National Teen Driver Safety week is a week that is supposed to
bring awareness to the issue of distracted driving in our communities- especially for new drivers who are most at risk with distractions while driving.
However, it should also bring to mind that distractions are real for all drivers and that new drivers are just the start. We should all set the bar high for driving without distractions by changing the way we stay connected. How? Take a stand. Take a stand by saying “I will not use my phone when I drive for any reason- and I will tell others that I’d prefer they don’t either.”
We are all affected by each other’s driving habits. If I choose to be distracted- even for just a few seconds- I am taking your safety away from you during that time. And who’s to say that’s not the time when you are about to pass me, going the other direction and I cross the center line? And if it’s not, then I am lulled into believing that there really are not any times when it’s critical that I pay full attention to driving. Anytime is a good
time take or make a call, or read a text. Right?
What I do affects you, and what you do affects me and people that I care about too. If you don’t think that a teen should drive while using their phone, or a school bus driver, or a surgeon or airline pilot- then why is it ok for anyone to?
When people make a mistake we are quick to label it ‘an accident’. But when someone tells you that doing something while driving increases the risk of causing a crash, and you ignore that risk and do it just the same, is that an accident? When you learn of a teen who is texting and it causes a fatal crash, do you say “It was just an accident” or do you say “With all of the media about this, they should’ve known better.”
It’s time for EVERYONE to do the right thing- not just the people we think might be most at risk- and do something proactive. Here are 2 easy and cost free ideas that make a difference.
1) Take the Pledge: Fill out your name on this form and we’ll send you back a personalized pledge for free! Sign it in front of your family and friends to show your commitment to end distracted driving.
2) Change Your Message! By changing the message on your cell phone, and then not using it while you drive, you will change your visual message as well while you drive and alert others to your commitment to respect lives over calls or messages.
Rob Reynolds
Director
C.A.R. Alliance for Safe Teen Driving
