I clearly remember cross country drives. Hour after hour in the car shifting from one radio station after another. Using maps to plot out my route, keeping an eye on the gas gauge, figuring out rest stops. Maps, phone calls before leaving and after arriving, written directions, watching for sign posts, landmarks, and trying not to spill that can of whatever.
Today? A phone, a cell phone – handi- whatever you want to call it in your language, seems to be as important an item on your person as your underwear. It is always with someone. There is insurance for loss, theft, damage. Apps on other devices that will make that phone sound off in case you don’t remember where you put it down for the 15 seconds during the day when it isn’t in your hand.
And cell phones and driving? Ouch – if you don’t believe me – look at the NHTSA stats on phone use and accidents. Next time you re behind the wheel, tuck that phone away completely. Back seat, somewhere you can’t reach it without pulling over. Don’t put it on bluetooth – just pay attention to your driving.
And while you are at it – if driving anywhere there are pedestrians – watch for those attempting to become roadkill because they can’t take their eyes off their phones long enough to cross a street safely.
As it turns out – we don’t need a government to inflict 1984 on us – we are doing it to ourselves.
Excellent!