Don't let driving distractions mar the holidays

Yeah, that's the text message we've been waiting for, let me text him right back. Oh no I've lost control, we're going to crash......... "911 what's your emergency?" I'd like to report a terrible crash on (name any Southwest Florida highway).

Sound familiar? June 2007 five young women in upstate New York, all recent high school graduates crash head-on with an eighteen-wheeler resulting in their untimely deaths. Evidence indicates that a cell phone belonging to the driver had sent and received text messages 38 seconds before the first 911 call reported the crash We will never know the truth, but do understand: a young inexperienced driver lost control and was responsible for this preventable tragedy.

One can safely assume it's only a matter of time before events such as this become all too common. Text messaging has undoubtedly become one of the most dangerous forms of driver distraction. Sadly, young drivers are the most likely motor vehicle operators to be involved in fatal collisions while using electronic devices. Crashes remain the leading cause of death and longterm disabilities for ages 3 to 34.

The Holiday Season is here and our winter residents and visitors are returning. The increased traffic volume becomes more noticeable daily. What better time to remind drivers how important it is to adopt the driving philosophy of Stay Alert, Stay Focused, Stay Alive .... Just Drive!

Nationwide Insurance surveyed 1200 Americans ages 18 to 60 in November 2006. Over 80 percent were multitaskers; 59 percent said they're not distracted drivers. The results prove otherwise; 82 percent adjust the radio or CD player, 73 percent talk on cell phones, 68 percent eat, 19 percent text message, 14 percent comfort children, 12 percent apply makeup. Others admit to shaving, reading, and even changing their clothes.

Vehicles today have become an extension of our living rooms. Automobile manufacturers continue to compound the problem adding components that are distractions. DVD players, GPS systems, CD players, satellite radio, laptop computers are just a few examples. Include the other causes of driver inattention you can easily understand why 8 out of 10 crashes or near collisions are a direct result of driver distraction.

A car going 68 mph can travel the length of a football field in three seconds, the same length of time as the typical distraction. The average reaction time is 1.5 seconds, so even in as little as one second, you can prevent 40 to 60 percent of rear end crashes. That's why we stress the importance of remembering: awareness is the key to understanding how one second can change a life forever.

Walt Seifert, Executive Director of the Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates said it best when he wrote, " We aren't driven to distraction when we drive. We choose distraction. It's an irresponsible choice that endangers our fellow travelers and us."

Florida is on track to join the five states that ban the use of handheld cell phones while driving - joining California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Washington and Washington D.C. At least 16 states restrict cell phone use by young drivers. State Sen. Frederica Wilson, (D, Miami Gardens), has prepared a bill to be introduced in March. State Rep. Ronald Brise, (D, Miami Gardens) is preparing the House bill. So far there appears to be very little opposition in either the House or Senate.

The Stay Alive .... Just Drive ! traffic safety campaign directly addresses driver education, one of three vital traffic safety components (education, engineering, and enforcement) Ultimately the person behind the wheel is in control and responsible for the safe and lawful operation of the vehicle.