Safe Driving Catchphrase Contest

Now that I am driving so much more everyday, I see a lot of shenanigans on the road. The university I attend is about 30 minutes from my house and that is if I take the expressways. If I stick to side streets, it is closer to 45 minutes away.

Naturally, I take the highways almost always because heaven forbid I ever allow myself any extra travel time. I’m usually the one sprinting to class after frantically spending 8 entire minutes looking for parking once on campus.

It CAN WAIT

Well, in my travels, I have seen some odd behavior on the road, but the most alarming is texting while driving. Now I will be the first to admit, I have done it. But I am here now—telling the entire internet—that I pledge to never text and drive again. It’s simple; whatever it is CAN WAIT. Decide to Drive.

I am shocked to report how many SEMI TRUCK drivers I see texting at the wheel. Maybe they’re updating their GPS or whatever else, but they certainly are not paying attention to the road. When a vehicle the size of a building swerves into your lane, you certainly take notice! At least a handful of times, I have had that horrendous adrenaline spike causing shakes and stress sweat.

Trust me, my classmates are NOT happy with these drivers upon my arrival to class either. :/ (My stress sweat is wicked potent. Like, it may qualify as a super power.)

New Laws

Our state just recently passed a new law that says we can no longer talk on cell phones while driving unless there is some sort of hands-free technology at work. Even dialing has to be done with one touch or less. Now, I used to use car rides to catch up with phone calls so this has been a big adjustment. However, now that I’ve given it all up, I am so much more observant and relaxed.

I take this time to listen to my favorite songs and look at my surroundings. I suppose I could use a hands free device, but I haven’t found one I like just yet and I hate talking through my car speakers. Sometimes I don’t want my passengers in on the entire conversation, so again, it can wait!

To be honest, I have found this entire transition to be very freeing. After that 30 minute drive, I feel oddly refreshed. Maybe it’s because I sing as loud as I can to my favorite songs.

Yeah, if you’re lucky enough to pull up next to me and my windows are down, enjoy. 😉 Or, if the kids are with me, we actually talk to each other. Imagine that! Whether belting out our favorite tunes or gossiping about the latest tween drama, car rides are now something to look forward to.

Do everyone a favor and look out for others. Think like a meerkat… the voyeurs of traffic, and be ever conscious of your surroundings. Maybe you can’t prevent others from making mistakes, but at least YOU can be prepared to prevent them.

Catchphrase Contest

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Auto Alliance want to increase awareness about the risks of distracted driving. The Decide To Drive program aims to empower drivers and passengers to speak up about distracted driving, continue the conversation at home, work and play and reduce distracted behaviors behind the wheel.

Hurry up and enter the Catchphrase Contest (it ends June 13, 2014) and be entered to win a grand prize of $1000 Visa Gift card or two runner up prizes of a $500 Visa card! This contest is open to everyone 18+ in the US.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.