IT CAN WAIT

Categories
Lifestyle

I won’t drink and drive, so why would I risk reaching for a smart phone to check for emails or text messages? The point was driven home last Thursday at the Gotham Long Island meeting by Mike Jakob. Mike, an insurance agent, talked about the problem and a new program that his agency is undertaking to educate the public about the hazards of smartphone distractions while driving. I applaud Mike.

Around the table, stories and strategies were shared. While I leave my phone out of reach when I drive, I may try the suggestion of putting it in the glove box.

So I smiled yesterday morning as I passed a sign on the Long Island Expressway that read “IT CAN WAIT” and suggested a “Texting Stop” only three miles ahead.

When I get behind the wheel, I’ll connect the phone to Bluetooth and voice activation. Otherwise, I am disconnected.

Comments

Mitch Tobol

Tough not to text when you can speak to text and listen to your texts
Cayce Crown

Love the simple idea of putting it in the glove compartment.
Check out the movie "Locke," the whole film is a guy talking (safely) on the phone while he drives. Very good and brilliant filmmaking.

Submitted by Liz_Saldana on Wed, 05/14/2014 - 23:58

Permalink
Liz Saldana

"It can wait" is a campaign that should also be rolled out to pedestrians. Yesterday I, again, grabbed a total stranger who was about to walk in front of a moving cab because they were looking at their phone instead of on coming traffic.

Submitted by NULL (not verified) on Thu, 05/15/2014 - 00:45

Permalink

Thanks Ben- Distracted driving statistics forcast that many of us will be affected by tragedy that is the direct result of cell use while driving. Our program will start locally in Floral Park through the school district and local government. I'm glad you put your phone away while driving.
Some tips:While there is little that you can do to control other people’s driving, there is plenty that you can do to reduce the distractions in your own vehicle. To minimize risks while driving:
 Do not talk on your cell phone or use the text messaging feature. If you absolutely must conduct a conversation, do so using a hands-free device and speed dial.
 Never touch up your makeup or hair in the rearview mirror. You’ll look the same once you get to your destination as you do while your foot is on the gas.
 Limit your conversations with passengers and ask them to keep their voices down so you can concentrate.
 Do not smoke while you are driving, as you will probably pay more attention to not burning yourself, putting out the cigarette or inhaling than driving safely.
 Only adjust the radio or CD player when you are completely stopped.
 Never allow animals to sit on your lap while driving.
 Do not eat or drink while driving.
 Avoid reading maps or directions. Instead, pull into a parking lot to get your bearings and determine where you need to go next to reach your final destination.
 Do not take notes or search for phone numbers.
 Never use a cell phone (even with a hands-free device) in bad weather, work zones or heavy traffic.
Michael Jakob

Thanks Ben- Distracted driving statistics forcast that many of us will be affected by tragedy that is the direct result of cell use while driving. Our program will start locally in Floral Park through the school district and local government. I'm glad you put your phone away while driving.
Some tips:While there is little that you can do to control other people’s driving, there is plenty that you can do to reduce the distractions in your own vehicle. To minimize risks while driving:
 Do not talk on your cell phone or use the text messaging feature. If you absolutely must conduct a conversation, do so using a hands-free device and speed dial.
 Never touch up your makeup or hair in the rearview mirror. You’ll look the same once you get to your destination as you do while your foot is on the gas.
 Limit your conversations with passengers and ask them to keep their voices down so you can concentrate.
 Do not smoke while you are driving, as you will probably pay more attention to not burning yourself, putting out the cigarette or inhaling than driving safely.
 Only adjust the radio or CD player when you are completely stopped.
 Never allow animals to sit on your lap while driving.
 Do not eat or drink while driving.
 Avoid reading maps or directions. Instead, pull into a parking lot to get your bearings and determine where you need to go next to reach your final destination.
 Do not take notes or search for phone numbers.
 Never use a cell phone (even with a hands-free device) in bad weather, work zones or heavy traffic.
Mike
Corey Bearak

I have a very different take; while we focus on the texting; what about lighting up or fiddling with the radios, eating or drinking....
Riva Schwartz

Simply holding your cellphone in your hand can subject you to a 5 point violation. Remember, hands free really means "hands free"!

Add new comment

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.