Lori Martin: Driving while texting worse than driving drunk

Going somewhere for the holidays? For years, I made people aware in newspapers and speeches how my life changed after a drunken driver hit me 25 years ago when I was 16. I urge all to have a sober driver if drinking.

Now there’s a new threat is on the roads: cell phones. I see people on them everywhere, in stores, restaurants and in vehicles. Drivers are distracted in numerous ways, but cellphone usage takes the cake. Driving with a cellphone is like driving drunk, if not worse. Who wants to drive a vehicle and not pay attention to the road? Is the distraction of a text message worth the risk of injuring or killing others?

People travel on roads and highways across California for the holidays. Drivers need to place their undivided attention on the road. Seconds using a phone prevents them from doing that. Using a phone for 5 seconds is similar to driving the length of a football field at 55 mph – blindfolded. Clearly, that is irresponsible and unsafe. Please, stop your vehicle when using the phone. And do not drive drunk.

This story was originally published November 7, 2017 at 4:05 PM with the headline "Lori Martin: Driving while texting worse than driving drunk."