#DecideToDrive Every Time You Get Behind the Wheel

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When I’m out and about, I have precious cargo – my 3-year-old daughter – on board. For this reason, I’m a very passive driver. I let those who are in a hurry pass me on the highway, while I carefully creep along in the right lane. At 4-way-stops, I wave people on. No rush here, whether I’m late or not.

I’m probably dating myself, but when I was a teen cell phones, as we know them today, were just starting to gain popularity. Not everyone had one, and it wasn’t really until college that we all had them. I’ll admit that I wasn’t the most careful driver then. Although it seems like common sense now, the dangers of using cell phones while driving wasn’t well-known then either, evident by the car phones in those big black bags that started to adorn family cars everywhere.

Today however, as I putz along with my precious cargo singing songs in the backseat, I’m reminded constantly that saving a phone call or text message for when the car is safely stopped isn’t really common sense at all. I see people chatting on their phones, texting, eating, turning around to talk to passengers, rubbernecking, all while trying to keep their car on the road. I see the photos people post on Facebook that they took while driving. I see the news stories of a life cut short because of a single text.

distraction

Did you know that in 2012 there were more than 3,300 fatalities and 421,000 injuries as a direct result of distracted-related crashes? The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Auto Alliance teamed up recently to launch the Decide to Drive campaign, to raise awareness about the risks of distracted driving. The Decide to Drive program aims to empower drivers and passengers to speak up about distracted driving and reduce distracted behaviors when behind the wheel.

You, too, can help to reduce the number of distracted-driving fatalities and injuries by following a few safety tips depicted in the Wreck-less checklist below. You can also anonymously email this checklist to distracted drivers you know. I know a few people who will be getting an email today.

wreck-less-checklist_thumb[1]

Always, remember, YOU – the driver – is the most advanced safety feature of any vehicle. The AAOS and the Auto Alliance urges all drivers to keep their most sophisticated safety features engaged at all times: eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

Sound off in the comments below. Do you know a distracted driver? Are you one yourself? What steps do you take to ensure your family is safe on the road?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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Comments

  1. I couldn’t agree more. I have seen some people doing crazy things while driving – so dangerous!

  2. Very important post. It is vital that drivers pay attention. One look in the wrong direction can change lives forever!

  3. It’s so important to pay attention while driving. I zone out all the time. Eek.

    • Momma on the Rocks Momma on the Rocks says:

      I used to zone out all the time, too. Now with my daughter in the back, she keeps up enough dialogue for a long trip!

  4. I am such a distracted driver. Its awful. Thanks for the reminder. I think my phone needs to go in the back seat when I drive! Thanks for the post!

  5. My daughters grew up in our home where we stressed safety. I’m a little proud to say that cell phones go in the trunk when ever the car is moving and they still do it. Sometimes I want to check on them and it goes straight to voice mail since the phone is off. Safety on the road is Life Saving! Great post.

    • Momma on the Rocks Momma on the Rocks says:

      That is an excellent idea! It is very tempting to reach for it or check it when it’s next to you!

  6. Daddy on the Rocks says:

    I must be a good driver, because I didn’t get one of those anonymous emails you said you were going to send to distracted drivers. Woo hoo! Oh wait…there it is.

  7. As seriously as I take all this, I still find myself slipping into bad habits, especially when I’m in a hurry. I should print this infographic out and keep it in my car.

  8. I definitely agree with you. I am a very passive driver. I would rather be late and safe then get into an accident.

  9. It is so easy to get distracted when driving. These are all great tips, and I try to put my cell phone in the back seat of my car so I’m not tempted to check it constantly!

  10. Maria Oller says:

    Great tips and recommendations specially the makeup, texting and music, most people think switching cd or looking for a song while driving it’s not as dangerous as texting but it’s.

  11. I agree with you completely! It’s very easy to let something take our attention off the road and everyone should read this.

  12. Oh I wish everyone would read this and become more cautious when driving!! It’s not worth losing your life to drive like a crazy person or do unsafe things. Thanks for these tips!

  13. These days there are so many distractions, kids, phone, radio, etc. It came be hard to concentrate. Great post!

  14. My kids are my top ditraction and second would be signs! They are so distracting

  15. So so important! Thanks for the info graphic!

  16. If everybody did what they needed to do behind the wheel and watched the road, we would be so much safer. I have no idea why people don’t realize how easy it is to kill someone.

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