For better or worse, Webster's Word of the Year 2009: distracted driving

I appreciate the choice Webster's New World College Dictionary has made in selecting "distracted driving" as their Word of the Year 2009. I think its rapid intrusion into our national vocabulary shows what an epidemic distracted driving has become.

There's no denying that this phrase became part of my vocabulary this past year. Below is Webster's Editor-in-Chief Mike Agnes explaining their choice:

Now, as interesting as it is to talk about what "distracted" really modifies here, it's probably much more important to focus on what "distracted driving" says about our common sense. 

On its website Webster's explains its choice further:

A sign of the times surely, distracted driving is another reflection – and consequence – of our ongoing romance with all things digital and mobile and the enhanced capabilities they provide. While it now may be easier and quicker to feed our multitasking habits, it is not always safe, and many jurisdictions are formalizing that position by making it a crime to text or otherwise use a cellphone while driving.

And that's why we've produced the PSA "Calling Plan," and that's why we've launched D!straction.gov, and that's why we want to make 2010 the year we put distracted driving behind us.

Comments

[Michael E. Bailey]

This is great. Distracted driving is in the main stream as an issue now and the challenge will be to keep it there and move forward on this issue through the state budget debates and midterm elections. But the momentum is there. It needs to be reinforced to people all the time in different ways that driving and talking on the phone and/or texting don't mix. Best wishes, Michael E. Bailey.

[Jordan]

What your saying is that talking on your phone is distracting... well then what about talking to your passengers? How does a police officer call in to respond to dispatch? They should definitely pull over, stop the car and then respond. That way we can avoid any sort of distracted driving. This is just another stupid, worthless political pr piece to make it look like your actually accomplishing something for the greater good. The fact that you "moderate" or sensor your page is further proof of your political pr agenda.

[Andre Boykin]

Distracted driving is needs to be in the forefront of driving safety discussions. Too many people are driving with their attention on something other than driving. I've seen people driving while reading, applying make-up, talking on cell phones, texting, and eating. Everyone knows it takes two hands to handle the Whopper. Where is there a hand left for driving.

All kidding aside, the brain can occupy only one conscious thought at a time. I don't think people realize the danger they place themselves and others when they drive distracted.

This is part education and part attitude change to make our roads safer. It all starts with having the converstaion.

Thanks for getting the ball rolling.

[Christy Larimore]

My 11 year old son was killed, my husband disabled, and my youngest son injured all due to a 21 year old female using a cell phone and driving. There is no way a conversation, text or email was important enough to cost my son his life and forever destroy my family. By the way the female driver that caused all of this walked away without a scratch. Isn't that always the way???

[Gail Wallin]

A great new resource is available, put out by a company launched in 2009, called WebSafety. Their CellSafety product can eliminate the ability to text while driving, can send out speeding alerts, among many other life-saving features. Please check it out!
www.mywebsafety.com/lifelines

[Frank P]

It's a good and worthwhile inclusion in my book.

[Texas Defensive Driving Online Course]

Christy Larimore, I feel sad for your family. Nobody's life is worth texting behind wheel.

[Oleg mart]

Please don't text while driving. It's not worth it!

[Kevin]

A defensive driving class equips motorists with the tools necessary to identify problems that may arise while driving. Additionally, defensive driving enables motorists to determine the safest course of action when faced with a hazardous driving situation on the roadway.

[Drivers Ed Online]

Talking on mobile while driving is another worst case and most common distracted driving.

[serial numbers]

There is no way a conversation, text or email was important enough to cost my son his life and forever destroy my family.

[John]

I always make it clear to my driver education students: No cell phone use while driving. No phone call or text is worth someone's life.

[Texas Defensive Driving]

Distracted driving seems to be getting worse and that is a great reason for people to take online defensive driving courses. They are not just to dismiss a speeding ticket, but to teach you how to drive.

[Gulf Shores]

Thanks for helping to spread the word. We're doing our part as well here in Gulf Shores.

[H.P. Jones]

Distracted driving have been a major factor on road mishaps. They should imposed a more strict penalty on anyone that is caught even the governor's Wife.

Spread the word.

[Murfreesboro Homes]

I can't fathom the guilt that I would feel if my use of a cell phone or texting resulted in serious injury to someone else. It is such a temptation to check email, text messages...while driving. I have been guilty of it myself many many times. We are so plugged in that we just can't resist. It takes so much control to avoid doing it that I just put my phone in the console now to avoid it.

[Arbitration Services]

Thanks for the post. Distracted driving has lead to a large increase in our arbitration business. It is a sad reality but it has become a major problem. We all need to be much more careful out there and obey the new laws. Roberto

[Title Insurance Georgia]

I completely agree that distracted driving is a significant problem. As with many laws the subjectivity of the determination is where enforcing can be a problem. For instance, here is Georgia you are not allowed to text while the car is in drive but you are allowed to dial. Seems to me that if I was a police officer then it would be pretty difficult to distinguish the two. Thanks, Paul

[Maria]

Distracted drivers is just as dangerouse as drunk drivers. They should be fined and penalized, if possible.

[Pensacola Dentist - Dr. Jonnes]

We lost the son of a close friend as a result of distracted driving. It is a very terrible thing that is preventable if we use some common sense. Please be careful!!!

[Coral Springs Invisalign]

I am so very glad to see that distracted driving is finally getting the attention that is needed. We are losing too many people to something that is easily preventable if we were not so self-absorbed all the time. Keep up the good work!

[Powerlifting Routines]

I'm sorry for your loss Dr. Jonnes. We had a close friend's child who was killed as a result of this.

[John Norway Currency]

We lost another young girl here in Georgia last week due to distracted driving. Grrrr. This needs to be stopped.

[Joomla Hacked]

Very sorry to hear that John. Hopefully 2011 will be a better year.

[Paul F]

Totally agree. Looking forward to 2011 and hoping for some good ideas to remedy this situation!!