When it comes to driving, I am extremely vigilant about avoiding texting behind the wheel. As a parent of two teenage daughters, one of whom has just received her driving permit, I feel a strong responsibility to set a good example of safe driving practices. If I absolutely need to send or read a message, I pull over to a safe spot first or ask my kids to help me out.
However, while I take pride in my commitment to not texting while driving, I’ve recently recognized other habits that fall under the category of distracted driving. For instance, I often find myself changing my music playlist at red lights or grabbing a snack on the go. And for some reason, I can’t resist sipping my coffee while driving.
Additionally, I’m frequently passing items to my kids in the back seat and glancing at the rearview mirror to manage their antics. If distracted driving is a widespread issue—as we all acknowledge—then parents might be some of the biggest offenders, even when our phones are tucked away.
In Washington State, a new law aimed at curbing distracted driving was recently implemented. This legislation bans the use of nearly all handheld devices while driving. While this seems like an obvious step, state studies reveal that about one in ten drivers is still using a handheld device. Interestingly, you are allowed to have your phone mounted on the dashboard for navigation, but you cannot touch it while driving, even if you’re stopped at a red light.
The law also categorizes eating and drinking as a “secondary offense.” This means you won’t be pulled over just for snacking, but if you’re stopped for another violation, you could receive a citation for it. Some people see these regulations as an infringement on personal freedoms. However, I believe that our rights should not supersede the safety of others. Just think about it: if I drop my cheeseburger while driving and take a moment to clean up the mess, that brief distraction could lead to a serious accident.
Distracted driving can indeed be fatal. In 2015, over 3,400 lives were lost due to accidents involving distracted drivers, many of which were linked to cellphone use. Texting can divert a driver’s attention for an average of five seconds, which at highway speeds is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed—an alarming thought.
While teenagers are often perceived as the primary culprits, people in their 40s, like me, can also fall victim to distractions. Driving remains one of the most hazardous activities we engage in regularly, even without added distractions. Accidents can happen in mere moments, and many of us underestimate the risks on seemingly low-speed residential roads.
Imagine two cars traveling towards each other at 20 miles per hour. If one swerves into the other’s lane, the impact is comparable to hitting a wall at 40 miles per hour. That scenario could easily unfold in your neighborhood. Conversely, the steady pace of a freeway can lull us into a false sense of security, causing us to forget that any crash at 60 or 70 miles per hour can have devastating consequences.
No one expects to be in an accident. Many drivers believe they can take a quick glance at their phones or change a song without incident. But a second can easily stretch into five, and regardless of your driving skills, you can’t control the actions of others on the road. You can’t prevent a child or animal from darting in front of your vehicle, nor can you stop another driver from slamming on their brakes.
Driving with children already brings enough distractions without adding further ones. Let’s prioritize safety for everyone by keeping our focus on the road and saving our phone usage and other distractions for later. The risks simply aren’t worth it.
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In summary, the dangers of distracted driving extend well beyond texting. They encompass various everyday behaviors that can divert our attention from the road. As responsible drivers, especially parents, we must keep our focus sharp to ensure safety for ourselves and others.