By KAITLYN SKRZYPCZAK, Editor-in-Chief.
I can’t believe I have to say this: don’t text and drive. Don’t “snap” and drive. Please, for the love of all that is good, don’t use your cellphone while operating heavy machinery.
I’ve noticed that my generation (millennials) use the photo and video messaging app Snapchat all too often when behind the wheel. Frankly, no one needs a video of you listening to your favorite album while driving down the highway. Is a 10 second video of the road (that looks like every other highway) worth the potential damage you could cause to your car, yourself or others?
Older generations aren’t off the hook when it comes to cellphone use and driving either. I’ve been in plenty of cars with older adults who will text behind the wheel. Usually the excuse is along the lines of “I’ve never gotten in an accident before” or “I can pay attention to both.” Such excuses are really only to cover up the guilt of texting and driving. Just because no negative consequences have yet to come doesn’t mean they won’t in the future.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2012 driver distraction (texting, sending emails, reading) was the was of 18 percent of all fatal crashes. 3,328 people were killed and in crashes resulting in an injury 421,000 people were wounded.
I get it. It’s hard to disconnect from communication when driving. But you have to unplug and concentrate on the road. It’s pretty obvious to those behind you when you slowly start to drift out of your lane.
If you really can’t stand ceasing communication while driving, download an app like DriveSafe.ly or text-STAR that will send a autoreply that you’re driving to all incoming messages.
You don’t let your friends drink and drive; don’t let me them text and drive either.
