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 assessment of 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. I can assure you, there is no quit in me on this subject!
Photo Credits
Both Photos from Wikipedia Article
Under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License
© Gil Namur, 2009
We need to teach mindfullness. Multitasking your attention is diminishing all your experience; and in some cases one’s whole life.
Good to be sending out this message Gil.
Yikes. Busted. I wasn’t texting, but I was dialing. And it felt very, very scary. Thanks for the reminder to PULL OVER. Our lives are more important than this.
I couldn’t agree more. I was run off the road by a driver texting on the freeway the other day – they didn’t seem to hear my horn, or anyone else’s for that matter.
When I got home I gave my daughter a big hug and said a silent “Thank you” for making it home safely!
Hi David,
I am also very thankful you made it home safe and sound that day!
Have a great week!
Gileeeeeeee