CULLMAN – Today, most people's lives are quite busy. Their minds and hands are constantly doing something, which is generally a good thing, except when they are driving. Driving requires a foot, two hands and a clear mind. For some it can be incredibly hard to not talk on their cell phone or reply to a text, disregarding the road. This habit needs to be broken.
No matter how imperative the text message may be, it is illegal to reply because the distraction is dangerous to others. Drivers are responsible for every person in their vehicle and every other vehicle on the road. It is not a right to drive, but a privilege.
Sergeant Jeff Warnke of the Cullman Police Department Patrol Division stated, “If you walked in my shoes for a day and saw the accidents I see, you would see the result of driving distracted and you would never do it.”
The sergeant sympathized with how easy it is to be preoccupied while driving but explained, “Most accidents are caused by drivers texting, talking on the phone, and just not focusing on the task ahead.”
For many, especially teenagers and young adults, there is a constant pull to pick up their cell phone while driving.
No longer is a phone something to be used only for talking. It now provides a portal to the world through a variety of applications.
These applications seem to need attention every minute of the day and unfortunately some believe they should be interacting with them while driving.
The actions of distracted motorists can impact not only nearby drivers but also their families. By choosing to focus on the road these drivers will create a safer environment for everyone.
