What Type of Distracter Are You?

The term "Distracted Driving" has just recently started to stick in the brains of drivers everywhere.  Before, people used "texting and driving" and "distracted driving" as interchangeable terms.  However, because distracted driving continues to cause problems on the road ways, more and more people are becoming aware of what distracted driving is and what it can consist of.

All distractions that drivers engage in while driving can fit in three main categories: Visual, Manual, and Mental.

Visual distractions involves activities that cause the driver to take his/her eyes off the road.  This type of distraction is commonly associated with applying facial make-up or looking for an item in the car.  

Manual distractions involves the driver taking his/her hands off the wheel while driving.    This type of distraction is commonly associated with eating or drinking while driving; at which point drivers tend to use their knees to steer the wheel.

Mental, also known as cognitive distractions involves taking your mind off the act of driving. This type of distraction is commonly associated with talking on the phone while driving.  A driver's mind is so focus on the conversation, he/she is usually unaware of what is happening on the roads.

So I ask, which type of distracter are you?  Let me help... if you text and drive, you are ALL three!!

Remember, #ItsJustNotWorthIt

Wisconsin Teens Paying the “Cheese” for Texting and Driving

The Cheese State has passed a law prohibiting all cell phone use drivers, while operating a motor vehicle.  Although Wisconsin law currently prohibits texting while driving, the new law provisions targets young driver statewide ages 18 and under, but also focuses on any drivers with probationary licensing.  This includes drivers who previous license was in another country, new residents to the state with less than three years of driving experience and/or under the age of 21, and citizens with suspended permits and/or licenses.  The law bans the use of cell phone usage will driving, whether a hands-free accessory accompanies it.  The fines under the new provisions range from $20 - $40 for the first offense and $50 - $100 for subsequent convictions within the same year.  The governor signed the law late March, and it took full effect throughout the state on November 1, 2012.         

Is this enough?  Granted Wisconsin has taken some initiative where other states have not, but as safe drivers, we must question is this a satisfactory solution?  Although teens/young adults statically engage in distracted driving practices more than any other age group that does not mean that they are the sole source.  Is it asking too much to require the same expectations of teens and young adults as we do their parents? 

The fines put in place in Wisconsin and several states across the nation do not seem to put much pressure on distract drivers to put down the phone.  There are parking tickets that cost more than $40, and speeding ticket prices drastically surpass $500 - $100.  This being the case, are lawmakers really taking distracted driving as a serious issue?  What do you think?

Top Ten Most Dangerous Foods

According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the top ten most dangerous foods are:

1. Coffee. Even with a travel lid, hot coffee can find its way out of the opening when you hit a bump.

2. Hot soup. Many people drink it like coffee and run the same risks.

3. Tacos. Any food that can disassemble itself will leave your car looking like a salad bar.

4. Chili dogs. Huge potential for drips and slops down the front of clothing.

5. Hamburgers. From the grease to the toppings, it could end up on your hands and the steering wheel.

6. Ribs and wings. What's more distracting than licking your fingers?

7. Fried chicken. More greasy hands. You've got to wipe them off while you're driving.

8. Jelly donuts. It's not possible to eat one without watching the center ooze out.

9. Soda. Carbonation. Fizz in the nose. Lids that leak. Disaster.

10. Chocolate. Try to clean melted chocolate off the steering wheel without swerving.

INTERESTING!! How does this list match yours?

Hamburger or Hammered: Does it Really Matter?

Often times when people talk about the dangers of the road, it is likely that people will discuss driving under the influence; or for a lack of a better term, driving hammered.  But what if I told you that just as many people are injuries or died from eating while driving as those from being intoxicated while driving. According to a study of 1,000 drivers surveyed done by Exxon Mobil, 70% of those drivers admit to eating while driving.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also concludes that drivers increase their odds of getting in an accident by nearly 80%.

What do you think the most dangerous foods and/or drinks are to eat while driving?  Post your answers below.

We will post NHTSA's top 10 Most Dangerous Foods/Drinks are!

Happy Sunday

Seems that even churches around the country are getting involved in the fight against distracted driving!!  This would seem to be a good thing, seeing as churches, and other religious affiliated congregations, reach millions of people.  However, some have argued that bring up political issues in a religious setting compromises the standards set by separation of religion and state. 

Do you think making a congregation aware about the dangers of distracted driving is wrong under the law?

What are your local churches doing to bring about awareness?

Should churches have a back seat role to this cause and leave it up to politicians?

Tell us, what do you think??? 

iPhone 5 Launched: What This Means For You On The Road

Over the past few weeks, there has been much talk about the new and improved iPhone 5!  But what does this mean for motorists on the road?  The iPhone has been highly recommended to those who refrain from distracted driving because of the popular Siri feature.  Apple’s Sir has the unique ability to understand commands, perform them, and respond back to the speaker without the touch of a button.  Apple has teamed up with several popular third-party apps so that Siri can intercede on the phone owner’s behalf.  With the iPhone 5 and iOS 6 upgrade, Siri can update Facebook and Twitter updates, car navigation, call contacts, and send more precise text messages.  With all these features and more, the iPhone 5 should be an OBVIOUS choice for drivers of all ages who want to be safe on the roads.  iPhone users have no excuse but to keep their eyes on the road, and their fingers off the phone!

Pledge Day: No Text On Board

Apart from being one of the world’s most popular cell phone companies, AT&T has been the premier vehicle in informing the world of the dangers of texting and driving.  Introducing its “It Can Wait” campaign, AT&T has taken a stand against distracted driving across the country, and has focused most of its program targeting young teens as they start their journey behind the wheel.  The website is the best out there!  It is interactive with tips and videos, which can help any driver commit to a life free from distracted driving.  The videos tell the stories of families and individuals whose lives were drastically affected by the dangers of distracted driving; and can be seen on AT&T’s Youtube channel.

AT&T has deemed today “No Text On Board” Pledge Day!!  All across the nation, AT&T is urging drivers young and old to commit to no texting and driving from this day forward.  Their slogan, “NO TEXT IS WORTH THE RISK” has been plastered over every Facebook status, Instagram picture, and Twitter update all day!  By visiting the website, you can pledge as an individual, dedicate your pledge to someone, or pledge via Facebook. 

We dedicated our pledge to Clifton B. Gibbs, the inspiration behind the foundation, who was killed by a distracted driver in February of this year.  Have you made your pledge yet?  Go to www.itcanwait.com right now and make a pledge today!         

We promise, #ItsJustNotWorthIt