driving if you want to meet him soon.
July 06, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Patric Welch
April, I just saw that sign the other day! lol
July 07, 2010 at 11:30 am
maria rose
using a smartphone whatever one you have gets very addicting but one has to put the phone away while driving unless you have someone else driving until we get cars that self drive and all we do is sit in them—maybe your friends have to text call or email you but they can wait for an answer ESPECIAL if they know you are driving
July 07, 2010 at 12:36 pm
Stephanie
Two comments:
When I first read this, I thought of your point, Tracy, that is checking e-mail or tuning an iPod any more dangerous than driving with children!?! Thank goodness for car seats, I remember my mom driving while my sister and I hung on her shoulders and climbed over the seats. At least as unrestrained passengers we could pick up the snack we dropped without interrupting Mom’s driving.
On another note, I called a retail store on Sunday, July 4 about a purchase I wanted to make over the phone, and the person kindly asked me if I was driving. I said yes thinking she was having a hard time hearing me or trying to tell me the reception was bad. She said, “why don’t you call me back when you are in a safe place to talk and give me your credit card.” I replied, “Oh, I’m in a car, but I’m not the driver.” People like her who don’t put their own interests first can help make change happen. I was impressed.
Add A Comment
Need help leaving a comment?
Just fill out your name, email address (for our eyes only) and web site address (if you have one, this is optional) above. Next, type your comment in the comment box. Feel free to use the Enter key to leave spaces between paragraphs.
The last step before submitting your comment is to enter the CAPTCHA word. This is the funny little series of letters and numbers you see below the comment field that helps prevent comment spam and ensures your comment can be seen on the web site immediately after you submit it.
The last step is to click the "Submit Your Comment" button. Thank you for commenting.