The ban on texting while driving

How is it going?

I’m happy to report that since the ban went into effect last week, I have completely changed the way I spend my time in the car. My phone no longer rests in may lap waiting for that cursory glance every few minutes. I make sure to put it well out of my reach to even stop me from making unnecessary phone calls.

As a result of this new “freedom,” I find myself much more relaxed and peaceful when driving to and from work each day. I now wait to check those coveted messages until home from work with the kids settled down in their pre-dinner activities. I even notice a change in how I check my messages at home, instead of sneaking glances every few minutes in between getting my kids a drink and playing games before bed. Instead I find myself carving out designated times each night for checking messages, making sure my husband is on kid duty to keep an eye out for them!

Why more people need to listen

In the recent USA Today article, “Texting While Driving bans may add risk to road,” the Highway Loss Data Institute compared rates of collision insurance claims in four states before and after texting bans and crash rates rose in three of the states after bans were enacted. The Institute theorizes that drivers try to evade police by lowering their phones when texting, increasing the risk by taking eyes further from roads for a longer time. Pretty sad statistics!

I hope more people like me use this texting while driving ban to really reflect on their texting habits in general and make some necessary changes – especially when in the car. I know only good things will come out of this for me. Now if only I could remove all traffic from my commute to and from work – that would make for a totally euphoric experience!

Amy Turner is VP of Client Strategy for Mom Central, helping brands connect with Moms through cutting-edge social media campaigns. She is also a wife, proud mom of two and devoted owner of a Belgian Malinois. Connect with Amy at Amy@momcentral.com and follow her @amyjo917.

Stacy DeBroff

Stacy DeBroff, founder and CEO of Mom Central.com and social and digital consultancy, Influence Central, is a social media strategist, attorney, and best-selling parenting author. A sought-after expert for national media, she trend-spots regularly with national brands and speaks frequently to national and international audiences on a wide range of subjects, including influencer marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, and consumer trends. A passionate cook, gardener, reader, and tennis player, she adores this new chapter of post-college-age parenting.