Things That Can Wait While Driving

Politics/Social Issues - Social Issues - General

By: IzzyDuncan 01-Mar-2011

Texting

Texting causes accidents. The Christian Science Monitor reports that 16,000 people were killed between 2002 and 2007 in car accidents related to texting. Even though nine states ban texting while driving and several more ban texting by drivers under age 18 or 16, drivers in all states fail to recognize the danger and continue to text.

Think about the text message. Is it something that can't wait an extra five to ten minutes? Pulling over to make an important text requires less than five minutes. Consider if the text message or the delay a five-minute text stop is worth more than your life. Texting drivers with passengers have additional questions to ask. Is the text worth your life and the lives of your passengers?

Cell Phones

Cell phone use has dangers similar to texting, even when the phone use involves a hands-free headset. Cell chat adds to other distractions in teh car and requires additional thought to answer the caller, especially when work calls are involved. Studies done at the University of North Texas Health Science Center show that an additional 19 percent of people are killed in auto accidents for every one million cellphone subscribers in an area. The study didn't track accidents with human injury or property damage, only deaths.

At the beginning of 2011, nine states outlawed handheld cellphone use while driving. The cell phone lobby challenged laws in three other states and defeated new laws eliminating use while driving.

Music & Radio

The CD, tape, radio or other music and sound devices also distract the driver from the attention needed in traffic or emergency situations. Set the radio or music player before leaving the parking lot or garage.

Eating

As insane as the concept is, people eat food while driving. Drinks can be dangerous when an emergency move dumps hot coffee on the driver or passenger. One study done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported in 2009 that nearly 80 percent of all accidents were caused by a driver distracted by food or beverage. Add those accidents to the total of 65 percent of near misses caused by drivers focused on their food.

Aside from the driving danger, any food that can be bought at a drive-in and any food capable of being consumed while driving is a health hazard. Skip the food and eat when you reach your destination.

Animals & Children

Animals and children driving in the car with you must be secured before you ever hit the road. Children escaping from their car seats and booster seats should be dealt with after the car has moved from the road and into a parking lot. Do not attempt to wrangle pets and kids while the car is moving. You're risking your own life and the lives of your children or pets.

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Comments

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MiddleSister 5/1/2011
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This is an essential warning!
JoyceTeresaMann 3/3/2011
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Great list. I must say I even have a problem with those hand-free cell phones. How can you yap and concentrate on the road at the same time? I sure can't.
hummingbirdee 3/3/2011
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I got told off by someone once for talking on my cell phone when driving. I thought she was rude, but she made a good point and I knew she was right. I stopped doing it from that point on. Great list.
workhomeunion 3/2/2011
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Definitely phones and texting can wait, nice list, hi5
ListMaker 3/2/2011
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We had a bicyclist run over last year because someone was answering his cell phone. Sad. Hope this list makes the front page.
jseven 3/2/2011
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Very true. I will never forget a story in my hometown newspaper about a lady who was checking her mail while driving at hit and killed someone. So sad....
Snakesmom 3/2/2011
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I cringe when I see people texting while driving and weaving all over the road! :/