Distracted Driving

I was recently walking my 2 dogs in my neighborhood, stepped off the road into a driveway, had to crouch down between an approaching car and my dogs to protect them, when she drifted off the road and hit me. She was reading a text message on her smartphone at the time, and "didn't see us." I ended up with some hip injuries, but at least my dogs were okay.

I thought about how things have changed since I started driving almost 30 years ago. Cars back then were lucky to have even an AM radio and that the locks, windows, and everything were MANUAL to use. Now? They are so digitally involved that you can't POSSIBLY process it all mentally. DRIVE. Now to step down from my soapbox, here are some facts about distracted driving.

Most American culture is focused right now on how "distracted driving" is related only to texting, but guess what? There are a LOT of things that are considered distracted driving. Things like:

• Eating and drinking (I see this all the time)
• Grooming (applying makeup or even shaving)
• Reading, including maps
• Using a navigation/GPS system (which is why I don't have one)
• Watching a video
• Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player
• Using a cell phone or smartphone, even hands-free/Bluetooth
• Texting

Distracted driving can be classified in 3 ways; visual (taking your eyes off of the road), manual (taking your hands off of the steering wheel), and cognitive (using your mind for something other than driving). Whenever you do any of the above, you run the risk 23 times more likely that you will be involved in an accident. Simply reading a text means your eyes are off of the road for approximately 5 seconds. At a speed of 55 mph, that is equal to driving the distance of a football field while blindfolded. How safe is that?

Add to it, that most states in the US have laws about distracted drivers. There are different ones for adults and minors. Some are considered primary and some are considered secondary. Some states even ban the use of a cellphone at all. I suggest you go over to the Distraction.gov website and find out what the laws are in your area. Click HERE for direct link to the state law page.

Drive safe...stop distracting yourself from those around you...

Distracted Driving

One of the hottest topics going around is "distracted driving," especially in the state where I am, Ohio. While they took a little longer to pass statewide legislation about it (39th), it has been hotly discussed. Effective September 1, 2012 we have laws on the books about distracted driving. And yes, it applies to everyone on the roads in the state, even if you are from a different one, just visiting or passing through.

The Ohio ban on distracted is best simply explained as:

• Statewide on text messaging by all drivers (sending or reading).
• Drivers under the age of 18, use of all portable electronic devices prohibited.

Basically what this translate into, as an adult, if pulled over for another violation, they can add this to the ticket as a fee on top of the original ticket (about $150). Like how the first seat belt act was passed before "Click It or Ticket," they couldn't pull you over for that unless you did something else first (reckless driving, speeding, blowing a stop sign or stop light, etc.). If you are under 18, it means $150 and a 60-day suspension of license. For teens with multiple violations, fines max out at $300 with possible loss of driver’s license for a year.

Now, that sounds simple, but you need to keep a few things in mind. They aren't just talking about distracted driving due to texting. Some municipalities, cities, and counties also specify that the use of a DVD player in the front seat, using a touch-screen GPS, eating, drinking, applying makeup, shaving, brushing your teeth, changing the CD player, iPod or radio, and even a hands-free call as distracted driving.  The local law can override the state law. The state law is the MINIMUM, the local ones are the MAXIMUM.

So, my suggestions? Spend a few minutes online to research what laws apply to where you live, but also where you might travel for vacation or work. And, please, keep your hands on the steering wheel and check your mirrors every 30 seconds. Get a "ride buddy" to do all the work you need done while focusing on the road in front, behind, and beside you. Pull over to take a phone call, answer a text, or check your email.