Don't text and drive

Today I had a crazy experience.  It was so close to being so disastrous.  I was on my way to pick Riley up from school when this Lincoln in front of me veers out of his lane and in to the opening in the concrete median.  I thought the car was turning but it never slowed down and plowed in to the divided median sign and entered oncoming traffic.  The car then crossed back in to traffic heading straight for my lane.  I swerved  and was able to safely maneuver out of the way. 

Here's the poor sign all smashed in the median!

It all happened so fast.  We were approaching a very busy intersection where the car proceeds to drive down a few miles before pulling in to a gas station.  As soon as I realized that the car had no intention of stopping, I dialed 911.  While I was on the phone with the dispatcher, the driver exited his vehicle.  He must have been 80+ years old and was shuffling his feet to walk.  As I was finishing with the dispatcher, I watched him struggle to get his card in to the slot to pay at the pump. 

So I did what any proper southern girl would do, I got out and helped!  After getting his gas pumping, I asked him if he was okay and explained that I witnessed the collision with the sign and the median.  I then asked if the damage to the front of his car had been there before and he said no.  I told him he would need an accident report to file with his insurance to get the car fixed. It did significant damage to the front bumper and hood.  The man told me he was planning on "dodging" the report (unlike the sign)! Thank goodness they were already on their way!

About that time the police officer arrives and another young mom stopped to tell him about the accident.  She was also a car he ran out of the lane. She was traveling behind my SUV.  She told me she was thankful that I called in the accident and she was terrified because she had her kids with her in the car.  I was terrified and it was just me!  I gave the officer all of my info and expect I will be hearing from an insurance agent soon!

Why did I share this and what does it have to do with texting and driving?  Let me explain.  I am an exquisite multi-tasker and I have been known to text on few occasions while driving. (Yes, bad I know!)  I always thought of my impact of me texting only as it related to me being a bad driver.  It NEVER occurred to me that I needed to be fully aware of the craziness going on around me!  If I had been texting I would not have been able to take proper evasive action at the exact moment I needed to and this would have been a very different post.

I am sharing this with you with the hopes that you have a similar awakening without the near collision experience!  Be careful out there!

Stay Fabulous,