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The following is by: Iron Pol
Starting Early
The other day I was driving through town when I saw something that really made me think. Two girls were on a bike, one standing on back wheel pegs. The girl on the back was talking on a phone. But the truly scary part was that the girl actually driving the bike was either dialing a number or sending a text message. Given the amount of attention she was paying to the keypad, I'm willing to bet she was texting.
The frightening part isn't that this was occurring. They were on a bike, and the biggest threat they posed was to themselves. What is frightening is that these young ladies will soon be moving into motor vehicles. And too many recent accidents involving young people appear to also involve cell phones and text messaging.
Some might consider me an old "fuddy-duddy" for saying that text messaging and driving (anything, motorized or otherwise) don't mix. I would counter by saying I oppose draconian laws restricting the use of phones in the car. I do, however, fully support prohibitions against texting while driving. Of course, my dad pointed out enforcement is a bit of a challenge.
He's probably right. Laws are probably the wrong approach, anyway. Education, example, and culture would likely have better results. Just as my kids will never see me in a vehicle without my seatbelt fastened, they will never see me dial a phone while I am driving. And if I am talking on the phone, it is hands-free. By setting a good example now, it will be easier to educate them about safe cell phone use as they get older. As individuals gain an understanding of cell phone safety, culture just might change.
As a parent, I can understand the benefits of allowing minors to have cell phones. I would argue that such decisions must be based on maturity, education, and experience. It is a similar decision to allowing a minor to ride a bike or skateboard, drive a car, or use a firearm. Few parents would ever hand over the keys to the family car without going over the rules. Cell phones should receive the same consideration.
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