Before I start, I want to let y’all know some SUPER exciting news! Are you ready? Dun dun dun… I will be attending TEDYouth conference in New Orleans this weekend as part of my partnership with Toyota for TeenDrive365.
Texting & driving… it’s a topic that our parents love to talk about with us teenagers. Unlike drinking and driving, texting & driving wasn’t around when our parents were our age. It boggles my mind when I start thinking too hard about it. Remember when Razor flip phones where a thing? That seems like forever ago, am I right?
But cellphones are something that take up so much of our concentration and time. The other day I was practicing my calligraphy on a piece of paper and while writing I glanced at my phone. In those few milliseconds while I glanced at my phone, I had ruined my handwriting. I know nobody’s life was at stake, but …… Don’t get me wrong though, I absolutely love my iPhone. In fact, I’m addicted to my phone. If I was in a relationship with it, then I would represent the “overly attached girlfriend” meme to the extreme. Maybe I should start my own meme?
As some of y’all know, I am new to the whole driving world. When I was learning to drive I was terrible. Just ask my dad - he refused to drive with me for the first year. He’s a 50 year old man afraid of spiders though, so he doesn’t represent my driving skill really well. Anyway, when I was first learning to drive in my mall’s parking lot (with my mom) at 9 a.m. (when there are absolutely no cars in the lot) I was terrified. As my mom continuously lectured me about staying focused, to never ever text and drive, and don’t talk on the phone, I kept wondering how people do actually text and drive, because so much of your attention is being used to focus on driving. Gas pedal, brakes, rearview mirror, side mirrors, avoiding hitting wandering geese. And that’s just a few of the things I had to be aware of in the empty mall parking lot. Don’t even get me started on the highways. *shudder*
I’m not trying to scare anyone out of driving, because it really is awesome to be able to go places when you want to go places, not just when your parents are available. I’m simply telling you how hard it is, especially as a new teenager.
But I wasn’t aware of the consequences of texting and driving. But boy, did I learn about them in my required driving course. We watched videos about different accidents that real teenagers got into while texting and driving. These videos were graphic, heartbreaking, and quite frankly, scary. One of the videos that has stuck with me is about this boy who was quarterback on his high school’s football team. He was loved by everyone at the school and was said to be super nice. This kid was driving a few of his friends when he started texting and driving. He crashed his car and everyone except himself died on impact. Not only can this guy no longer walk, but he has to live every day with the fact that he killed three of his best friends.
After viewing these videos I vowed to myself that I would not talk on the phone or text and drive. I can say with 100% certainty that I do not want to die, or hurt someone else, because I was texting & driving. I don’t want my last words to be digital. I don’t want my family to live in mourning because I was doing something as superficial as texting.
I know I’m being dramatic. I know I’m taking it to the extreme. And yes, I know I sound like your mother. But texting & driving is downright dumb. If you have something super important to say, then pull over. It’s that simple.
If you haven’t really read anything that I wrote above, then read this: don’t text and drive. It’s not worth it.
PS - Don’t fret, I’m not really driving in the photo above! (;
xox, chloe
Do you know anyone who texts and drives? Does it make you nervous?
This post was written as part of my partnership with Toyota for TeenDrive365.
Not just teens, you sweet, smart girl. I am constantly boggled at the number of women who text and drive … all of whom are old enough to know better. Good, good, GOOD for you for keeping the message out to your peers … hope their moms see it as well.
Well said.
You are a smart one! I am guilty of looking at my phone while I’m stopped at a red light from time to time. But I don’t have the brain capacity to text while I’m driving. I’ve got a preschooler and a newborn and I can hardly concentrate as it is!
texting and driving is such a huge fear of mine. even if i’m practicing safe road etiquette, i can’t be sure someone else is. i know someone who’s friends’ mom was killed by someone who was texting and driving. it is very serious and very scary. so glad to see a young person promoting such excellent habits and safety.
xxCate
http://www.catamarann.blogspot.com
What a great post, and it’s the one thing that we all need to be aware of. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen people swerving and crossing lanes or going 20 mph under the speed limit all because they are texting, tweeting, emailing, etc. Just get to where you are going. It’s not that important to risk your life, or the lives of others.
It’s illegal where I live and it should be everywhere!
Definitely a silly thing to do — eyes on the road, friends!
You are obviously a bright young lady and doing us all a huge service reminding us to stay focused on the road and leave the gadgets alone. Nothing is more important than life. Thank you for this post - especially before the holiday season. Hope you enjoy the TEDYouth conference in NoLa.
So small yet so important. Some things just aren’t worth it and you are so right… texting is one of them!!!
I don’t think you’re being dramatic at all. The consequences of texting and driving are far too dreadful to be overplayed. Enjoy the conference, Chloe, and hold onto your vow. And keep spreading the word. Teens AND adults need to hear it.
Yes. I was with someone in her can and she was doing it. I told her she had to stop and she did but I don’t think people realize how dangerous it is. I have literally pulled over if I have a text I need to write.
Great post Chloe! Love it. I don’t know how to drive but I do get goosebumps whenever riding a public vehicle and I notice that the driver is texting or even talking with someone over the phone. How can they just do that?! If I’m ever gonna learn driving, I’ll be all for safe driving!