Florida youth pen arguments against distracted driving

When I talk about stopping distracted driving, I often point out my concern that some of our youngest, least experienced drivers are the most inclined to text at the wheel.

So it's only fair that I also point out some young people who are doing something to stop this deadly practice. And I want to start by thanking The Lakeland Ledger 2009 Student Editorial Contest and the 485 students who submitted contest entries.

(If you've been following on Facebook, you may have seen me mention these winners, but I think you'll like the video below of Morgan reading her winning entry.)

The winning entry in the Elementary School category was written by 5th grader Morgan Snyder who supplied a range of compelling statistics in wisely asserting a crucial fact that many over-confident drivers ignore: "Cell phone use while driving is more of a mental distraction than a physical one."

Thank you so much, Morgan!

The second place winner in the Middle School category was 8th grader Julia Preziosi, whose column opens by asking, "Is that cell phone message really to die for?" Her conclusion answers that question firmly: "Dying because of text messaging isn't worth it."

Because of young people like you, Julia, we are moving toward a culture that gets that.

Third place in the High School category went to 10th grader Adam Bookhamer, who writes, "There is no reason a safe driver should have to worry about distracted drivers creating a hazardous environment."

Adam, I couldn't agree with you more.

Now, as much as I worry about the terrible jeopardy distracted drivers impose on the rest of us, I am greatly heartened by the civic engagement shown by these Florida students.

And I know that, as long as we have smart, committed people like these young writers on our side, we will reduce this unsafe practice and make our roads safer for everyone.

So please join me in thanking The Ledger and these fine winners for sending the safest message of all: In the car? Off the phone!

Comments

[Michael E. Bailey]

I,m glad the word is getting out on this important issue at all levels and in all parts of the country including the South. We have not heard anything yet from the Rocky Mountain West states or the rural South where trying to convince people not to drive and talk or text on the phone will probably be a lot harder to do. But this story gives hope for optimism. Similar contests need to be sponsored for schools across the country. Every time the conversation moves to driving and talking and texting on the cell phone, I am reminded of the Metrolink Engineer last year who tried to operate the train and text on the phone at the same time. By not paying attention he put the Metrolink train into a headon course with the Union Pacific freight train. Best wishes, Michael E. Bailey.

[Morgan Rock]

"I often point out my concern that some of our youngest, least experienced drivers are the most inclined to text at the wheel."

Actually, in spending at least 3 hours a day on the road commuting in and out of DC, I can give you my strongest assurances that the worst (which, in my definition, means highest-impact) distracted drivers are middle-aged professionals on their phones.

They accept a lower rate of travel in exchange for doing business or conversing on their phones during rush hour, and summarily "gum up the works" by creating a situation in which (I believe) no less than 1 in 10 people on the road aren't paying attention at all, they're just riding their brakes while texting/reading the news.

I would strongly posit that if there were no texting/email reading/news reading drivers in the DC metro area, congestion would be alleviated at least 50%.

[serial numbers]

In spending at least 3 hours a day on the road commuting in and out of DC, I can give you my strongest assurances that the worst (which, in my definition, means highest-impact) distracted drivers are middle-aged professionals on their phones.

[Smartphone]

Thanks for your post. While driving, we must pay undivided attention to it. Only in this way can we reduce but not aviod risk of accidents.