Every day people are changing their lifestyle habits. They might start flossing, eating healthier, or using a reusable water bottle. But one habit tends to get overlooked. This habit is texting or talking on the phone while driving.
People never think something bad's going to happen to them until it's too late.
A 2007 survey done by Nationwide Mutual Insurance proved that about 73% of drivers talk on
the phone while driving. That's even before the modern technology we have was introduced.
The facts about using your cell phone while driving are harsh, but true. The chances of getting in a car crash increase by 50% when you text and drive.
Also, when you are talking on the phone and driving, it has the same effect on you as four alcoholic drinks would. The same goes for texting, but instead its eight drinks!
So as you can see, the effects of just telling your friend what time her favorite show
is on or sending a forward can take your life or someone else's. It's obviously not worth it to divide your attention when it comes to something as serious as driving.
If responding to a text or call is that important, please pull over! If you are in a car with a person using the cell phone it is OK to speak up. The worst they could do is pull over and kick you out of the car, but at least you put the idea in their head and your life was spared.
Sadly, 16 people are going to die today because of distracted drivers on their cell phones. Mothers,
fathers, babies and children DO NOT need to die, but they will each day unless we
do something about it.
There are countless stories of families lost so please don't add to the list.You might think it's worth the risk but the drivers, passengers and children around you never gave their consent. Make the right choice and sign the "No Phone Zone" pledge here:
http://www.oprah.com/questionaire/ipledge.html?id=4
Drop what your doing and sign it now. You may be saving a life.
Spread the news: Things must change, please help out. You may check out oprah.com
for more information on the No Phone Zone campaign.
Here is a poem I have written that victims of distracted driving accidents couldn't say:
It's worth it, I swear.
Please show that you care.
I'm sorry that I was in your way.
I had no time to think when your car began to sway.
I didn't mean to interrupt your call.
But I hit your car and went down in a fall.
Was it that important, I sure hope so.
But seeing you're at my funeral I guess I will never know.
If your phone was off, I'd be alive.
I would get to live, to be older than five.
You can't apologize to me, I'm already gone.
But with that look in her eyes, my mom could never move on.
I wanted to be a teacher, or an actress would be swell.
But for the rest of eternity, I'll be an angel.
I'll watch over children, as if they were my own.
I'll try to keep them safe, from that killer of a phone.
It's worth it, I swear.
Please show that you care.