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.
We should fined and penalized. Distracted Drivers since they are a danger not only to other motorist but to themselves as well.
Driver should be responsible enough to know what is right and wrong and being a distracted driver is wrong.
Posted by: T.C. Parks | January 03, 2011 at 02:01 AM
Keep in mind that the life is invaluable. don't waste it in texting...
Posted by: pocket knife | January 11, 2011 at 02:20 PM
I feel like the efforts being made about the dangers of this issue are starting to get noticed. I live in Atlanta and there are numerous billboards and comments around town about it. Good work all.
Posted by: Federal Prison Camp | January 24, 2011 at 06:43 PM
Good post. 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. Thank you, JS
Posted by: Bankruptcy Pensacola | January 27, 2011 at 04:07 PM
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.
Posted by: Jill Wasmonth | May 12, 2011 at 05:28 AM
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!
Posted by: saga gold | July 09, 2011 at 03:18 AM
Great thing Webster included this words. This should be a reminder to take full precautions when driving.
Posted by: Continuing Education Online | July 20, 2011 at 11:26 PM
It amazes me to see how distracted people are now a days when driving
Posted by: marc | April 18, 2012 at 03:12 PM