HANG UP THE PHONE!

10 to 15 years ago, the number of people who owned a cell phone was much less than it is today.

I can remember having a cell phone when many people didn't.  However, post-9/11 has made having a cell a necessity. I know this is true, being a person born and raised in New York City.

Cell phones should be used while driving only in the case of emergencies.  They should be used with hands-free devices such as earpieces or Bluetooth equipment.  There should never be a time when a driver is holding a cell phone and talking for extended periods of time. 

If calls are received while driving that are not emergencies, the driver should offer to return the calls later or have their cell on vibrate and listen to messages at a later time.

I was shocked at the number of people using cell phones while driving in the state of Maryland.  I have seen people laughing and enjoying calls as if they were sitting on a sofa in their living rooms.

What is going on here?  What could be on people's minds?  What could convince them that driving is the ideal time to talk on the phone?  Must I be involved in this scene?  Must my family?

I draw the conclusion that people don't give a hoot about me or my family.  I can't speak for anyone else; I can only speak for myself.

I don't want to look in my rear view mirror and see someone grinning and talking on a phone, while driving behind me.  I am on the road to reach my destination safe and sound.

I am not performing on a stage.  I am living real life.  There are no second or third takes in case of mistakes.

The tragedy of this is that others become the victims of these people's careless mind-set.  Is this fair?  No. It's not fair for someone to think that they have the right to injure or take the life of another.  The nerve of them!

My question is what are the lawmakers doing or going to do about this increasing, dangerous situation on Maryland's roads?

What is it going to take to come down on this?

Who else is noticing this situation?  Is there anyone else out there, or is it only me?

Brenda Farrar-Ejemai

CEO, Favor Blooms, LLC

Board, United Black Writers Association

http://www.thefamilyinthecar.com/

www.youtube.com/thefamilyinthecar

www.ebookstand/Books.grp/BR2191.html

ISBN: 978-1-58909-485-7