DON'T !!

Plain and simple, just don’t do it. In California it’s illegal and has been since January 1, 2009.

The new Wireless Communications Device Law (effective January 1, 2009) makes it an infraction to write, send, or read text-based communication on an electronic wireless communications device, such as a cell phone, while driving a motor vehicle.  

Two additional laws dealing with the use of wireless telephones while driving went into effect July 1, 2008. The first law prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle, (California Vehicle Code [VC] §23123). Motorists 18 and over may use a “hands-free device. The second law effective July 1, 2008, prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless telephone or hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23124).

Illegal, yet every single day I see numerous drivers willingly breaking the law. Yesterday it was a middle aged woman who had both arms thru the steering wheel, blackberry against the speedo, on the freeway!

The following video is part of an half hour long program being shown to new drivers in the U.K.

Warning:  It's graphic in nature and worth every single moment of it's 4 minutes and 15 seconds.

It’s a professionally made short movie using actors but that doesn’t diminish the message. If I had my way I’d make every teen driver and their texting parents watch this before they signed that contract for their new smartphone!

Watch the video then go hug your kid.

What do you think... too harsh?

Related articles by Zemanta

• Text drive film to 'shock' pupils (news.bbc.co.uk)