Obviously, texting while driving is unsafe.  We’ve all heard the statistics about how distracted drivers are dangerous drivers, etc.  But, beyond that, texting while driving is annoying, and rude to the other drivers around you. 

This morning, I was in a line of cars in the left turn lane, waiting for the arrrow at a busy intersection (one of those lights that takes forever to get through, and if you don’t make it on the first green, you’re gonna be waiting awhile).  I was about fifth or sixth in line, and noticed that the arrow had gone green.  Nobody moved.  A few seconds passed.  Nobody moved.  Cars started honking.  Still nobody moved.  Finally, as the arrow turned yellow, the first car in line darted into the intersection (three cars followed, running the red – but that’s a whole other blog). 

As the first driver turned, I realized why she hadn’t moved when the arrow went green in the first place…she was mid-text at the time.  And, she either wasn’t paying attention and didn’t notice when the light changed, or she figured she had time to finish her text, and still squeak through on the yellow.  Either way, I can think of at least six people who’d like to wring her neck right now (and that’s mild.  In some cities, she’d have been shot). 

Moral of the story…put the phone down and drive!  It’s safer and much more courteous to your fellow citizens.