Public Service Announcement

[SchoolGirlHeart]

If you're still driving and talking on a non-hands free cell phone, this story is for you.

Yesterday on a Long Island parkway as I was minding my own business putzing along in the right lane, a big pickup going about 80 decided he needed to hit the exit. From the center lane. He either never saw me or didn't care that I was in the way, but he was aimed at my driver's side door. I have no idea on God's green earth how I avoided him. No idea. There was swerving and slamming of brakes, but I didn't roll and didn't hit anyone else. He never changed course or speed so I have to guess he never saw me..... I think the guardian angels earned their overtime pay....

I tell you this story because I was on the phone, on a bluetooth headset. If I'd been holding a phone I have no doubt whatsoever I would have wrecked. Either he would have hit me or I would have lost control trying to avoid him.... I used to think I'd just drop the phone if anything happened. Yesterday, there would have been no time; it all happened too fast.

So if you're still driving and talking on your phone by holding it, please think hard about a hands free headset. It might save your life, or at least your car...

[pair8head]

Thank the Good Lord you're ok.

And thanks for the message.

[SeattleParrotHead]

He probably didn't see you 'cuz he had a phone stuck up to his ear! Glad you're OK Jen!

[dnw]

Glad you are ok, Jen.

(((((((Jen))))))))

[springparrot]

(((Jen)))

[Capt.Flock]

Glad you are ok

[ph4ever]

You're in Seattle? (((((Jen)))))

[VanillaGrl]

Sooo glad you are okay (((((((Jen)))))))

[Brown Eyed Girl]

I'm really glad you're okay too...someone give those guardian angels a raise. ((((Jen))))

I am of the opinion that bluetooth isn't a whole lot safer though. I've had plenty of opportunity to observe folks talking on their cellphones while driving and the majority of those using bluetooth devices are just as bad as the handheld. It's a distraction, plain and simple. And I'm still amazed at how many people choose to violate the hands-free law in CA.

I'm sure a lot of you will disagree with me...but I know what I see daily.

[rich_big]

I am sorry to hear of your incident but am glad you are not injured.

Everyone thinks that they can multi task and talk on the phone while they drive. My theory is while I am driving, I am not just sitting there. I am participating in an activity that requires my complete undivided attention.

And it seems the hands free law is ignored here in LA.

[fabduo]

Peolple out here in the Hamptons drive around with their car tops down & talk on their cell phones -not hands free- all the time & don't give a crap -they are daring the cops to pull them over!!! I always said -if I get hit by someone talking on their cell phone, guess where that phone will be when I get out of my car!!

[ph4ever]

Peolple out here in the Hamptons drive around with their car tops down & talk on their cell phones -not hands free- all the time & don't give a crap -they are daring the cops to pull them over!!! I always said -if I get hit by someone talking on their cell phone, guess where that phone will be when I get out of my car!!

I can guess, and believe me I do have a vivid imagination, however I think it would be much more fun if you told the class.

[fabduo]

Peolple out here in the Hamptons drive around with their car tops down & talk on their cell phones -not hands free- all the time & don't give a crap -they are daring the cops to pull them over!!! I always said -if I get hit by someone talking on their cell phone, guess where that phone will be when I get out of my car!!

I can guess, and believe me I do have a vivid imagination, however I think it would be much more fun if you told the class.

Okay -hint -Flocker has a plastic one

[rich_big]

Peolple out here in the Hamptons drive around with their car tops down & talk on their cell phones -not hands free- all the time & don't give a crap -they are daring the cops to pull them over!!! I always said -if I get hit by someone talking on their cell phone, guess where that phone will be when I get out of my car!!

that sounds like fun. then put it on vibrate and call me!!!

[tailgaitingph]

Wow!! Glad you are ok!!
(((Jen)))

[SMLCHNG]

I'm really glad it all turned out ok for you, (((((Jen)))))!!

[TropicalTroubador]

Glad you're okay. That sounds like what my 7th grade science teacher would have called a "nicotine stains in the underwear" moment.

I've encountered at least four drivers in the last week or so who've d@mn near caused accidents while driving holding that phone to their ears. In California, where holding the phone is against the law. I empathize with the bumper sticker that says, "Would you drive better if that cell phone were shoved up your a$$?"

I only use mine *very* occasionally, *always* with the handsfree, and am approaching a decision to just not answer it when I'm driving and put a message to that effect on the voicemail.

And don't get me started on people who (*shudder*) *text* while driving.

[aeroparrot]

So would this. Glad you didn't get hit Jen

[TommyBahama]

If you're still driving and talking on a non-hands free cell phone, this story is for you.

Yesterday on a Long Island parkway as I was minding my own business putzing along in the right lane, a big pickup going about 80 decided he needed to hit the exit. From the center lane. He either never saw me or didn't care that I was in the way, but he was aimed at my driver's side door. I have no idea on God's green earth how I avoided him. No idea. There was swerving and slamming of brakes, but I didn't roll and didn't hit anyone else. He never changed course or speed so I have to guess he never saw me..... I think the guardian angels earned their overtime pay....

I tell you this story because I was on the phone, on a bluetooth headset. If I'd been holding a phone I have no doubt whatsoever I would have wrecked. Either he would have hit me or I would have lost control trying to avoid him.... I used to think I'd just drop the phone if anything happened. Yesterday, there would have been no time; it all happened too fast.

So if you're still driving and talking on your phone by holding it, please think hard about a hands free headset. It might save your life, or at least your car...

Glad you are ok......i drive daily and i'm guilty of not wearing a bluetooth......i just can't hear well with it.....i need o get one that plugs into the phone...those seem to work better...but i keep breaking the cords.......but it's no excuse...i should wear one

[sonofabeach]

Don't most cell phones have speakerphone? That's what I use.