Dear Maria; Please Sign the Distracted Driving Pledge!

Recently the Department of Transportation held a Distracted Driving Summit.   As I watched the proceedings, I was impressed by the scope of the problem.  I thought texting was the biggest culprit but soon found out  talking on the cell phone is still a common problem and there were victim's families in attendance who were killed by someone putting on makeup, at 65 mph!  So, I was sadly disappointed to see our friend Maria Shriver caught talking on the cell phone recently.    This isn't the first time she's been caught and sadly  I don't think she's alone in her misbehavior.  Even in California where we've passed a handsfree law, signed by Maria's husband, the Governor of California.  Schwarzenegger has previously praised the regulation and said he warned his then-16-      year-old daughter that if she ever violated the law, "she'll be taking the bus."  Frankly, I see more adults breaking the rules than teens. 

As mothers, we have long since been distracted while driving.  We are the ones who drive the screaming babies and tired, grumpy kids to and fro.  Refereeing arguments notwithstanding, adding another distraction to the mix can be deadly.  For us and for others on the road.  In fact, texting while driving can be more dangerous than driving DRUNK.  That's why it is mothers who have taken the lead in raising awareness about Distracted Driving.  Two of my friends were so impressed by what they heard at the DOT's Distracted Driving Summit, they have started a movement called: Moms Send a Message.

Please join me by signing the Pledge they've created.  Here's an excerpt,

 " As moms, we want safer roads. We know the time has come for us all to recognize the risks of        distracted driving, to be more responsible and to mind the wheel.  Here is what we pledge:  We pledge to model safe behavior when we drive.  (Are you listening Maria?)  We pledge to set firm house rules on texting and phoning while driving." 

The last comment strikes home for me because I have a new driver in my family and I want to keep her safe and I want her to drive in a way that doesn't endanger you and your family.  But, frankly, I see more adults texting and talking on the phone than I do teens.  So, I'm asking all of you mothers out there -  please enjoy your technology but when you're in the car....drive.

And, to Maria I say: " Use this uncomfortable publicity about your cell phone use to publicize Distracted Driving.  Admit you set a poor example for your teenagers (and all other teenagers) who are watching you.  We all make mistakes.  But, you are in the public eye and can turn this into a teachable moment." Publicize the movement.  Sign the Pledge.  

Photo Credit: ABC News
Myrna writes a blog about parenting teenagers at Tangerinetimes.com
This is an original SiliconValley Moms blog post.