Drop the Phone – Save a Cyclist
I have a very simple idea that will not only help save cyclists from getting hit on their bikes, but will also save the lives of pedestrians, other drivers, and yourself.
I don’t hold a firm stand on too many things, but I am totally against people using cell phones while in a vehicle. Let me put it this way….I would liken the use of a cell phone while driving to holding a loaded gun in your hand, with a good chance of it going off. Yeah, that’s how unsafe I feel it is…and if something isn’t done about it soon, we’re going to lose a whole bunch more cyclists than we already have.
There are a lot of things drivers do that distract them from paying attention to the road, but the use of cell phones (talking, texting, checking e-mail, or anything else) is the greatest distraction of them all. I’ve lost track of all the times I’ve seen a driver sway into the shoulder lane or do something even worse, just because they are on the phone and not paying attention. What if a cyclist or pedestrian would have been right there on the shoulder? Yeah, that loaded gun would have just been fired off.
I don’t need to push this issue because it’s a no brainer. Cell phones and driving equals bad news.
Cyclists Leading By Example
Using cell phones while driving seems to be taken as a right these days and if there is going to be any chance of influencing people to drop their phone while on the road, I think it is up to us to lead by example.
So here it is….I’m challenging all our Loving the Bike readers and cyclists worldwide to be the change we wish to see in the world. Take it upon yourself to never drive with a cell phone in your hand, or glance down at one (or GPS or anything else) while on the road. Tell your friends that you’ve taken the pledge never to do this and that you encourage them to do the same….and to tell their friends about it.
Let’s all lead by example and start making the streets safer for everyone. Drop the Phone – Save a Life.
I would like to thank my cycling friend and Chicago bicycle accident lawyer Jonathan Rosenfeld for his help with this cell phone initiative. If you get a chance, check out Jonathan’s site Chicago Bike Injury Lawyers (www.chicagobikeinjurylawyers.com) for more information on distracted driving and other topics related to bicycle safety.
One other thing that works – if you’re on the phone to someone and it becomes apparent that they are driving, tell them you’re ending the conversation and tell them why. You don’t need to be rude, just state the fact that what they are doing is illegal and that you won’t talk to them whilst they’re driving.
Social disapproval is a strong force, and sometimes it works for the good!
Hi Helen, this is great advice. I actually do this as well. I have no problem telling people that I won’t talk to them if I know they’re on their phone and driving. Let’s keep the social disapproval raging.
Runner’s need to take the same pledge! While I have had a number of close calls on my bike, I can’t begin to tell you how many times I have had to jump into someones lawn because someone didn’t see me wearing light colored, reflective gear with a mostly white (okay, odd looking I’ll say it) dog. Seriously people! PAY ATTENTION
Yes, this is not just for cyclists at all. Dropping the phone will save all lives and we all need to promote the message. If you can help push it to the running crowd that would be great.
This is a great message and I hope all cyclists will join with us and DROP THE PHONE. Let’s keep things safe out there on the roads. We’re proud to be a part of this. Thanks Darryl and Loving the Bike.
Thanks for being a part of this, guys.
Yes you nailed this one. We can rant and get mad at the way other people drive, but its up to us to be the example and I hope the others follow our lead. Let’s drop the phone.
Thanks Mim….it’s up to all of us to promote the message and be the example we want others to follow.
I agree. Driving with a cell phone is not a right people. When you’re in your vehicle, just focus on driving and nothing else. Keep us safe.
Keep on spreading the word on this. We need our streets to be safer. I also don’t own a cell phone.
I’m in. The phone has just been dropped.
I take the pledge!!!
+1!!!
Yes. We need more people thinking this way.
Hi Georg, we sure do.
I’ll take the pledge. The phone can wait until I’m out of the car.
Thanks Nic…..tell all your friends and fellow cyclists.
Count me in!
Thanks Paula….spread the word.
You have my commitment. We’ll post a link at Safe Cycling Australia on FB to this campaign for you as well.
Thanks Dave, I appreciate your support and you bringing this message over to Australia.