I heard on the news the other day that the Cops have taken on a new strategy. They are now using unmarked cars to ride alongside traffic and identify distracted drivers. They then radio ahead to a marked car to pull over the driver.
I have been thinking about that as I drive. I wonder why I feel more aware when I might get busted. I wish all cops were unmarked so I would be reminded that it is not about following speed limits and safety guidelines only when I know the cop might be around the bend. I find myself curious about this and am aware I want to live the same regardless of how the Cop might present themselves.
Now as I type that I am aware that feels rebellious. I would call myself a frequent offender of distracted driving or speeding. I somehow have myself believing that I do those things in a safe way. I find myself convicted about this and am aware I want to live the same regardless of if there is a cop present, in either a marked or unmarked car.
I make some kind of commitment to myself every time I hear of a tragedy of distracted driving. I am weary of the places in my own life where I am aware and do not change my actions. The decision lies fully within me. Tomorrow may be too late. I am clear that it is a matter of what is best for me and for those around me.
And so perhaps this blog is simply an insight into my thoughts tonight. I wonder if you are aware how distracted you are when you drive? Perhaps it is time to return to 10 and 2 on the steering wheel and keeping my eyes on the road 100% of the time.
As I did some research I found this on the DMV page.
Pledge to End Distracted Driving
The catastrophic consequences of distracted driving grow higher each year. Consider the following:
- 9 people die every day in the United States from driving distracted.
- 11% of car accidents leading to fatalities are related to distracted driving.
- When texting, your eyes are off the road for 5 seconds. That’s the length of a football field when driving at 55 MPH.
- You are 3 times more likely to crash when performing a visual or manual activity—such as reaching for a phone or the radio.
Pledge to Take Back Your Focus Today
I pledge today, not only to myself but to those I care about, that I will:
Good poits, Trish! I never text and drive, but do sometimes answer my phone if it rings in the car (I have taken to sometimes putting my purse with the phone in it in the back seat so I am not tempted to answer it while driving; had best do that more often, I think!)
Did you know the recommended hand position is no longer 10 and 2, due to airbags? Now it’s 9 and 3. http://www.emsworld.com/article/10322231/driver-airbag-hand-injuries-10-and-2-is-not-the-rule