Death by Texting

It appears that the high school student who died recently in a tragic traffic accident was texting at the time. The newspaper report included a quote from her dad that he had a bad feeling about his daughter’s well-being, so he texted her. She never responded. I can’t imagine his horror if it turns out that she was reading his text when she got into the accident that killed her.

Texting while driving has become a problem for parents and teens alike. It seems so innocent to text a quick note while you're sitting at the traffic light. It's even likely that you are so good on your keyboard that you don't even have to look at it any more. As tempting, and time saving, as texting while driving may seem, it's a dangerous habit to get into. Sadly, this teenager’s death is proof, but there are plenty of studies that also give the facts.

The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute used cameras to continuously observe drivers for more than 6 million miles. It found that when drivers of heavy trucks texted, their collision risk was 23 times greater than when not texting. This compares to dialing a cellphone and using or reaching for an electronic device, which increased the risk of collision about 6 times in cars and trucks.

Our lives are stretched and we are in constant search of time saving techniques. Yet, think of your kids. There are two possible consequences that should cross your mind every time you text while driving. The first is that you might cause an accident, hurting or killing an innocent child or his parent. How could you possibly live with that? The second is that you might harm your own child or yourself. Again, something you can't live with.

So, please put the phone down, and do not allow your children to text while driving. You make rules about drugs and alcohol – texting while driving can be equally dangerous. If a message is that urgent, just pull over. You're quick enough on the keyboard that you can make a pit stop in no time.