Originally published Wednesday, 23 September 2015.
Texting. Most of us text anywhere from several messages a day to, at minimum, a few a week. I am completely guilty of checking social media on my phone, reading articles, emailing, and texting while "stopped at red lights." Often this is the case for when I am driving alone, or sadly, all too often when I am transporting my kids.
As of September 10, 2015, I will no longer be able to text or check my phone in the car without a fine. Why the abrupt and decisive change of mind? Please watch this video and you will see. (Click here if viewing in a reader.)
A video similar to this one produced by AT&T got my attention late one evening this week. It was a tipping point for me.
As of yesterday, my children, my husband, and frankly anyone riding with me, can charge me a dollar if they catch me using my phone while I am driving. Long live the passenger's seat! The only exceptions are using my phone as a GPS or answering a phone call. Truthfully, even then I am going to be very selective as to answering phone calls.
Four years ago, I totaled my car while driving with my then one-year-old son and three-year-old daughter. A complete accident for which my family is eternally grateful that God saw us through safely. Thankfully, I was not using my phone at the time of the accident. I know what it is to be a wreck and I know that I don't want any negligence on my part to ever endanger our children or anyone else trusting me with their life while I am behind the wheel.
Accidents will happen. However, there are many accidents that can be prevented.
Another reason that I believe this to be a necessary stance for myself is the witness factor to my children. I want to set the standard for what my elementary age children will be held to when they learn to drive. When it comes to the overuse of our phones, parents have the ultimate standards of hypocrisy. We don't want our children on their devices, or ours, all of the time, and yet, we too find it difficult to put down the cell phone or tablet and live in real time. (Side note: I think that is one reason why I like books so much. My kids don't have to guess if I am reading a book or the Bible when they see me holding onto a real book. I read enough articles on line and eBooks that I feel I have to explain that "mommy is reading" quite a bit.) Going hands free in the car will be an example that the kids can return to when they are held to that standard in the future.
So what about you? Will you take the $1 texting challenge for your car rides? My kids can't wait to catch me texting. Little do they know my iron will isn't going to budge!
Maybe you are single and don't have children, or maybe you are an empty-nester. That's okay! You can purpose your own tangible loss to forgo if you break your commitment to drive hands free.
Put the phone down and enjoy the ride!
If a man vows a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth. ~Numbers 30:2
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