By Matt Dunlap
When I first began driving, there were no cell phones and no text messages. We were taught to keep our eyes on the road and drive with two hands. We watched movies in driver’s ed class about the dangers of drinking and driving and pledged to never take the keys if we’d had anything to drink. While these important lessons are still relevant today, now drivers have even more to think about. As Mainers enjoy the convenience of our mobile devices, we must remind each other to use them safely.
The statistics are alarming. In Maine, texting while driving has been illegal for more than two years and carries with it a $250 fine. Unfortunately, we need to do more than just enforce the law, we need to educate drivers of all ages about distracted driving.
An awareness campaign on distracted driving called “It Can Wait” is a great opportunity to tell our friends that we care about them and want them to be safe on the road. The simple message – It Can Wait – means that there is no text that is worth risking your life (or someone else’s) to read or type. By educating each other we can turn the tide against distracted driving and prevent these tragedies on our roads.
Matt Dunlap is Maine’s Secretary of State.
