Manners Matter: Texting & Driving

Dear Mary Pat,

While at stoplights during my commute to work everyday, I regularly notice other drivers texting. It doesn’t stop when the light turns green. This is bothering me more and more, but as they are oblivious to the world around them (and therefore, the bewildered look on my face as I stare at them), I wonder if I should be doing more? There are too many reports of fatal vehicle accidents at the hands of distracted drivers. I know my silent anger is doing nothing to help the situation but I don’t know what I can constructively do to help this problem.

Texting Threats

Sister Bay, Wis.

Dear Texting Threats,

It’s hard to monitor every traffic violation and you will make yourself crazy trying. However, if you see someone texting while driving and they are clearly heading for disaster you should speak up. If someone is driving erratically whether it is due to texting or due to being intoxicated, you can call the non-emergency number for the Door County Sheriff’s Department at 920.746.2400. The police will ask you for your information first most likely. After they have your details, they will ask you for information on the person illegally texting and driving. Don’t try to take a picture of the other car while you are driving and keep your distance.

So that you don’t cause an accident yourself by trying to report a bad driver, program the non-emergency number into your cell phone ahead of time (especially if you see the same people morning after morning). Also, if you don’t have a hands-free cell phone in your car, consider getting one. Trying to find a phone number while driving can be just as dangerous as texting.

If you are someone who has gotten into the habit of texting while driving, take steps to stop. For example, if you are someone who automatically looks down when you hear the ding of a text or an email, keep your phone in the back seat, or even in the trunk. Invest in a hands-free/Bluetooth system for your car. They aren’t overly expensive and it is worth the cost to keep you safe. If you have a smart phone and it can be used with voice commands, practice using this feature before you start driving. And if there is an urgent message that you are waiting for or need to respond to, simply pull over. It could save your life or your neighbor’s life.

Good luck,

Mary Pat