America’s New Deadly Obsession
January 31, 2010 by Alicia Bausley
Filed under Hot Topics
I’m Guilty of America’s New Deadly Obsession – Are You, too?
It was as if I just had ice water thrown in my face. I was guilty on all counts and charges. I had unwittingly set myself up for looking death straight in the eye and had selfishly placed my friends, family and people I didn’t know in jeopardy too.
Like most of you, I’m always working to save on time and ways to multi-task to get things done. My car has become a sort of office away from home, allowing me the mobility to speak to clients, colleagues and family. I have even, at times, responded to a text message while driving.
Pure stupidity.
What I didn’t realize was the frightening statistics of using a cell phone while driving. After watching a recent recorded show of Oprah Winfrey focusing on “America’s Deadly Obsession”, I took the Oprah pledge and have made it my mission to get everyone I love to take the pledge too. I’m hoping after you read this article, that it will prompt you to action also.
We all know the devastating results of driving under the influence of alcohol. Innocent people are killed, maimed, lose their loved ones, and carry unshakable guilt. A drunk driver is 4 times more likely to be in an accident than someone not drinking.
Here’s the downright terrifying news. Talking on your cell phone while driving, whether using your handheld, a Bluetooth, or speaker, places you in the same high risk as a drunk driver. Texting intensifies the statistics to 8 times more likely to get into an accident.
Oprah is using her powerful platform to get this message out and ask for your pledge. Go to Oprah’s site right now and make the commitment:
“I pledge to make my car a No Phone Zone. Beginning right now, I will do my part to help put an end to distracted driving by not texting or using my phone while I am driving. I will ask other drivers I know to do the same. I pledge to make a difference.”
Save a life. It may be a child, a mother, a spouse, a friend, or a complete stranger. Or your own. Think about your responsibility to your family, friends, and those you don’t even know. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Become a shining example and do not use your phone while driving. Take the pledge now. I did.
Warm regards,
Alicia Bausley
Empowered Business Entrepreneurs, LLC
P.S. I made my business partner take the pledge too. No more brainstorming sessions while we’re running errands and rushing off to meetings. It’s was difficult at first to make the adjustment, but now we are fine. And most importantly, we are safe. Please, if you hate drunk drivers on the road, take the pledge now.
Thanks Alicia, for this article. I’m also guilty on all counts. I needed this wake up “call”–ha, ha, no pun intended!
This is very important for us all to implement. The calls and texts can wait. Better to be safe for ourselves and our families.
It will be hard to run our businesses if we’re maimed or dead.
Thank you for sharing this!
Kari Baxter
Hey Alicia:
What a wonderful thing to DO!
This is about the GIFT OF LIFE.
This message speaks volumes for who you are.
Everybody needs to read this — THANK YOU!
Warmly / Peter A.
Peter Arnold, CLU, CFC / Founder
Business Achievers Academy / Canada
Great post! In New York, where I live, it’s illegal to drive and talk or text on the cell phone. If you are caught then you are faced with an expensive ticket. That’s like throwing away money. So, it’s easy to stop that habit.
This so true. It was good to hear you at the Live event. I have never had that problem but you see it every day. The only time that I have my cell phone on in the car is when I am traveling with my wife If the phone rings she or I answer depending on who is driving.And we only answer if it is the kids.An old friend of many years ago when we were visiting across the and the phone rang he would nor run to answer it. His explanation was if it is important they will call back. I have never forgotten that. So I have caller id and they can leave a message.I think that the good Lord gave us enough time to get things done. So I do not know if that is the pledge but my time is valuable to do what I have to do.
I totally agree Alicia. But it doesn’t just stop there. Scientists actually believe that our cell phone is a death trap because of the electromagnetic radiation it subjects us to.
Although there are some devices that can help with this, data is showing this type of exposure can cause cancers, neurological conditions, ADD, sleep disorders, depression, autism, cognitive problems, cardiovascular irregularities, hormone disruption, immune system disorders, metabolism changes, stress, fertility impairment, increased blood brain barrier permeability, mineral disruption, DNA damage and much, much more.
It is a serious issue that needs to be flagged more often. Thanks for being proactive.
I’m a big believer in NOT using a cell phone while driving and I have been a practicing advocate for years. In fact, we made it a part of the driving contract with our daughters when they started driving; this goes back a number of years now.
when I was in my corporate job (previous career), the company had a rule against cell phone use while driving. Phone off, no calls, not even using a hands-free device. They were so serious about it that it was a fire-able offense; that means that if you used your phone while driving, and got caught, you got fired. No appeals, no special cases … no job.
And that was about 6 years ago they implemented that rule. I figured if they were that serious about it, I should probably take notice as well.
Unfortunately, these days it’s so prevalent that I find myself watching other drivers to see which ones are talking on their phone … and giving them extra attention.
Put the cell phone away – it’s a small price to pay for arriving safely!
Michael Wilson
I totally agree with you Alicia. To go ahead faster by saving time (multitasking) we actually risk our whole life!
But more people are becoming aware of this danger and thanks for your post raising awareness.
Take care.
This is even more relavent over here in the UK as we have more vehicles to the square mile than you in the US, even in the country there is no such thing as an empty road.
I have been guilty of using hands free while driving, but years ago I realised that you cant concentrate on 2 things at once.
Good to hear such outstanding feedback! And I’m pleased to hear that many of you are already practicing being ‘excellent examples’ for others. I’ve been plugging along, using my ‘consultative selling skills’ the last week, to prompt my family, friends and business colleagues to take the pledge. I must admit, I didn’t want to give up this luxury – but knew I had to be responsible and have a respect for all life.
Wishing you all many blessings, and the ability to get others to see the ‘light’.
Warm regards,
Alicia