ROADSIDE CHAT – JINGLE BELLS, BATMAN SMELLS, PUT THE PHONE AWAY
Many of us were in elementary school when we heard the Caped Crusader spin on “Jingle Bells.” This holiday parody has been around for decades, and its silly and rebellious charm gets passed down from one generation to the next annually. This year, we’re adding a new twist on “Robin laid an egg.” It’s a substitution that should also be passed down to the new generations in our family and practiced every day of the year: when you are driving, put the phone away.
We have countless distractions behind the wheel, but cell phones are one of the most dangerous. The urge to glance at a notification or send a quick text still claims far too many lives. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving accounted for 3,308 fatalities and nearly 290,000 people injured in traffic crashes involving in 2022, with cell phones serving as a major contributor.
What makes cell phone distractions particularly troubling is the combination of cognitive, manual, and visual impairment they cause. When you’re texting or scrolling – even checking a digital map – your eyes leave the road, your hands leave the wheel, and your mind drifts away from driving. The solution is simple: put the phone away. Consider these tips for safe driving:
- Text responsibly: Pull over to a safe location and park your vehicle before engaging with your phone.
- Designate a texter: Appoint your passenger as the “designated texter” to respond to calls or messages.
- Use phone technology: To avoid temptation, activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications, or put your phone in the glove compartment or trunk.
Thank you to Nathan G. of Des Moines for this traffic safety suggestion.
In 2024 in Iowa, 342 people have been killed in traffic crashes. That’s an increase of seven since last Friday. In Iowa in 2023, there were 377 traffic-related deaths. To see statistics published daily by the Office of Driver Services, go to the daily fatality report at https://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/stats/daily.pdf