Robin SmithDistracted driving is an obvious and dangerous public health threat. We've all been behind drivers with their phone positioned atop their steering wheel. While attempting to drive, it's more likely that those drivers will fail to maintain their lane or sit still as traffic moves forward.
Even all of the new-fangled technology that is standard in autos these days contributes to driver distractions. GPS for directions and traffic coupled with touchscreen audio systems are now part of one's everyday drive that are temptations within arm's length. Even a few seconds of eyes off the road are too many.
In Tennessee, the Department of Safety has a list of "Top Ten Traffic Safety Laws" posted on its website with No. 1 boldly declaring that "Texting while driving a vehicle in Tennessee is illegal," citing Tennessee Code Annotated 55-8-199. Yet, drivers are breaking the law every time they get behind the wheel.
Yeah, you can't fuss about illegal immigration and then ignore other lawlessness, right? Nonetheless, data demonstrates Tennessee drivers need to put their smartphone away while driving.
Beginning in 2006, figures for traffic accidents caused by distracted driving have been recorded by county in Tennessee. Overall, the trend is on the rise. In the first year, 10,573 wrecks statewide were attributed to distracted driving. A decade later, the number had more than doubled, with 24,743 moving vehicle accidents due to our technology addictions.
And, no, our local trend is no better. Ten years ago, there were only 574 car accidents attributed to distractions such as texting and cellphone use. Last year, 1,087 was our county's total.
While distracted driving is certainly a danger, our preoccupation with technology is not limited to our cars.
How many bite their tongue when folks ignore the courtesy request in movie theaters that audience members turn off their cellphone, only to see the familiar screen glow moments later? Who else cringes to see texting, web- surfing and gaming during a worship service? At a restaurant, who else has to make a real effort to turn off your phone or at least stack them in the center of the table to commit to conversation with your guests?
The unquestionable value of high-tech communications certainly gives us limitless access to information. But, our lives are now lived distracted by the cyber-appendage that must be managed.
As a member of the baby boomer generation, I'm old enough to remember that when you didn't want to answer your phone, you didn't answer it. You might find a note under the windshield wiper of your car if someone was really seeking you out or a call while at a friend's house. Today, texting is nonstop, virtually replacing phone calls.
Recently, I didn't have time during a business day to respond to texts or emails that weren't urgent within a 24-hour window. I was asked if I was angry with one of the texters because my response was delayed. The text message had no business relevance, measure of urgency or critical value.
Communication's great. Instant information is a valuable resource. Just guard against a life of distraction instead of value.
Robin Smith, a former chairwoman of the Tennessee Republican Party, owns Rivers Edge Alliance.