Texting is dangerous

 Texting – the Newest Driving Distraction is Becoming a Number One Killer!

Could this have happened to you on the way to work today?

In the age of multi-tasking, it is increasingly common to eat breakfast, drink coffee, apply makeup, or read a newspaper while driving. Add to this the technological advances of being able to text your family about dinner plans or check email on your Blackberry or iPhone (or both at the same time!), and you have a recipe for disaster. Driving distractions are only getting more dangerous, resulting in car accidents, injuries, and death.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a total of 41,059 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes in 2007. Another 2.5 million people were injured. NHTSA also reported an increase of hand-held cell phone use in 2007 -- the results translating into 1,005,000 vehicles on the road at any given daylight moment being driven by someone using a hand-held phone.

Per NHTSA, distractions are anything that divert the driver’s attention from the primary tasks of navigating the vehicle and responding to critical events. In other words, a distraction is anything that takes your eyes off the road (visual distraction), your mind off the road (cognitive distraction), or your hands off the wheel (manual distraction). Think about the size of the device with which you are risking your life. The screen and keypad on most cell phones are about 2 inches in height and width -- smaller than a toddler's hand. Dialing a number or reading a text while driving can be a deadly gamble for you and everyone around you.

The danger is becoming more apparent as more states outlaw texting while driving. Already 14 states and Washington, D.C. ban sending email messages while driving. Taking personal responsibility is paramount to this effort to save lives. Help support your safety and the safety of your community. Encourage everyone to avoid texting while driving and be mindful of other driving distractions.

Remember: When it comes to texting while driving, or taking your eyes off the road for any reason -- is it really worth your life and the lives around you?

From:   ^Human Resources Internal Communications