We all have our dirty little secrets. Things that aren’t very becoming and can be a detriment to us, those around us, and ultimately can bring us down on a day to day basis. You know why we have these dirty little secrets? Because sadly, we live in a broken world. We all want to portray that we are perfect, but unfortunately that’s just not the case. We are all imperfect, and all need grace. I can be really hard on myself and then I remember that I don’t have to be perfect. Dirty secrets can range from biting your nails, to swearing, to much deeper things. I wanted to discuss one of the most common dirty little secrets we do in our culture today, texting while driving.
I catch myself at red lights “just” needing to finish the text, “just” read the text that I just received, or “just” finishing reading that last part of the email. The problem is the more we do it, the more comfortable we feel texting and driving. And that’s not ok. Mainly in my eyes, because the cute little boy pictured with me above in these photos is worth a lot more to me than “just” finishing any of those to do’s on my phone.
Texting while driving is a serious problem. In fact, I read recently some shocking statistics. According to a recent survey by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, drivers who text are 23 times more likely to get into a crash. Texting while behind the wheel can take your eyes from the road for an average of 5 seconds according to a study conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. How much do you know about distracted driving?
With Valentine’s Day coming up, I thought we could think outside the box a little bit and show our community some love by promising to not text while driving. When I’m being more cognizant of this, I purposefully leave my phone in my purse or put it in the backseat so I won’t be distracted. I also frequently talk on the phone or listen to a podcast in my car so that I won’t be tempted out of boredom to reach for my phone to answer or send a text. My friends probably get annoyed with me, but sometimes when they text and I know they’re driving, I tell them to stop. Or if they text me, I just call them so we can talk on the phone. Call me old school, but there’s still something so nice about talking over the phone or even better in person.
I’m not saying I’m perfect at it, I’m actually far from that but I want to work on it. I hope you’ll join me in spreading awareness of this common issue.
Let’s take advantage of this month of love and re-connect with our friends in this way, shall we?
What tips do you have to put down the phone or avoid texting while driving? And, do you have any podcasts you’d recommend I check out? I’d love to add some more to my lineup. Let me know in the comments below.
Photos: Casey Marie Photography
This post was written as part of the Allstate Influencer Program and sponsored by Allstate. All opinions are mine. As the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, Allstate is dedicated not only to protecting what matters most–but to guiding people to live the Good Life, every day.
This is such a GREAT reminder for us all! I am definitely guilty of it too, and I miss the days when we would all just talk on the phone! I have loved talking to you recently on the phone!
Such a great reminder! I really wish things could go back to how they were 10 years ago where the negativity and obsessions weren’t so “in your face.”
Great reminder girl! I do my best to not look at my phone at all while I am in the car!
Such a great reminder! I know I am guilty. It is too dangerous!!
I’m giving you all of the praise hands over this post! I couldn’t agree more with you. And I absolutely love your outfit!
xo, Amanda | http://www.thegoldengirldiary.com
This is an awesome reminder! I totally agree with everything.
Omg, I’m so bad and do this all the time, I need to be better 🙁
xo, L
livingincolorblog.com
I am SO happy you shared this post. I got in a car accident from texting and driving 6 years ago and you can be sure I’ll never do it again. I admit, I used to text and drive all the time, but the scariest part is that when I got in my accident I didn’t even actually “text”. I had heard that I got a text, so I picked up my phone to open it and within that one second I got into a terrible accident. It just shows that taking your eye off the road to even pick up your phone is all it takes for something to happen. Now when i drive, I keep my phone in my bag in the back of the car where I can’t even reach it. Thanks again for sharing this and I hope people listen! Xo
SO glad you talked about this today… i know we are all guilty of it, but we need to make it stop and talking about it openly will certainly help. love your openness to sharing friend 😉
Your print mixing is just way too cute!
I’m definitely guilty of texting and driving and have been really trying to stop it lately. Great reminder!
This was definitely a necessary reminder! I truly try my best to never text while driving, even at red lights, but when I look down to switch a song that’s playing, it can be so hard to not just check those texts once in a while. I gotta keep remembering how important it is to stay off my phone!
Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com
This is such a great reminder! I’ve tried to be more conscience of not looking at my phone at red lights and just find a good song on the radio and sing my heart out instead! Ha Thanks for writing this!
~Hillary
You couldn’t be more right! I actually try to leave my phone in my purse when I’m driving so that I’m not tempted to pull it out and check it.
I’m so paranoid about using my phone while driving. I can hardly text and walk, so texting while driving is just plain terrifying! Such a great message to spread.
Mindy I AMIXOFMIN.COM
I’m very guilty of checking my phone at stop lights, but I need to work on leave it alone completely! Nothing is that important!
By Lauren M
I am so happy you shared this, it is such a great cause!
xoxo,
Bailey
Here’s The Skinny
@baileyschwartz
This is a great reminder for all of us. My phone is put away in my purse while I am driving so I am not tempted to text and drive.
xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com
This is such an important post, I am against texting and driving… but sometimes it’s tempting to just have a quick look at a set of lights etc. Thank you for sharing and this important reminder!
Lauren X
Such a great message that people need to be reminded of often!!! Great post!
XOXO
Your Redlocks and Shamrocks Girl,
Lisa Doyle
http://www.redlocksandshamrocks.com
I’ve heard of some people putting their phones in their glove compartment when they drive so they won’t be tempted to use it. But I guess that could be a problem if they use it for gps. I think we just have to make an effort not use it and be patient. That text or email will still be there when you get to your destination.
Such an important reminder!
This is such a great reminder. I always find it the hardest not to glance at my phone when I’m on longer trips on my own. Around town I know it can wait but those long trips can get boring. Putting on music or calling someone to chat is a great way to keep your eyes on the road yet still be entertained! Distracted driving is so scary. My husband laughs at me because I yell at anyone I see texting and driving. They can’t hear me but now that I have a baby in the car I’m so much more aware of how dangerous it is!
Author
LOL, I can just see that now! 😉 HAHAHAHAHA! But it’s so true. Emily, I need to email you soon. Remind me if I forget. Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
This is a great post and reminder for all of us!