I’m sorry, what was that? I was driving distracted

    “After all of these years, I’m surprised. I’m still surprised.” I hear myself saying this more and more. After reading this you’ll understand why.
    I’m often approached by people who want to discuss driving problems they have personally observed. The biggest complaint by far is the topic of distracted driving. Distracted driving is not just the use of cellphones, but it will be the focus for this discussion.
    Law enforcement has termed distracted driving as the new DUI. It is more prevalent than anything I have ever seen in my career. It used to be just the kids looking at their phones, whether it was texting, Facebook, Instagram or movies; now I see it with all age groups.
    Law enforcement has been very vocal about the dangers of using your phone while driving. But we can always use help. So one theme you will see with my articles is the power you have to help with the message. Talk to others; let them know you are as tired of seeing this as much as cops are tired of it. Let them know how dangerous it is and what the consequences will be, which include serious injury, crashes and in some cases, death.
    Parents are the first line of defense and need to lead by example, which can be achieved by never driving distracted. Also have a talk with your young driver about distractions and all of the responsibilities that come with driving. Have everyone in the family be held accountable to distraction-free driving.
    I suggest you put the phones in your car’s back seat, in the glove box, even in the trunk. You should do whatever it takes to reduce the urge of picking up the phone while driving.
 

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