I will apologize up front because I’m sure this might offend some of my friends, especially since I’ve never said this to them in person because…well I’m a chicken. Please know I love you dearly and will in no way reveal who you are, but I’m sure you know who you are. As much as this is a cowardly way to say what has been bothering me to my friends, this is not meant to be my wagging finger at you, this message is for everyone, even if I don’t ride with you.
Please don’t cell phone and drive.
It. Is. Terrifying.
No joke, I’m a terrible passenger. I’m sure I know it is why my husband lets me drive when we are going somewhere as a family, so that we can stay married. When I am riding as a guest in a vehicle I try to be on my best behavior, but when you pull out your phone to text or talk it is everything I can do to not lose my shit. I find it absolutely terrifying and what’s worse is when we are on the freeway doing 60mph (or 70mph) and you start reaching for your phone in your purse and start reading, texting, or talking on your phone I’m stuck. Everyone thinks it doesn’t effect their driving, but if you are looking down and not at the road how on earth can you tell? As a passenger I can see that it does effect your driving and all I can do is warn you if you are wandering too far out of the lane, but trust me I’m on pins and needles watching.
It can . I promise. I have NEVER been with someone in a car who got a call or text that was so important it couldn’t wait. And let me just ad that if it is an emergency you sure as hell shouldn’t be driving when you get that message anyhow.
I know there is a convenience to being in touch with everyone at all times but while you are driving is not the time. Sure, if you have handless with Bluetooth and voice activated everything and can manage not to be distracted looking for buttons go for it, but otherwise feel free to have me (or your passenger) read or answer it if absolutely necessary. Or wait.
I don’t know why I’m such a coward about bringing it up when it happens. Mostly I don’t want to be annoying or high maintenance. Which is just ridiculous. It isn’t high maintenance to want to be safe while careening down the freeway at high speeds or heaven forbid busy streets. I wouldn’t get in a car with someone who had been drinking, and trust me it is just as dangerous. The problem is, unlike someone who has been drinking, you don’t always know who is a cell- phone- while- driving user until you are already in the car on your way somewhere.
I’m not even just requesting you don’t do it while I’m in your vehicle, I’m asking you not to do it at all. It terrifies me that it is being done while your children are in the vehicle with you, or even when you are by yourself. Nothing is 100% safe, but this is a variable you can control. I PROMISE you will never forgive yourself if you hurt someone in an accident just so you could read the “k” text.
I love you. Be safe!
