Live to drive tomorrow

Being a new driver is scary, and fun. On the one hand, I always feel ‘free’ when I drive. I feel in charge. I choose how to get where I am going. I am in control. On the other hand, I am always so focused on safety that I am sometimes stressed a little – because I see others driving in ways that make me to believe that they are not so focused. I especially get aggravated when I see people looking down at their phones while driving. They cannot possibly see what is in front of them on the road if they are looking away from it!

To help drivers be safer, I think several things should happen: 1. Before someone is allowed to get their drivers license, they should be required to look at images and videos from crash scenes that were caused by people texting, looking at social media, etc. 2. New drivers should be forced to download an app on their phone – monitored by their parents – that will limit the new drivers phone to Only Phone Calls while the car is moving.

What can I do about this? 1. I can tell those in the Kentucky Transportation department my suggestions. 2. In addition to #1 above, I will suggest that they create public service billboards with pictures of vehicle crashes caused by phone distractions, and the words: “The last thing she saw was her Facebook feed . . . “. Or: “He didn’t get to read the entire text on his phone . . . “