distracted driving

Let’s Put an End to Distracted Driving

DenaJune 5, 2014

Admittedly I have been a distracted driver in the past. I’ve talked on the phone, read text messages, eaten full meals, and even applied makeup — all from behind the wheel.

I’m not proud of these things, but I share them because, I know.

I know that life is hard and crazy and we are all really busy. I know that it can be tempting to pull out your camera and take a video when you see something really interesting. I know that sometimes you don’t have time to eat before you leave the house so it’s easy to sip your coffee and munch your bagel on the way to work. I know that when you’re running late to a dinner party it would be really great to apply your mascara and lip gloss when you’re stopped at a red light. I know that you feel obligated to check your email every ten minutes because your boss is truly insane and you can’t afford to miss anything.

distracted driving

I know. I know. I know. But today — I am asking you to stop. As a mother to a beautiful, little boy that means everything to me — I am asking you to stop. As a daughter, as a sister, as a friend, as a wife — I am asking you to stop.

  • The fact is that behind the wheel, there is no such this as a small distraction.
  • The fact is that texting while driving is a deadly distraction.
  • The fact is that in 2012, 421,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver.
  • The fact is that in that same year, there were 3,328 fatalities — over three thousand people died as a result of distracted driving.

When will enough be enough? What will it take to make you wake up and realize that your actions could take a life?

distracted driving


Chances are that you’’ve recently seen a driver behaving and driving in a distracted way. Maybe the distracted driver was you. Whether you are witnessing it or doing it, today is the day to make the change. Speak out against distracted driving. Put an end to your own bad habits.

Today, I am making a promise — I will no longer be a distracted driver and I will speak out against distracted driving. For myself, whatever it is that “needs doing” can wait. For my friends and family, if I see you driving distracted, or if you publicly post photographs and videos that you take while driving, I will put you on blast.

Today is the day. Please make this change before it is too late.


The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the Auto Alliance are spreading awareness about the dangers of distracted driving with the Decide to Drive campaign, and need your help. They’re looking for the best slogan or catchphrase to make the campaign pop. Your idea could be featured as the official campaign catchphrase, plus you could win a $1,000 Visa gift card. Enter to win here: http://clvr.li/1nwa6CV.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Comments (1)

  • Misty

    June 6, 2014 at 8:27 pm

    amen, sister. i’m guilty of this, too 🙁 BUT…I’ve gotten SO MUCH BETTER than a few years back. I could get even better by cutting it completely. Which…wait for the drumroll…….I’ll be doing now. I pledge to quit being a distracted driver. It’s flat out, not worth it.

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