Texting and Driving: A Deadly Habit That Must End

In today’s technology-driven world, the allure of staying connected through technology is undeniable. However, this constant connectivity comes at a price, particularly when it encroaches upon the safety of ourselves and others on the road. Texting while driving has become an epidemic, claiming countless lives and leaving devastation in its trail. As a driver myself, I firmly believe in taking proactive measures to prevent texting while driving and advocate for these practices to be adopted by all.

One of the most effective ways I prevent texting while driving is by setting my phone to “Do Not Disturb” mode before going to my destination. This feature silences incoming calls, messages, and notifications, minimizing distractions and allowing me to focus solely on the task of driving. Additionally, I make it a habit to stow my phone in a non-accessible place (even in my pocket) or secure it in a phone mount to eliminate the temptation of reaching for it while on the road.

Another preventative measure I employ is planning and addressing any communication needs before driving. Whether it’s sending a quick text or making a phone call, I ensure all necessary communications are taken care of before starting my journey. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of feeling compelled to engage with my phone while driving, thus minimizing the risk of accidents. Also noting the urge to listen to music while in the car. If not using the radio, I make sure to play my music in advance before driving to ensure that I take my eyes off the road even if it’s for a couple of seconds because those can be the seconds that take someone’s life.

Furthermore, I actively promote the use of hands-free technology as a safer alternative to texting while driving. Utilizing features such as voice commands or Bluetooth connectivity allows drivers to stay connected without taking their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road. By embracing hands-free solutions, individuals can maintain communication while prioritizing safety and minimizing distractions.

To spread these ideas and encourage others to adopt preventative measures against texting while driving, I employ various strategies to raise awareness and promote responsible behavior. One approach is through leading by example and openly discussing the dangers of texting while driving with friends, family, and peers. By sharing personal experiences and emphasizing the importance of safety, I aim to inspire others to prioritize responsible driving habits.

From my own experience when amidst the joy of my sister’s graduation party and my niece’s 1st birthday, the sound of metal crunching echoed as I floored my mom’s car into my grandma’s garage, turning the celebration into chaos in an instant.

Nearing the end of my sister’s graduation party tied with the celebration of my niece 1st birthday party, I had asked my mother to drive her car from the dirt road onto my grandmother’s driveway where the celebration was being held. I had driven my mom’s car countless times for me to not pay too much attention or care to take my time. But as a 15-year-old driving a car, I had gotten too excited that the safety of operating it had gone out the window. As I reverse the car down the road and make my way up the street, I come to a stop at the end of my grandma’s driveway due to the slope of the entrance. I push down on the gas and as the sound of the engine revs, the car is stagnant. I try again. The second time had the same outcome I lay my foot down on the gas and the engine roars even louder, yet the car is in the same place. It was the third time I impatiently slammed the gas and jolted forward with the car and in an attempt to slow down I pressed the brake, however, my foot got caught on the backplate of the brake and I urged the car forward with even greater velocity. As I approach the back wall of the garage, I see my grandma and my sister’s boyfriend watching me with their bodies frozen and eyes wide. I watched as the car headed for the baby crib adjacent to the front of the headlights, but it was too late to stop. I come to a halt as the cement wall forces the car to a stop and I hear the sound of lighting. Frozen, I see my mom and brother run to the driver’s side door and bang on the window trying to get me out. In the out-of-body experience, I open the door and sprint into my grandmother’s backyard and hide behind her shed and as my hands tremble I lay my face in them and sob as I feel my throat become raspy. I heard the sound of my mother shouting where I went and when she asked again I had managed to a muffled shout, “I’m over here.” She asks if I’m alright, I say “no” because as lay my face in my hands I couldn’t get out the vivid image of my niece inside that crib I had just crushed. To my alleviation, though, she assures me she was inside the house and wasn’t harmed. It was from that moment that I promised myself that I wouldn’t put my family or myself in that situation again. I had made I promise to myself that day that I would take full responsibility when turning that key and that I would be aware, and all distractions be minimized, avoiding what had happened during my sister’s graduation and her daughter’s 1st birthday.

In conclusion, preventing texting while driving requires a concerted effort from every one of us. Implementing preventative measures such as using “Do Not Disturb” mode, planning, and embracing hands-free technology, are practices that mitigate distractions and prioritize safety on the road. Additionally, spreading awareness and advocating for responsible driving behavior are essential steps in addressing the dangers of texting while driving.