Here's a New Year's resolution for the ages: No more cell phones while driving...talking, texting, playing games...whatever people do on their phones. The versatility of our gizmos has outrun common sense.
On three recent mornings in a row, headed downtown to work, I got behind people at every stoplight who were looking down and clearly sending text messages, even though that's now illegal in North Carolina. Others...why do they always seem to be people driving these big tank-like vehicles...were deep in conversation while lights went through complete cycles.
It was only a blink ago that the cell phone phenom hit, and it seemed like a harmless, even a good, idea. In fact, it is a very good idea in terms of using it as an emergency connection after car trouble or an accident or when a friend or family member is in the hospital, or when one has children who are driving or moving around on their own. And, yes, when someone's out of town, etc. The more sophisticated phones that allow for Internet connections, etc., are beyond my capabilities right now, but I might join up some day.
But driving a vehicle is a full-time job. My father wasn't even crazy about conversation in the car...thought it was distracting.
So take the vow. Drive while driving. Talk while parked, or pull off the road.
Our next installment: Talking while walking. Not happy about that either.
Comments
Legalise
Tue, 02/09/2010 - 10:46 — bill_financeLike other countries such as UK, you need to pass laws to prevent use of hand-held mobiles in cars. On the spot fines will get the message across.
Legalise
Tue, 02/09/2010 - 10:43 — bill_financeLike other countries such as UK, you need to pass laws to prevent use of hand-held mobiles in cars. On the spot fines will get the message across.