Using your cell phone while driving is dangerous. I don’t think anybody doubts that. I read news story after news story about accidents, many involving fatalities, that have resulted because somebody was using their cell phone, often texting, while driving. We see the commercials on TV, where a parent tells us, “This is the text my son/daughter was sending/reading when s/he died.” And we see where recommendations are made and laws are passed for banning the use of electronic devices while driving. Since the accidents keep happening, bans on the use of the devices is obviously not the answer.

And the sad, most dangerous thing is I’m not sure there is a way to stop it. All the ban does is make the action illegal. If a cop sees you using the device, he can pull you over and write you a ticket. For the majority, even that wouldn’t stop them from doing it again. The only way this gets better is if all drivers admit that distracted driving is dangerous and employ common sense when they drive. Unfortunately, you cannot legislate common sense.

Part of the problem is everybody has a “it won’t happen to me” or “I know what I’m doing” mentality. Until these beliefs are eradicated, the problem will continue to exist. Every time a driver uses his/her phone while driving, it’s a game of Russian roulette. Eventually, the game will get you. As the commercials say: no text is worth dying for.

All distracted driving is dangerous, and there’s plenty to distract drivers without adding the distraction of electronic devices. Other people in the car can be a distraction. The radio can be a distraction. Manipulating any of the controls on the control panel can be a distraction. Eating while driving can be a distraction. Often, these are less dangerous than using electronic devices, but that doesn’t change the fact that they are distractions and make driving more dangerous. If you stopped for just a second and considered all these distractions and considered that nearly every driver on the road with you has moments when they are distracted by one of these, it is downright scary to realize how hazardous driving can be.

Talking on the cell phone, especially if you use a hands-free device, would be less distracting than texting, I would think, and a lot of the dialogue is focused on texting. As phones evolve, you might be able to do a text hands-free, but for now, for the most part, texting requires the use of one or both of your hands, just like driving does. Texting often also requires the texter to look at the screen to see what they’re writing. If you’re looking at the screen, obviously you are not looking at the road. That’s just stupid.

Electronic devices are not going anywhere. They’re here to stay. They’re always going to be a part of our lives. Therefore, we have to learn to use them safely. There are several ways to use the cell phone safely while in the car. Some may seem inconvenient, but a little inconvenience is worth it if it keeps somebody alive.

First, DO NOT text while you are driving. Period. At all. If you are alone and get a text, if you can’t wait until you get where you’re going to read it, find a safe place to pull off the road. Once safely off the road, read and reply, letting the person know you are driving and will be glad to talk to them later. If you have someone in the car with you, let them read and answer the text for you.

Second, if at all possible, don’t talk on the cell phone while driving. If you get a call, I realize you’re likely to answer it. If you have someone with you, let them answer for you. If you’re by yourself and it’s possible, pull off the road and answer. There’s also nothing wrong with letting it ring, then when you get to a safe place, pulling off the road and then returning the call. If you are talking on the cell phone while driving, hands-free or not, keep the conversation short. This isn’t the time for catching up for a half hour. Save that for later.

Third, try to deal with other distractions in a common-sense way as well. If you’re going to eat while you drive, before you pull out, arrange your food so you can get to it easily, without having to take your eyes off the road. If you have passengers, you don’t have to ignore them and not be a part of the conversation, but don’t get so caught up in the conversation that you forget you’re driving. Try to set controls so that minimal adjustments will have to be made. If you’re singing along with the radio, don’t forget you’re also driving.

There’s no way to entirely eliminate distractions while driving. As a driver, you have to realize they are there and try to minimize as many as possible. As a driver, you have a responsibility not only to yourself and your family but also to your passengers and every other person on the road. If you cause an accident because of your distracted driving, if it doesn’t kill you, you have to live with that the rest of your life. You don’t want to be the cause of someone else’s injury or death. And nobody wants to lose you either.

Driving is a huge responsibility. Take it seriously. Be smart. Use common sense. Reduce distractions. Put the cell phone away. Legislators can pass all the laws they want. Some folks, just a few, will stop using their phones and texting because it’s a law. Most, however, won’t. If you really want to be cool, don’t be texting and driving. No phone call or text is worth killing somebody or dying for.