Over the last few days, I have noticed too many folks texting and driving. It made me think of a post I wrote in 2009 at SYNAPTICI. I wanted to share it here in hopes that it will reach a larger audience, especially those who are still texting and driving! Since I wrote that post, I have almost been run off the road… twice… by folks not looking ahead, but looking down at some device.
A few nights ago, I was watching the CBC evening news and caught a story about texting and driving. Tragically, a young man had lost his life in a collision, his vehicle smashed beyond recognition. He wasn’t drunk. He was sending text messages while driving.
According to the news story, statistics now show that twice as many accidents occur due to texting while driving than by driving under the influence of alcohol.
A distraught mother who had lost her son due to similar circumstances made a simple but impassioned plea to us all:
“Please, don’t do it. It’s not worth it!”
The reporter went on to interview people of all ages and ask them why they text and drive. One young woman replied she did it because she did not want her ‘text friends’ to think she was ignoring them! The word ‘incredulous’ is insufficient to describe my reaction to her reasoning.
Would you put on a blindfold and drive your vehicle? Why not? Because you would be unable to see the road. You would be placing your life and the lives of others in danger. Texting while driving is no different. You have to take your eyes off the road to do it. It only takes a second to change the course of your life, the lives of those who love you and the lives of those you have never met.
To do so is stupid, irresponsible and selfish beyond measure.
Life is a miracle. It is precious and is the greatest gift you will ever receive. It is the quintessential definition of the word, ‘unique’. You see, in the entire universe, there is only one you, and you are irreplaceable. So please, don’t text and drive!
Be safe and ensure the safety of others around you. Keep your eyes on the road!
If you agree with what I have said and believe it to be important, please share it.
If you take issue with what I have said, leave me a comment. But I can assure you, there is no quit in me on this subject!
Photo Credits
Head On Collision – Wikipedia Creative Commons
Malibu Crash – Wikipedia Creative Commons
First posted at synaptici
Hi Gil,
Nice to know you are still with us and writing also. I totally agree, I wouldn’t want to be one of their victims, have any of my family or friends be one of their victims, or see them be a victim of their own simple stupidity. It is such a sad state of affairs Gil, that you would have to write an article like the one you have just provided to all of us who still read.
To anyone else who reads Gil’s article, please listen to him, myself or anyone else who professes to give you this great advice. DO NOT TEXT & DRIVE !!!!!!!!! PERIOD !!!!!!
Take Care & Stay Safe,
Ross
ROSS HOLLOWAY – C.E.O.
ONTRAC MUSIC LTD.
Hey Ross!
Thanks for dropping in and for your support! Hope all is well for you and Susan 🙂
Cheers,
Gil
So sadly true. Thanks for this article. I’ve posted it on my FB.
Thanks Sandi!
Please say hello to Lorne from me 🙂
Cheers,
Gil
I totally agree and will share this valuable article – nothing is as important as our life and the lives of our young ones. What in the world will happen next!
Heather
Thanks Heather!