Friday, March 25, 2011

hang up now

Last night at our local High School, we had Jacy Good and her boyfriend, Steve speak to an intimate audience about the dangers of cell phone use while driving. My sons had heard her speak a year ago and asked me to go. My husband and I attended and walked away realizing that all it takes it one second to change one's life forever.

Jacy and Steve are on a mission to educate the dangers of cell phone usage while driving. Even a hands free device does not prevent distraction. Evidence shows the brain in sentencing is that of a brain driving under the influence. In the state of NY, if you are caught driving and on your cell phone, you can lose 2 points off your license.

If you would like to have Jacy speak to your organization or High School, she and Steve are available and on a mission to enforce a "Hang up and Drive" campaign. We owe it to our children and all those who are on the road to drive safely and give driving our full attention.
Will you please join me and promise to hang up and drive. I think we would all like to know that our loved ones travel and arrive safely. My mission to design, create and inspire an artful life takes on new meaning to realize that it can all be changed forever by one small action.
Please join me in spreading the word and raising awareness to those you love. Hang up and drive.

Winner of the tuffet from pixie dust decor is Ryland Woodard.
Hang it up and go check out her blog. You will thank-me.

18 comments:

meenal bishnoi said...

i'm totally with you on this one, patricia..i hope more and more people would realise the potential danger of such a habit..even though it is a punishable offense in most indian cities..i see people indulging in it all the time...life indeed is fickle and we don't need to make it even more fragile by our own actions..often there are no second chances..xx meenal

Unknown said...

Hi Patricia, I just read the article from your link and I am deeply saddened by this girl's loss. As soon as I read the article I sent to link to my family members and close friends asking them to stop with me. I had watched an Oprah show and had started putting my phone in the back seat so I wouldn't be tempted to even check an email or text. But then time went on and I started checking at stop lights. It is NOT necessary to even use a phone at all while driving. I think I am capable of talking with my hands free device. When I read the statistic that only 2% of people are able to I was convinced. I know I am not in that 2%! I'm quitting. Thank you so much for the sobering reminder.

pve design said...

meehal-
yes, we need to focus and celebrate life as all it takes is one second to change it forever.
thank-you.
pve

Sherri-
They even spoke about an app that will indicate when you are driving so you can let that person know. We are so programmed to multi-task which is so wrong.
I am thrilled and delighted to know that my blog can be send a strong message!
thanks Sherri for quitting...I know your family and friends will thank you too.
pve

Formerly known as Frau said...

I couldn't agree more! My teen is in Driver's Ed now and is watching lots of movies on the dangers of this. I hope everyone makes the pledge. Even living in a hands free state I'm shocked at how many people I see still on the phone. They need to crack down better! Have a wonderful weekend!

Divine Theatre said...

I had a very dear friend who was killed while talking on the phone while driving. She was 23 years old and about to be married. The woman she was talking to will NEVER be the same, she was hit by a truck mid-conversation.
Cars are for driving. I try to impress that upon my daughter. Two hands on the wheel at ALL times

ArchitectDesign™ said...

yes - it's so important and something we rarely speak about! Thanks for spreading the word!

Belle on Heels said...

oh how devastating. that you for sharing. i get on the beau about this all the time, as he tends to use his car and cell as a mobile office. that needs to stop!!

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

Oh, I agree! I also can't believe how often I see people texting while driving...which blows me away! The other day I was in the park with the kids, talking to them about needing to ALWAYS look both ways before crossing the street, because cars are often not paying attention. Just then I looked up to see a car zoom by with the drivers head down texting...grrrrrrrrrrrrr. Don't get me started!! Janell

Party Resources said...

This is such a huge issue! Thank you for the post. There was a top doctor here in Boston (mother of two) who was killed because she was texting. Have a great weekend! xx

I Dream Of said...

Such an important subject. We get so caught up in using every moment of time in our busy lives that we take such needless risks. You are right, it only takes a moment for things to go horribly wrong. Great post, Patricia.

Crystal said...

I totally agree with this. I wish my daughter would stop her phone use while she is driving. It's hard to convince them of this. They are making a law in Va. soon that will force everyone to use blue tooth, but as you point out even that doesn't stop distractions. Oh well what can you do?

Stephanie Sabbe said...

thanks for sharing. I hear the reports on people who get in accidents while they text and drive and it makes me so sad.in MA teenager are not allowed to do either, ever. But adults are just as bad.

The Buzz Blog said...

This sounds like a program that every high school should have... Thank you for sharing and I'm going to ignore that next call, even if it is hands-free.
xxoo

Danielle Sigwalt Interiors said...

Yes I promise today to never go on the cell phone again in my car. I don't do it with my son, but now I'll commit to it for myself as well! Also, as soon as my son starts to drive I'll remember this and have them talk at his school if I can...I have a few years on my hands thankfully. Thanks for sharing such an important message!!

quintessence said...

Totally with you as well - can't tell you how many close calls I've had with drivers of all ages on the cell phones!! But I have another pet peeve - that of (mostly) kids obsessively fiddling with the radio dials while driving - trying to find the absolutely best tune for that very moment - give it a rest!! And don't get me started on volume....

Unknown said...

Oh, I so agree, it drives me mad to see it! Lot's of people just seem not to care!
Thanks for the reminder!

xoxo

Kelley said...

That's a very powerful interview. Thanks for posting the link - I definitely won't text while driving again.

SHERRY HART said...

It is such a HARD habit to break but one that is so unnecessary. When I think of the accidents I have almost had on my phone I cringe. And...I am an adult. I should be more responsible. It is funny how I ended up here and read this. I am convinced it is a sign so here goes...the phone is now in the very back of my SUV.....for real.