A drive to safety
Realtor Notebook
By Teresa Boardman, Thursday, December 10, 2009.
Flickr photo by zmtomako.Yesterday I was driving over a local bridge in a bad storm. I snapped a quick picture of what I was seeing on the road with my phone. It took a second and my eyes never left the road. Anyone seeing the picture could tell that there was no oncoming traffic and no cars ahead of me.
When I got to my appointment a few blocks away, I posted the picture on Posterous with a little note about the storm. The photos then went to Twitter and to Facebook.
Almost immediately I got a message through Facebook. The writer said that he hoped I had taken the photo from the passenger seat.
I responded by saying that it would be very dangerous to operate a motor vehicle from the passenger seat -- it would be too hard to reach the pedals and the steering wheel. My response was a bit over the line and he was right. I should not make light of it and it isn't funny.
It isn't a good idea to take photos while driving. It isn't a good idea to send text messages or e-mail while driving, and it isn't a good idea to read them, either.
I remember how terrified I was a few months back as I was riding in a car going down a steep, winding road while the driver read and sent text messages from her iPhone.
I worry that I will never see her again because she will die in a fiery crash when she hits a patch of ice on one of those roads while she is sending a text message or maybe she will be hit by a car that she did not see coming at her because she was looking at her phone.
Talking on a cell phone while driving isn't safe either -- it is a distraction. I minimize the risk by using a Bluetooth device, so I never have to touch the phone. Yet I have noticed that while I am talking on the phone and driving, I tend to drive too slowly and I have missed my exit and have actually gotten lost. ...CONTINUED
All rights reserved. This article may not be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever, in part or in whole, without written permission of Inman News. Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright law.
You must login or register to post a comment.
Submitted by Joe Loomer on December 10, 2009 - 2:13pm.
Sound advice, Teresa.
Several months ago I nearly rear ended another vehicle, I was trying to write down a number while talking on the phone. It made me realize there is a positive side to texting and driving. I now ask anyone who has important, perishable information to pass to me while I'm driving to text it to me so I can review it later, when I've reached my destination.
Augusta GA Homes
Joe Loomer, USN Ret.
Associate Leadership Council, Growth Chair
Keller Williams Realty Augusta Partners
Submitted by Jill James on December 10, 2009 - 6:05pm.
You are so absolutely right about all the ways we can be distracted while driving. I especially think that your noticing that you drive slower while taking calls on your Bluetooth is very important as most states allow "hands free" cell phone use. Just the act of hold a conversation is distracting, though I know we cannot restrict talking while in the car. I do not use my cell -- hands free or otherwise -- while driving. I have never texted while driving. To me, it would be like reading mail or a book while driving.
I have always embraced technology for the convenience it provides, but I draw the line when it can compromise my safety or intrude upon my personal life.
Jill
Submitted by Chris Freeman on December 11, 2009 - 3:10pm.
A good reminder Teresa! The problem with driving is that it's too easy. About 99% of the time it takes so little effort but the other 1% you need the reflexes of a cat to avoid a crash.
We get lulled into a false sense of complacency and if you're distracted during that 1% of the time - that's when crashes occur. Anyone in a metro area sees this every day so lets not be one of the statistics just to try to save a little time.
Chris Freeman
Chief Technology Officer
WOLFNET www.wolfnet.com