We all do it once in a while. The phone rings while we are driving down the road. Without even thinking we grab the phone, push the little "answer" button, and say "Hello?" to the person giving you a call. That is when things begin to go downhill.
Talking on a cell phone keeps you from holding onto the steering wheel with both hands. It literally takes your attention away from what you are supposed to do and redirects it toward the conversation. Time goes by quickly when a person is distracted by talking with someone they want to communicate with.
Many times people lose track of time or miss their exit because they are chatting with a passenger in their vehicle or trying to keep the kids still while driving at 65mph down the freeway. Imagine that lost sense of time and lack of attention on the safety of driving while doing that 65mph with one hand on the steering wheel. The hazards are numerous. Changing lanes becomes a challenge because you have no hands to flip the turn signal switch. Turning a head with a phone pressed to the ear also becomes a challenge. When you cannot turn your head you cannot check your blind spot. This is an extremely dangerous activity on a freeway or even small streets near your local grocery store.
There are devices available that will enable hands free use of a cellular phone while you are driving. Many cell phone and electronics manufacturers have created headsets that can be plugged into the phone or connected through wireless Bluetooth technology. Also there are those hands free kits that you can pick up at your local electronics or general department store. There is even equipment that will hook right into your car's stereo system and play the caller's voice through the vehicle speakers.
Not only is it extremely dangerous practice to talk on a phone while driving it can be hazardous to your life and the lives of your passengers and people in other cars as well in the event of an accident. It is illegal in many towns and states. Some towns will restrict use in school zones and others restrict their use on any street.
Don't jeopardize the lives of anyone. Hang up and drive!
