My sister-in-law signs all her emails with a signature encouraging her correspondents not to text and drive. More than once, it's reminded me to wait the five minutes until I reach my destination before responding to an email or text. I am continually checking myself from slipping into distracted driving.
I'm in good company. More than half of moms (55 percent) admit to multi-tasking while driving, in a new survey by Good Housekeeping and Yahoo Shine! Some of the other activities were innocuous, but others could certainly be dangerous to the women and the children under age 14 with whom they regularly drive. For instance:
- 60% of those surveyed said they speak with another person in the car.
- Just over half said they adjust the heat air or conditioning.
- Slightly under half said they change the radio station.
- 32% said they eat or drink. (I plead guilty to this!)
- 21% reported always or almost always refereeing fighting children while driving.
- 7% admitted they type or send texts and emails.
Are you guilty of distracted driving or constant multitasking? Do your children remark on it? Mine do -- and I'm all too aware of the lesson I'm teaching them by my actions.
Photo credit: Getty Images
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I always worry about the example I am setting for my kids by constantly being drawn into the rings, dings, vibrates from my smartphone. It’s so hard to resist! There’s a new app for Android users who connect their phone to a Bluetooth device (car or earpiece) that will automatically silence all texts, emails, alerts and notifications upon pairing, but still allow hands-free calls to be received (if they select that setting). It’s called Do Not Disturb Bluetooth. If someone texts you, an automated text will be sent back so they know you are in “Do Not Disturb” mode. It’s worth it to prevent the distractions (and urge to respond), and helps to set a good example for the kids when they become drivers someday!