Here’s an interesting fact: text messaging while driving makes a crash up to 23 times more likely to occur and has the same effect on your driving as drinking 4 beers (www.textinganddrivingsafety.com). Despite the fact that over 1.5 million accidents result from texting while driving each year (www.textinganddrivingsafety.com), the percentage of adults who admit to texting while driving is steadily INCREASING (www.edgarsnyder.com).
Sending or receiving a text takes your eyes off of the road for almost 5 seconds (www.distraction.gov). Imagine driving with your eyes closed for 5 seconds and you can picture how much damage can occur.
So, what can you do to help keep the roads safer?
First, Take the Pledge to refrain from texting while driving, especially when your kids are in the car because we all know children imitate their parents’ behavior. Set a good example early, well before your child gets his or her learner’s permit.
The Think of Me public awareness campaign was created to raise awareness of the texting while driving problem. This partnership between organizations, government departments and corporations is committed to making a difference. So, Take the Pledge to be a safe driver and spread the word to friends and family.
Second, consider installing apps on your phone that will prevent you from texting while driving.
- If you are an AT&T customer, download DriveMode which automatically sends an auto-reply message to incoming texts if your car is moving faster than 25 mph.
- DriveSafe.ly will read aloud incoming text messages and emails.
- Textecution completely disables texting if your car is moving faster than 10 mph. Unlike the first two options, this is not a free app. You pay a one-time fee of $29.99.
So, please join me in taking the pledge to set your phone aside while driving to keep ourselves, our children, and other drivers safe.
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Tamara Wilson says
When I am driving I pop it on do not disturb so I am not tempted, I figure whatever it is can hold till I get where I am going.
Becca Wilson says
This is a big deal nowadays and with the new tech out there to have hands free phone, this should not be so hard for people to do!
Nova says
I will take a pledge to be a safe driver for I know that when I drive it is a life that I have in my hands.
Chubskulit Rose says
JUst last week, a teenager wrecked her car on the road, my guess is that she’s texting or something.
Mel Cole says
Thank you for this reminder. I am on my way to take a drivers exam and I hope I can pass next month!
Melinda Dunne says
I took the pledge along time ago. I can’t stand people texting or messing around when they drive.
MzBaker says
I don’t drive much myself, hubby is always driving and then I do the textin’. I would never drive and text though!
Cyndie says
I NEVER text and drive, Pledge taken
April says
i never text driving. i have and need to drive safe for my family.:)
Michele says
I NEVER even answer my phone when driving because I do not have a hands free one!! Texting and driving has to be one of the most unsafe things that anyone can do–I don’t have to take the pledge–I JUST SAY NO already to texting and driving!!
Jennifer Hall says
A great reminder for teens as well as adults.
wendy says
I have a 15yr old driver in my family… thanks for the links to the apps, we’re definitely going to try them!!