Earlier this week I was out for a morning run in my neighborhood--a route I have been running for almost 4 1/2 years now. While many people talk about being a defensive driver, I am proud to say I am a defensive runner. I understand that many drivers do not pay attention to things around them, but this issue becomes more problematic when drivers are too busy talking on their cell phones. As a runner, I run on against the flow of traffic. I am always aware of my surroundings, especially the traffic running through the neighborhood. I run with only one ear piece so that I can hear sounds around me. I always stop at cross walks, being sure to look both ways before proceeding. And I make sure that I can be seen by others by donning a neon yellow hat and many times a neon tech shirt with reflectors on the sleeves. On Tuesday morning I was well into mile 4 of a 5 mile run when a driver on a cross street ran the STOP sign while talking on her cell phone. Because she did not slow down at the STOP sign she had to make the turn wide which caused her to come close to the curb, therefore brushing my right leg with her passenger side fender. It all happened so fast that I literally didn’t have time to respond. The driver briefly stopped, cell phone still in hand, and began shouting at me that I almost hit her. She did not ask if I was OK or if I needed any help. I didn’t say a word—for once in my life I was left speechless. Unfortunately, I failed to get her license plate number, but I was so taken aback that I just stood in silence. Walking home, which was less than a half mile away, I think I was more shocked by her reaction than I was about her running a STOP sign and almost hitting me. For years we have been told of the dangers of driving while talking on cell phones, however, now that many people have resorted to texting, this is becoming an even bigger issue. Studies have shown that talking on a cell phone while driving in one of the most common distractions for drivers when they should be giving their attention to driving and the obstacles that can surely arise at any time. Twice I have been rear-ended by drivers talking on their cell phones and sadly one was even an insurance adjuster. Thankfully both times only caused minor damage to my van’s bumper, but the inconvenience of having to take my van in for repairs was just that--an inconvenience on my part. Many states are now banning the use of cell phones while driving, especially in school zones. However, enforcing this law may be quite difficult as many cities and law enforcement agencies are being forced to cut back on personnel due to the economic downturn. But something has to be done to change the behavior that is so commonplace these days. So what can be done? The simple answer is--take personal accountability to not talk or text while driving. What is so important that it can’t wait until you can stop? I hope the young lady who almost hit me was frightened enough to put the cell phone down, but probably not. But one thing is for certain, it has made me re-think my own cell phone usage when driving. Do you believe laws prohibiting cell phone use while driving are effective? Has all the hype surrounding this topic caused you to change your own cell phone use when driving? |
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