Shut up and drive!

A guy I know was rear-ended by someone yakking on their cell phone.

He’s OK, but his car is not. It’s 7-years-old but has only 50,000 miles on it, which means he won’t get what it’s worth to him from the insurance company.

Years ago, I got Detour Dan to start calling them “crashes” instead of “accidents.” To me, an accident is something unintentional, and at least in the mind of the person who had one, unavoidable. I wish I had a nickel for every time I broke or spilled something as a kid and said, “But, Mom! It was an accident!”

I’m convinced there are virtually no traffic “accidents.” They all have causes that could have been avoided. I’m also convinced that the number one cause is distracted driving.

If you’re on a long, lonely stretch of deserted highway, you have the right to be as self-centered and stupid as you want to be. Go 120 mph and text at the same time. I don’t care. It’s your life.

But if you’re sharing that highway with me, you better understand that you are now responsible for my life as well. If you take me out while you’re texting, or talking on your cell, or messing with the radio or GPS, or talking to your friend in the passenger seat, I will figure out a way to come back from the other side and make your life miserable.

Please. For yourself, for your family, for all of us on the road with you, put down the phone and pay attention. Be aware of all the vehicles around you. I guarantee you, maybe within just a few feet, someone is yakking on their cell phone and may decide to change lanes right into you.

I don’t want you to be there to meet me on the other side and show me how to come back to make to make someone’s life miserable.